What Anasazi Believes...
Recent social media posts and Internet chats pose questions about adolescent treatment programs and the efficacy of wilderness-based therapy. For those open to learning more, a summary of the nonprofit ANASAZI Foundation’s beliefs and approach is outlined below. (See ANASAZI’s Founding Ideals and Ten Guiding Principles for additional information.) The information can be easily verified through an honest assessment of participant reviews, outcome studies, and reports from Arizona’s Department of Health Services and national accreditation organizations including the Joint Commission and the Association for Experiential Education.
ANASAZI believes EVERYONE is born with greatness—regardless of race, orientation, identity, or spiritual beliefs. We honor and celebrate a young person’s greatness and individuality every day, in every way possible.
Caring, trained, and licensed staff seek to uplift and build trust rather than bend someone to their will. Deceit, manipulation, and force create mistrust, and these things have no place in ANASAZI’s programs.
ANASAZI believes the use of force cannot bring about change or healing. The state of our hearts (how we see or regard those in our care) matters most in our interactions with one another. Young people especially can sense whether or not we (as caregivers or parents) truly care. For this reason ANASAZI’s patient and good-hearted staff members focus on positive traits and honor the child’s choices. They use NO FORCE, no deprivation of food or communication, no punishment, no prescribed levels or steps, and no contrived or manipulative experiences. Instead the peacefulness and boundaries of nature, with caring staff and an inspiring curriculum (based on The Seven Paths: Changing One’s Way of Walking in the World) create an environment where one can learn, ponder, and build.
Every young person who comes to ANASAZI chooses for himself/herself/themselves whether or not to participate. No one is forced to the trail, to hike, to engage in the program, etc. Our commitment to this principle is unwavering. ANASAZI does not transport children against their will. Legally, parents can insist their child participates (out of concern for the child’s well-being), but upon arrival ANASAZI ultimately leaves the decision to the child. We counsel each family to discuss ANASAZI and other options prior to admission. Those who come do so because ANASAZI focuses on one’s greatness rather than behaviors. It offers freedom and adventure, is shorter-term, and requires much work of parents. Once here, ANASAZI’s wonderful field staff (our TrailWalkers, who each make a commitment to live in a way that allows them to be honest with participants) works to build trust. Regardless, and to reiterate, the young people decide whether or not to travel to the ANASAZI trail.
Abuse is abhorrent and in direct conflict with ANASAZI’s nurturing approach. As required by law, ANASAZI immediately reports all claims of abuse (by peers, parents, caregivers, and others) to authorities and licensing/accreditation boards. We take great care to prevent abuse within our program as well, with strict policies and 24/7 supervision, and by ensuring no one is ever alone with anyone else. Because ANASAZI’s approach requires staff to put the needs of others before their own, we choose only the best–with kind hearts, DPS-certified clean records, and a willingness to live according to high standards. This has helped ANASAZI prevent unsafe interactions and maintain an abuse-free environment, as interested parties may review in public licensing reports.
Safety is ANASAZI’s number one priority, and thankfully there have been no deaths or catastrophic injuries during ANASAZI’s 36 years of operation. We place young people in small groups (no more than 8 or 9 participants), with three staff in each, 1-2 staff floating between groups, and a field leader following along (with additional equipment/food/water/clothing) in a nearby vehicle. All groups have satellite phones, radios, GPS, and a satellite-messaging/tracking device. One staff member carries the communication equipment while another carries a lockbox with prescription and OTC medications. We have an on-call team available 24/7 and a medical team consisting of a psychiatrist, two RNs, and staff trained as Wilderness First Responders. All staff are trained in Wilderness First Aid. Any physical ailments, injuries, and complaints are taken seriously, and participants are driven to a medical facility whenever necessary.
Parent involvement in ANASAZI’s program is essential, as a family’s issues are rarely caused by the child alone. Ideally two but at least one parent must agree to participate fully before a child is accepted for admission. Parent involvement at ANASAZI includes a renowned eight-hour workshop (based on The Anatomy of Peace and Leadership and Self-Deception), a workbook with daily lessons, weekly sessions with their family’s program therapist, weekly group sessions with other program parents, spending three days in the wilderness with their child, seven weeks of parent coaching after discharge, and a year’s worth of follow-up support. While some parents have personal struggles and/or difficulty implementing ANASAZI principles, the vast majority of parents — nearly 90 percent — report this work transformed their family relationships.
ANASAZI believes spiritual considerations are often key to finding one’s belonging place, and we make time for young people to ponder them, without imposing any doctrine or ideology. ANASAZI staff are generally spiritual (or religious, including LDS, Protestant, Jewish, Buddhist, Catholic, and others), and we welcome families of all religions and beliefs. Participants may bring any spiritual texts/scriptures that may be helpful. ANASAZI’s book, a Native American story, mentions the Creator but leaves the term open to interpretation.
ANASAZI believes the best programs are accountable to state licensing and national accreditation boards. Our program is licensed by the State of Arizona, Department of Health Services, as a Level II residential behavioral healthcare provider. Each member of ANASAZI’s clinical and medical teams also maintains independent licensure. ANASAZI is nationally accredited by the Joint Commission, with strict guidelines and the gold standard for accreditation of medical facilities, as well as the Association for Experiential Education. ANASAZI was also a founder of the Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare Council, created in the 1990s to set apart those wilderness-based programs adhering to evidence-based practices and high standards of care.
Finally ANASAZI believes its services should be available to all, regardless of their ability to pay. ANASAZI is a 501(c)(3) charity and charges only what it costs to run its program. Those in a position to pay do so, and everyone else applies for scholarship help. About 60 percent who come receive these scholarships, totaling about $750,000 each year.
Please contact us if you have any questions.
