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RedCliff Ascent - Did You Know?

 By Stephen C. Schultz


Did You Know?

RedCliff Ascent tracks the physical effects of each student upon entering our program. We maintain a database of each student’s body mass index (BMI) and can empirically demonstrate that males lose about 5 lbs of fat and gain approximately 7 lbs of muscle mass throughout their stay. Females lose about 10 lbs of fat and gain around 5 lbs of muscle mass.

Students are required to maintain a 3,500-calorie-per-day diet. Each week, their BMI is updated, and dietary adjustments are made as needed. Oh… and we have been doing this for well over a decade! This means that educational consultants, allied health professionals, and families can be assured that no other program is more sophisticated in maintaining students’ nutritional health and well-being than RedCliff Ascent.



Did You Know?

RedCliff Ascent leads the industry in research-informed practices and outcomes. Of the eight original OBHIC programs featured in Dr. Keith Russell’s research over a decade ago, students attending RCA demonstrated the highest rates of improvement. Since then, some of the original OBHIC members have ceased operations, while new programs have joined the research effort.

Michael Gass, Ph.D., at the University of New Hampshire has taken over the research efforts and successfully expanded the scope of membership program studies. Over the years, Dr. Steven DeMille, Executive Director at RedCliff, has been instrumental in not only maintaining but also advancing RedCliff’s research efforts.

RedCliff alone is responsible for more than two-thirds of the total research outcomes submitted to OBH and is the only consistently reliable contributor to industry research efforts.

The outcomes and results of RedCliff-specific studies have been the driving force behind the recognition of wilderness therapy as a viable primary treatment option. They have also contributed to the establishment of an industry-specific insurance billing code for wilderness therapy. These efforts have improved the standard of clinical care and made wilderness treatment more affordable for families through insurance reimbursement.

The RedCliff Model for Family Therapy has been studied and determined to be the most clinically effective therapeutic model used in wilderness treatment today.

This means that educational consultants, allied health professionals, and families can be assured that RedCliff Ascent is providing state-of-the-art interventions and clinical care in a cost-effective manner for students and their families.

Did You Know?

One of the key factors in RedCliff Ascent’s leadership in student outcomes is that it is not a program of time (e.g., 21 days, 30 days, 60 days) but rather a program of completion. Completing the RCA program may be the first time a student has truly completed something meaningful.

  • When a student sets up their shelter, they own the accomplishment.
  • When they bust their first fire, they own the accomplishment.
  • When they participate in the creation of their treatment plan and experience that “aha” moment in therapy, they own the accomplishment.

Everything RCA does in the field is designed to help students disrupt maladaptive patterns and develop the core competencies needed to succeed in life—whether at home, in school, or in a residential treatment center.

This means that families can feel confident that RCA is committed to providing the best possible clinical intervention, assessment, and treatment in the most cost-effective manner. Our commitment to parents and referring professionals is that our first priority is the student and their success.

Did You Know?

RedCliff Ascent operates on over 650 square miles of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and U.S. Forest Service land. At the heart of this vast operational field lies 168 acres of private land, purchased years ago with the express purpose of creating an “Outpost” that serves two key functions: safety and programmatic support.

Outpost enhances safety by providing access to fresh water, shelter, and supplies. A staff cabin allows backup drivers to stay in the field, close to the teams. In the event of inclement weather or a natural disaster, Outpost is a safe, self-contained refuge.

Additionally, Outpost serves as a central location for student graduations, shindigs, Clan of the Hand gatherings, and other large events.

Educational consultants, allied professionals, and families can be assured that RCA is leading the industry in implementing safety measures in the field.

Learn more on the website www.RedcliffAscent.com

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Location: United States

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