Experiences of secure transport in outdoor behavioral healthcare: A narrative inquiry

Abstract

Often synonymous with wilderness therapy, outdoor behavioral healthcare (OBH) is a residential treatment in the United States for young people, more than half of whom are sent via secure transport services. While empirical evidence suggests the secure transport of adolescents to OBH does not impact quantitative outcomes, limited research exists exploring client voice and the lived experience of OBH participants. This qualitative study, utilizing narrative inquiry, builds knowledge on experiences of secure transport services from nine past OBH adolescent participants. Findings are analyzed, interpreted, and discussed through a social work and trauma-informed lens. Recommendations for ethical practice, linking with human rights, and future research are provided.