Podcast appearances and mentions of derek daley

In this Will speaks with Derek Daley, the incoming president of the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSAP), about the transformative implications of the Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act (SICAA) for outdoor behavioral health. This federal legislation focuses on increasing oversight, transparency, and accountability within youth treatment programs, aiming to establish national standards for ethical care and safety. Daley explains that the next two years will involve data collection and evaluation to guide future regulations, with NATSAP actively engaging policymakers to ensure the field's expertise and perspective shape these developments. He underscores the importance of trauma-informed care and community-based alternatives while advocating to preserve wilderness therapy as a vital option for families seeking outdoor behavioral healthcare. Daley also sheds light on the recent merger of the Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare Council (OBH) Council with NATSAP, a decision driven by declining OBH membership and the closure of numeorus programs. This merger represents a strategic shift, enabling OBH's mission to thrive within NATSAP's broader organizational structure. Daley highlights OBH's legacy as a trailblazer in accreditation standards, safety data collection, and outcome tracking, which have influenced the entire field. With SICAA emphasizing data transparency and ethical practices, this partnership positions outdoor behavioral health programs to adapt and lead amid increasing federal oversight. Daley invites listeners to engage with these changes by attending the upcoming NATSAP conference and supporting initiatives that ensure the future of outdoor-based mental health care. Here is a link to the SICAA act: https://www.congress.gov/118/bills/s1351/BILLS-118s1351es.pdf Stories from the Field is sponsored by White Mountain Adventure Institute (wmai.org).

In this episode Will reconnects with Derek Daley, co-founder of Legacy Outdoor Adventures and a seasoned professional with over 25 years in wilderness therapy. Derek shares how Legacy has evolved since its inception in 2012, focusing on adults aged 18 to 35. He discusses their unique approach of combining epic adventure therapy—such as canyoneering, rock climbing, and skiing in southern Utah—with strong clinical practices to create meaningful and effective treatment experiences and a hybrid model of residential treatment and outdoor adventures. Derek highlights the importance of engaging clients who choose to participate willingly, which enhances the therapeutic process and outcomes. The conversation delves into the broader changes and challenges within the wilderness therapy field, including increased scrutiny, the impact of technology and screen time on young adults, and the closure of several programs. Derek addresses criticisms of wilderness therapy by advocating for greater transparency, accountability, and the need to demonstrate measurable outcomes. He emphasizes that despite challenges, wilderness therapy remains one of the most compassionate and effective forms of treatment. Derek also shares his passion for engaging the next generation of mental health professionals through initiatives like the upcoming 2025 HIP (Healing in Progress) Tour to college campuses.

The cost of wilderness therapy treatment is expensive, yet several organizations will help. In this second of two episodes, we hear stories from leaders of non-profit organizations that help families by providing funds to help pay for wilderness therapy treatment. We talk with John Hunt from Jason William Hunt Foundation, Liz Bounds from the Parker Bounds Johnson Foundation, and Derek Daley from the Loa Fund. We will hear about the history of the organizations, how to apply for funds, and other resources.   Organizations in this episode have specific guidelines for funding. Please check their websites and donate if you can. The Jason William Hunt Foundation provides funds for wilderness therapy for teens and young adults from all over the country.  The Parker Bounds Johnson Foundation provides funds for young people ages 10-30 who live in the States of Oregon and Washington for wilderness therapy treatment all over the country. The LOA Fund provides funds for young adults (ages 18 to 30) to attend wilderness therapy treatment.

This interview was initially shot as a video but I have been unable to find a good system for posting as a video. It doesn't matter, the content is there and it's good. Derek Daley, Jeremy McGeorge, Jillian Broeckert, and Mike Petree have a wealth of knowledge and shared interesting and fun insights into Wilderness Adventure Therapy and how much it has changed through the years. For people who are unfamiliar with the work we do, this will be a helpful history of the development of field guiding and best practices.

Will interviews Gil Hallows and Derek Daley who co-founded Legacy Outdoor Adventures after working many years in the wilderness therapy field.  Gil had been executive director of Aspen Achievement Academy from 1996 until it closed in 2011.  He tells his story of the day that he was told Aspen Achievement Academy was going to be closed by the company and how he responded by starting Legacy Outdoor Adventures.  Derek shares his story on how he worked at numerous wilderness therapy programs in Utah and Colorado and ended up joining with Gil to start Legacy. 

Dan and Matt interview Derek Daley from Legacy Outdoor Adventure and the Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare Center.  He shared his passion for using wilderness and adventure therapeutically in the treatment of mental health issues including addiction.  His mission goes beyond treating those with diagnosable problems, Derek advocates for EVERYONE to get off the couch and get outside.  […]

Dr. Mike Gass and Dr. Anita Tucker are at the center of much of the research being done with respect to outdoor behavioral healthcare. Derek Daley and I interview Anita and Mike about the recent findings and the direction outdoor behavioral healthcare is going. Mike and Anita run the OBH Center (obhcenter.org) in collaboration with the OBH Council to help continue to research and validate the impact of taking therapy off the couch and into the outdoors. Derek Daley, Co-Founder, of Legacy Outdoors joins me as a co-host in this interview. obhcouncil.com obhcenter.org legacyoutdooradventure.com

This week on Bonus Bonus Barrel, we catch up with our friend and former BB crew member, Marshall. The music featured in this episode was created the following internet creators (support them!): "First Impressions" (Disco Dan, http://ocremix.org/remix/OCR00420) "Dungeon Theme [Synthwave]" (Derek Daley, https://youtu.be/P2AKCIb8UmE) "Save Room Theme - Synthwave Cover" (Mono Memory, https://youtu.be/Z-JUeXdJz68) "Skullbeatz - Silent Hill Promise Reprise Remix" (SkullBeats,https://youtu.be/VT8BQlUEt9M) "Greenheart" (jtbs., https://youtu.be/4kasyXkiVb0)