SUWS of the Carolinas: Wilderness Therapy for Youth
Located in the scenic landscape of Old Fort, North Carolina, SUWS of the Carolinas offers specialized wilderness residential treatment for adolescents struggling with substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions. This facility provides a structured, therapeutic setting away from everyday distractions, allowing young people to focus entirely on their recovery and personal growth.
Comprehensive Treatment Approach
SUWS of the Carolinas utilizes a dual diagnosis focus, ensuring that treatment plans address both substance use issues and underlying mental health conditions simultaneously. This comprehensive approach is essential for long-term healing and stability, recognizing the complex interplay between these issues in youth.
The core of the program is its wilderness therapy model, which serves as the unique setting for delivering various therapeutic services. The treatment is delivered through:
- Individual Counseling
- Group Counseling
- Family Counseling
By engaging in this intensive, outdoor environment, adolescents aged 10-18 can develop critical life skills, enhance self-awareness, and build effective coping mechanisms necessary for managing addiction and emotional difficulties upon returning home.
Program Details and Credentials
SUWS of the Carolinas focuses on inpatient, residential care. As a wilderness program, it offers a distinct setting for therapeutic work, licensed to provide primary mental health and substance use treatment services.
Key information regarding the facility includes:
- Location: 363 Graphite Road, Old Fort, NC 28762
- Age Range: 10-18
- Genders Served: Boys and girls
- Primary Level of Care: Residential
The center is dedicated to providing personalized, compassionate care, ensuring that each adolescent receives the specific attention and tools required for their unique journey toward recovery and mental wellness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is “wilderness therapy”?
Wilderness therapy is a residential treatment approach that incorporates the natural environment into the therapeutic process. It involves outdoor activities and experiences guided by licensed clinicians, helping adolescents develop self-confidence, responsibility, and emotional regulation skills while addressing behavioral and mental health challenges.
Does SUWS of the Carolinas treat mental health issues?
Yes, the facility has a dual diagnosis focus, meaning they treat both substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions (such as serious emotional disturbance in children) with integrated care plans.
What age group is the program designed for?
SUWS of the Carolinas provides residential treatment services for boys and girls between the ages of 10 and 18.




