If I could leave less than 1 star I would, I don't know how these people sleep at night. It's borderline criminal what they are charging for their very basic services. (Minimum $45,000!!!) Kids recieve bottom of the line gear, cheap food, and therepy 1 time a week! Results are relayed back to parents which might sound good but trust me, it's rather counterintuitive. There's a reason adults have confidentiality agreements. Horrible place, dont send your children here, go straight for a cheaper group home option and save your money. Places like this are part of the problem because they are profiting off of desperate parents. This place will not produce the results you want. Shout out to the staff, thanks for nothing.
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I went here in late 2015 to early 2016. Absolutely wonderful and eye opening experience. One of the hardest but also probably the most helpful experience I ve been through. Puts some hair on your chest, dirt on your face, and muscles on your legs. Big thank you to David C, Taiwan, Billy, Chris, the rest of the field staff, head in structure, medical team, photographer and therapists. You guys are the A-Team!! - Jack S
My son attended the program for 30 days and came home skin and bones...was given cheese on his birthday from the staff. Results from the program lasted 1 day. In my good conscience, I cannot recommend this place.
This scarred me more than any event I can recall. Looking back, I remember having to clean up a camp site before our hike. The leader of our group walked us in a 1 mile circle 15 times before coming back to the same cameground. Easy to see why they gave staff fake names.
It is hard to know about a program just reading online reviews, because quite honestly, some people leave bad reviews who went into the program troubled and remained troubled. This is not the fix for every kid and every problem. Thankfully our story is very different...my son went into the program quite unwillingly, but we were at the end of our options for what we could do for him at home. When he finished the program, after 74 days, he returned home to live with us / his family, and his perspective was entirely different. The change was not instant, as our counselor advised us to expect. However, over the following months since being home, he has gradually settled into a new and much healthier identity, with a much greater respect for authority and a willingness to live more open and honest, showing consistent respect for boundaries and expectations. His outlook is so much better; he has set goals for the first time in his life, and he is accomplishing them. This was without question the hardest thing we have ever been through, but I am very thankful for RCA, the staff and the experience. And I am especially thankful that we had RCA to turn to, else I truly do not know what would have happened to my son by now if not for this program.
I have seen this program change lives for the better! I am nothing but impressed by the staff, therapists and treatment the youth receive while at Redcliff.
Red Cliff Ascent is a great company! The staff are unique and full of understanding. I worked for RCA and to this day, I utilize the things I learned at Red Cliff. The training I received was top notch and everyone really cares for the students.
Redcliff staff is the hands down best. They truly care about there students and their dedication is above 5 stars. Love the program and I owe them my sons life which they saved. PK K.
I would highly recommend Red Cliff Ascent! The people they have working there are truly dedicated to helping adolescents heal from a real wilderness experience.
I know a friend who attended RedCliff Ascent. She said it was the best experience of her life. Yes, she said it was hard to get used to living in the desert and sleeping on the ground and cooking on a fire at first, but it totally changed her life for the better. She told me it wasn't easy, but one day they saw some wild horses kinda like in the picture. She even keeps all her stuff like backpack, hiking shoes and sticks she used to build a fire in her room.
When our son became impossible to manage, our therapist recommended "Wilderness Therapy" a brand new term to us. We are so happy to have discovered RedCliffAscent. We were initially attracted by its report of positive one year outcomes, its long tradition, and no frills "nomadic" hiking. Other camps advertised more experiential skills-building that we thought our son could manipulate. He learned to carry his own pack, work hard, receive feedback from peers, journal, and avoid electronics, a huge impediment to interacting with his parents. Real changes that came incrementally over 3 months. With guidance from competent staff, ie field leaders who camp directly with students and dedicated counselors, our son mustered the resilience to complete his 8+ weeks of "phase work": completing reflective exercises such as writing autobiographical statements, reading weekly "parent narratives" on themes such as honesty, trust, love, group sharing exercises and rituals, and learning active outdoorsmanship skills such as fire building). The program staff supported us through complex issues such as payment, insurance, safe transport (against his will), and "aftercare" ie transition to therapeutic boarding school. Our son's counselor was especially gifted, professional, and dedicated. He expertly guided our son, as well as ourselves through a delicate program of reading, self reflection, honesty, and exchange of heartfelt letters. After 3 months, we find our son is more mature, more receptive to feedback, more reflective (coming from zero!) and more willing to be "parented". We strongly recommend RedCliffAscent, an excellent "wilderness therapy" program!
