Honoring the Roots. Advancing the Field.
Metabolic Health Research Initiative
The Wilderness Therapy Metabolic Health Research Initiative is a multi-site study examining how outdoor living and adventure-based programming influence metabolic health and how those changes relate to mental health and overall well-being.
The study measures key biomarkers of metabolic function—including inflammation, glucose regulation, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial health—and pairs these findings with mental health questionnaires to explore correlations between biological change and psychological outcomes.
Exploring the Biology of Wilderness Healing
Our Collaborative Network
Independently funded for credibility and integrity
What sets the Wilderness Therapy Institute apart from other organizations is that we are a group of dedicated individuals who are not affiliated with private programs, and who believe deeply in the healing power of spending extended time in nature for therapy, healing, and personal growth. This is a collective research effort that involves clinicians, research scientists, program staff, clients, and independent professionals dedicated to studying and learning more about what makes wilderness therapy effective. The study design and analysis are led by a multidisciplinary team of experts in functional medicine, psychology, sociology, and outdoor education, in collaboration with accredited laboratories and data partners.
Wilderness Therapy Institute
We believe there is a clear need for a third-party entity that conducts research and teaches subject matter related to wilderness programming, nature-based therapies, and outdoor living—without being tied to any single program, model, or segment of the field.
A Call to Those Who Believe in Science, Nature, and Healing
We invite independent donors to stand with us in advancing this vital research. Your support will help fund lab testing, data analysis, and collaboration across multiple wilderness therapy programs. This is work that could redefine how we understand and treat mental health and the role that outdoors and nature can play.