Harnessing Nature: Dr. Aimee Brunner Discusses Wilderness Therapy's Role in Adolescent Mental Health

Wilderness for Wellness recently had the opportunity to speak with Dr. Aimee Brunner, MSW, LCSW, from University of Texas NW Department of Psychiatry, about the pressing issue of adolescent mental wellness and the potential benefits of wilderness survival skills.

Dr. Brunner highlighted that adolescent mental wellness has become an increasingly urgent concern, particularly in the post-pandemic era. She noted that rates of anxiety, depression, and stress among teenagers have risen sharply, largely due to academic pressures, social media, and a growing sense of isolation. "Many teens are also reporting a lack of meaningful connections and purpose in their day-to-day lives, which can exacerbate these issues," she explained. "Finding ways to support adolescents through accessible, practical tools is critical."

When asked about the impact of nature and wilderness activities on mental health, Dr. Brunner explained that modern environments dominated by screens, structured schedules, and urban settings can heighten stress and feelings of restlessness. "Wilderness experiences offer an opportunity to slow down, unplug, and reconnect—not only with nature but also with themselves," she said. This prompted her to look further into the link between outdoor activities and adolescent mental health, which aligns with the core mission of Wilderness for Wellness.

Dr. Brunner elaborated that spending time in nature has a proven calming effect on the brain. "Research shows it reduces cortisol levels, the body's primary stress hormone, and helps regulate mood," she stated. Beyond that, learning survival skills—like building shelters, navigating terrain, or starting fires—builds a sense of competence and self-reliance. "For adolescents, this can be transformational," she added. "They're in a critical stage of identity formation, and these challenges help instill resilience, confidence, and problem-solving abilities."

She emphasized that wilderness survival skills combine both physical and mental engagement, which is especially powerful. "Activities like orienteering or learning to cook over an open flame require focus, patience, and persistence—all while immersed in nature," Dr. Brenner noted. "This can create a positive feedback loop: teens feel more grounded by the natural environment and simultaneously build mental toughness by overcoming real-world challenges."

Dr. Brunner mentioned that programs like Outward Bound and the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) have been pioneers in this space. "They integrate physical challenges and survival skills with group reflection and mindfulness exercises," she said. "Many participants report significant improvements in their mood, stress levels, and overall outlook." Through Wilderness for Wellness, similar experiences are being brought to teens in local communities, focusing on small-scale wilderness programs that are accessible and impactful.

For schools or families looking to introduce more nature and wilderness experiences, Dr. Brunner advised starting small. "Even short outings, like hiking on local trails or spending time in parks, can have measurable benefits," she suggested. "Schools could incorporate outdoor education into their curriculums, teaching basic survival skills alongside team-building activities." Families, meanwhile, can focus on weekend adventures—a camping trip, fishing, or even a day spent exploring nature together. "The key is consistency," she emphasized. "The more time adolescents spend outside, the more opportunities they have to reconnect with themselves and their surroundings."

One of the main takeaways from this enlightening discussion is the significant impact that nature and wilderness experiences can have on adolescent mental wellness. By integrating these experiences into their lives, teens can develop essential life skills and improve their overall mental health. Wilderness for Wellness is dedicated to providing these opportunities and supporting the mental well-being of adolescents in our communities.