This was a life-changing experience, not only for my daughter, but our family as a whole. So grateful for this program- amazing stuff and her therapist Danielle Schneider is the best. They truly integrate the parents in to the process, and made a truly sad time much more manageable. Thank you all of these amazing people and wonderful nature.
Was here in 2000, got 3rd degree sunburns on my arms, due to gross negligence on the workers part. They took me to a doctor but still required me to hike several miles in the day, while my arms were not even covered, nor was I given medication for it. Two of the staff members back then were verbally abusive as well. Forced to march miles on end, if you were about to collapse they didn't care, until you actually collapse. They refused to report the truth to my parents, they had been brought before the courts multiple times prior to, and after, to my stay there. Parents, avoid at all costs, your children will hate you for life, I promise!
I have had the opportunity to work in connection with RedCliff Ascent over the past couple of years. I have toured the facility but even more I have had the chance to visit with mutual clients after they completed the program. The clients have each shared that they felt well cared for and love to account for the milestones and healing that they were able to reach while at RedCliff Ascent. The entire team at RCA feels very cohesive and dedicated to the program and those they serve. Given those personal experiences I would feel comfortable referring anyone in need of a true therapeutic outdoor program to them.
My son returned far worse off than when he began at Redcliff Ascent, and after learning how little supervision they had and how often staff didn t know about kids getting beat up, I m not surprised. The worst part was how little my son trusted his parents and anyone of authority after he learned that he had been kept there an additional three weeks by his therapist because his therapist thought he should go to a therapeutic boarding school instead of living with his mom or myself. Please note that the therapeutic boarding schools suggested were sister companies of Redcliff. It has taken months of counseling and extremely close parenting before he has been able to begin schoolwork again. This was an extremely expensive step backwards.
I went here when I was 13 spent about a year here and in that time was abused by staff as I tried to run away once. I was made to sit huddled with my knees against my chest in a box drawn in the sand, farted on and belched on by staff forced into a jump suit 4 sizes too small and laughed at in the process I have been irreparably damaged by this disgusting and traumatic experience my life has never been the same I remember at this time my dreams were the only happy time I had and the only escape. Disgusted and appalled I hope parents will wake up and never even contemplate sending their children here. My name is George Salvesen I was at RCA in 2004 this experience has damaged me forever.
I cannot speak highly enough about the effectiveness of this program and the compassion and effort the staff put into helping young people. If I were wealthy, I would create a foundation to give more teens the opportunity to participate in Redcliff's wilderness program!
I was here at RCA in 2004-05, during the 20/20 show, and it was very rough. It was very hard. You had to hike miles on end, with back packs you made yourself. You had to start a fire with your hands, usually with sticks to heat your hot meal. You had to eat whatever you made, as you get food drops every so often and find the water you drank. Even if you hiked back to your old campsite, the purpose isn't the site.... It's learning you can overcome what feels like even one of the hardest tasks. My first 9 mile, I literally laid down on rocks during a short water break while some other kids that were in better shape took pictures of the view. I felt SO good laying down on rocks. I never thought I would finish that hike. They were hard on me, "forced" me to continue on. After all, EVERYONE refuses, complains, threatens when they first arrive.. I did, everyone did, and we all became quite great at hiking. It felt good, helped confidence and goal setting expectations. One guy tried to run away... in the middle of the freaking mountains and luckily was found. After all, especially if you haven't learned some of the outside living basics it is absolutely dangerous. They had to ensure he wouldn't try to run again once later found. Mid hike, this same tough guy wanted to quit again regardless of everyone else around him and just fell down refusing to walk anymore. We literally needed to get to another water source and then set up camp. We got him hiking, no injuries, just stubbornness. This same person, ended up doing just fine from then on out. The staff were all absolutely amazing. Some were more tough than others, but they all tried their best and you could tell. They teach you natural consequences, so you get what you put into it yourself.
