In this session/presentation, Human Nature Adventure Therapy outlines their unique model of evidence-based engagement with regional young people experiencing mental health concerns, which have resulted in outstanding engagement and therapeutic outcomes.

International studies have shown that the prevalence of mental illness is greatest in young people. ReachOut’s 2021 report found an increase in probable serious mental illness amongst rural young people from 20.9% to 27%. Adolescents are the least likely group to seek help or to access professional care for mental health problems. Untreated mental disorders are associated with wide ranging negative outcomes, including poorer education and employment opportunities, and potential comorbidity.

Human Nature has designed services that explicitly respond to the needs of regional young people struggling with mental health, trauma, behavioural difficulties and social exclusion. Qualified mental health professionals and experienced youth workers work together, in an assertive outreach model, to reach young people other services have not been able to engage. Sessions take place outdoors and in locations young people feel safe and motivated to connect with a therapist and/or mentor and combine clinically proven, evidence based psychological therapies with fun, engaging activities in nature.

Therapeutic outcomes are heavily reliant on the therapeutic alliance so we emphasise optimising engagement. Working at the pace of trust, young people are able to engage with therapy at the intensity and duration they need.

We are proud of the outcomes this model has achieved, including 85% of young people making progress with their self esteem, feelings and emotions and school/training/work, and 77% making progress on friends and relationships. Aboriginal young people report they feel culturally safe, significant clinical outcomes are met and practitioner satisfaction is high.

The Human Nature model is ready for replication across regional Australia and capable of reaching young people at scale.