EP12 - Wilderness Therapy: Safety and Best Practices with Derek Daley
49m | Jul 16, 2026Join host Hannah Brett this week as she discusses the world of wilderness therapy with expert guest Derek Daley. Together, they explore the misconceptions surrounding wilderness therapy, its safety protocols, and its effectiveness in treating various mental health issues. The episode sheds light on how to identify quality programs, emphasizes the importance of transparency, and highlights the healing power of nature.
About Our Guest:
Derek Daley is a renowned figure in wilderness therapy and outdoor behavioral healthcare. As the co-founder of Legacy Treatment Center and Juniper Canyon Recovery Center, and the current President of NATSAP, Derek brings over 20 years of experience to the table. His contributions include program development, research, and advocacy for kindness and mental health awareness. He also founded the Loa Fund, which has provided over $6 million in scholarships for addiction and mental health treatment.
Key Topics Discussed:
- Misconceptions about wilderness therapy
- Safety and accreditation standards
- The impact of nature on mental health
- Choosing quality programs
- The role of transparency and outcomes in treatment
- The significance of family involvement and informed consent
Thank you for tuning in to this enlightening episode. We appreciate your support and look forward to having you with us next time!
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About the Host:
With nearly 20 years of experience in the behavioral health and treatment industry, Hannah Brett, Founder of HB Connect, is a trusted resource for providers, families, and organizations navigating the complex landscape of mental health care.
Over the course of her career, Hannah has partnered with leading national treatment centers to help ensure individuals and families receive compassionate, evidence-based support. Her unwavering advocacy for children's mental health, combined with her deep industry knowledge, makes her one of the most effective and sought-after voices in the field.
A graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Communications, Hannah brings a unique blend of strategic insight, operational expertise, and heart to every engagement.
Through HB Connect, she works with treatment programs and healthcare organizations to design outreach and growth strategies that are both thoughtful and impactful-always with the goal of improving access to quality care.
When she's not building connections in the mental health community, Hannah finds joy traveling to the UK to visit family, spending time with her close-knit circle of friends, and sharing life with her wife, Stacey, and their beloved pup, Frankie.
Podcast Produced by Jen Kourtei at Savvy Edge Marketing