I still have a necklace made for me from juniper beads I believe by a staff member when I graduated, and definitely still use my knife!
It's going to be really tough for some, especially if they normally have been pampered/spoiled growing up. You might get slightly hurt, as you are living outside for months. That being said, it was probably one of the best things that happened to me. I was there around maybe 90-100 days or so. I did go to a boarding school after that, which I'm also appreciative of.
I recommend every single teenager attend this camp. Literally, every one. You learn about yourself, what you're made of, that you can hinder your own progress more than others, can accomplish what you want, and how good it feels to do so at the end.
And the STARS! The view of the stars, is literally freaking unreal. I wish I could see that every night.
I wish I could come work there as part of the staff sometimes. Maybe I will stop by if I'm ever that way.
They keep deleting bad reviews! This is not somewhere you want to send anyone you love for any effective therapeutic treatment. They do actual therapy once or twice a week max for less than 40 minute sessions. The therapist has to have background to be able to provide those sessions, but every other staff that the kids mainly deal with have minimal mental illness background. I was hours away from a hospital or any professional care when I needed most at my stay at redcliff
During a time of turmoil, confusion and fear Redcliff Ascent was there to hold our hand and help our son find a safer and better path on his journey of life. We were so thrilled with the incredible office staff, therapist (Danielle was amazing), and guides/mentors on the field. We were lucky enough to have a neuropsych eval done by the incredible Dr. Tolen. Our son went in troubled and came out with a new look and appreciate for himself, family and life! We are forever grateful.
I was at Red Cliff Ascent for 97 days. I have never learned as much in that time frame as I did there. The staff also truly cared, even if you were rude at times. And the therapists are top notch. Highly recommend.
I highly recommend Redcliff Ascent if you're looking for a real outdoor therapeutic experience. I'm impressed with their philosophy, approach, and the dedicated people they have working there.
My experience was from almost 20 years ago. I am still dealing with the trauma and abuse this place cast over me. I understand you may not know what else to do with your child, what I do know is this place cost me more than a couple months of my life. Looking back after 20 years my parents agree. I don't envy your decision but I will warn you that this treatment comes at a price they won't ever explain to you. I'm still paying!
Good, regular communication with parents. Staff was always available to talk or answer questions, both via email and phone. Helped pursue reimbursement from health insurance. Child survived the hardships, met them as personal challenges, complained about the food, but had multiple epiphanies, insights, and breakthroughs with the help of an excellent, sensitive, well-trained wilderness and therapeutic staff.
We sent our daughter here as pre-therapy before she moved on to residential treatment at Discovery Ranch for Girls. It was HARD. Our daughter did not enjoy it. It pushed her to do things neither we nor she thought she ever would or could do. There was nothing she enjoyed about 92 days in the wilderness, but that's the thing she wasn't supposed to enjoy it. If you're at the point where you're reading this review you're probably out of options and need something radical. Not only is this a radical form or treatment, it's effective. It worked! She still had a lot of work to do when she graduated but it set the stage for that work. It showed her that she could do hard things. It gave her the space to think through her choices and the consequences she was experiencing.
We met some of the best therapist we've ever worked with. This is not traditional talk therapy though. It's also not a fix. It's a process of being stripped of everything so that you can learn skills and mature.
You'll notice that the reviews trend as 5s or 1s. They work with difficult teens, some with serious personality disorders and authority issues. Don't be shocked to find them getting even with negative reviews and testimonials of how it didn't work. It's not supposed to be fun or comfortable. No treatment is 100% effective and no one should expect a miracle cure. My experience causes me to enthusiastically tell you that you can trust Redcliff Ascent with your child. A year later, our daughter still hates it, but she also recognizes what it gave her.
This place was one of the worst formative experiences of my young childhood. I spent about a year in the program. Like the other poster said... they have minimal therapy... children are expected to walk up to 15 miles a day... all while drinking dirty water laced with chlorine that causes constant chronic diarrhea for the entire length of the child's stay... I cant make this up. It's just a relaxed prison for children. It doesn't open up a child. Just makes them harder, more callused, and feeling rejected.
Redcliff Ascent Wilderness Program was definitely worth the investment for our family. Our entire family unit benefited highly from our 17 year old sons time in the Utah Wilderness at Redcliff Ascent. We grew closer as a family in a few short months, more so than in the several years of chaos leading up to his need to attend this type of extreme Wilderness Therapy Program. We would recommend the life lessons and therapy process involved in the Redcliff Wilderness Therapy Program! If you take the needed time and buy into the entire process, do the work needed within the boundaries of your Childs needs, his or her Therapist requests, it will be a life changing event for the entire family unit. Best wishes, God speed to all who attend. The Hill Family!
I ran out of options with my daughter. She has been in and out of rehab four times. Redcliff was the best program for her recovery. I highly recommend this program. It saved my daughter's life. The staff at Redcliff are outstanding individuals that truly care about my daughter's well being. My daughter is currently at Discovery Ranch for Girls which I also highly recommend.
RedCliff is an amazing program! When I visited, I was pleased to see how well they take care of their students. The staff truly care about them! And the treatment program is incredible! If you're in need of a program for your child, I wouldn't hesitate placing them with RedCliff!
RedCliff Ascent is one of the top wilderness therapy programs in the country. This program has been around for more than 25 years and has built an amazing program in that time. The therapists genuinely care about each student in the program and strive to create real change in their lives. The staff have a true passion for wilderness therapy and dedicate tremendous amounts of time and energy to helping each student be successful. Overall, this program changes lives and families.
This wilderness program really cares about their students and takes experiential therapy to a new level. I would recommend this program to anyone needing to help with their struggling teen to get back on track. They are research based, and make safety for each of their students a priority.
My son graduated from RCA couple days ago and he already misses the staff there. He went in as a troubled and out of control, high on weeds kid and his transformation is amazing. His letters went from begging us us to take him out of that terrible place to he wants to be a therapist at RCA. We have only been with him couple days but he seems mature, wise and caring. They taught him great tools to deal with pressure, boredom and addiction. The program has a path to graduation and it also involves parents through weekly meetings, parent narratives and letters. The program helped me change to better support my child. It was a difficult but life changing journey for all of us.I don't know what the future holds for us but I am hopeful that the lessons we all learned from this program will stay with us for a long time. The staff that we communicated with were all amazing, responsive, and helpful. Thank you RCA for saving our family!
This is definitely a place of healing! A committed team to giving your child the chance to push through difficult behaviors with the help from this amazing team!
Transformative would be the word to describe what RedCliff Ascent meant for our 15 year-old son. We had been having trouble the previous few years--he was drifting away further and further. It was to the point where we couldn't control him and nor could he. RedCliff turned all that around and we are thrilled with the results. He has since moved to their parent company, Discovery Academy. We have full faith in their ability to turn the lessons he learned at RedCliff into actionable life choices. It was a drastic step but we are so happy we took it. We feel we have our son back. Thank you RedCliff Ascent!
Redcliff Ascent is an amazing program with amazing staff. I work for an adult addiction and mental health treatment center and have worked with the staff and it is very evident that they deeply care. I would Recommend any of my family members that needed help to go there.
The self ranking on here is embarrassing. This was by far the worst experience of my life. You would drink from horse troughs and walk with 80+lb packs daily. I kept in touch with a lot of my group after leaving. 2/5 have killed themselves.
This is a great program for kids who are willing to try. The staff are wonderful, caring, and helpful. My son went unwillingly, did and said what he needed to in order to graduate. Then he came home and resumed his former lifestyle, but now including kids he met at Redcliff. It wasn't the answer for us that we hoped it would be.
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