We We Treat Mental Health
Mental and Behavioral Health Conditions
Depression (major depressive disorder, dysthymia)
Generalized anxiety disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Bipolar disorder (maintenance and relapse prevention phases)
Substance use disorders (in recovery/maintenance stages)
ADHD (adults and children)
Eating disorders and Body dysmorphia
We Treat Chronic Illness
Cardiovascular and Metabolic Conditions
Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Cardiovascular disease
Hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol)
Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Obesity and metabolic syndrome
Neurological and Cognitive Disorders
Migraine and chronic headache syndromes
Multiple sclerosis (MS)
Parkinson’s disease
Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias (early stages)
Post-stroke syndromes
Neuropathy (including diabetic neuropathy)
Musculoskeletal and Pain Conditions
Osteoarthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Fibromyalgia
Chronic back or neck pain
Osteoporosis
Chronic fatigue syndrome (myalgic encephalomyelitis)
Example of Our IOP/Day Treatment Program Specialized for Each Client to Treat both Physical and Mental Health
Program Overview
IOP for Depression
Purpose
This Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is designed for individuals experiencing mild to moderate depression who would benefit from structured, evidence-based care that blends mindfulness-based cognitive and somatic therapies with nature-based interventions rooted in Value Based Outdoor Healthcare (VBOHC) principles.
Core Philosophy
The program is built on the premise that mental health recovery emerges from connection—to self, others, and environment. Depression is understood not only as a biochemical or psychological imbalance but also as a systemic disconnection from nature, community, and meaning.
The IOP re-establishes these connections through:
Mindfulness Practice (Mindful Mountain Framework)
Nature Immersion & Outdoor Healthcare (VBOHC Framework)
Epigenetic and systemic health awareness
Group and individual therapeutic processes
Program Structure
Format
Duration: 8 weeks
Frequency: 3–4 sessions per week
Session Length: 3 hours each
Total Hours: 72–96 hours
Setting: Hybrid (clinical + outdoor environment)
Program Components
Mindfulness Training
Adapted from Mindful Mountain’s 8-week mindfulness curriculum (awareness, compassion, emotional regulation, nonjudgment, acceptance).
Outdoor Healthcare Interventions
Grounded in VBOHC principles—environment-first healthcare using trails, water, and forest environments as therapeutic spaces.
Group Therapy
Process-oriented group sessions addressing cognitive distortions, self-compassion, and shame.
Individual Counseling
Weekly one-on-one sessions personalized to the client’s unique needs.
Health Education
Psychoeducation on depression, neuroplasticity, and epigenetics.
Family & Systems Integration
Optional family therapy or systems workshops drawing from Bowen Family Systems Theory.
Aftercare Planning
Relapse prevention, maintenance strategies, and community-based reintegration.
Theoretical Foundations
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) – Prevents depressive relapse by cultivating awareness and emotional regulation.
Value Based Outdoor Healthcare (VBOHC) – Recognizes nature as a therapeutic agent influencing gene expression, emotional regulation, and systemic health outcomes.
Bowen Family Systems Theory – Enhances differentiation of self and identifies multigenerational transmission patterns in mood regulation.
Epigenetic Health Model – Incorporates gene-environment interactions; emphasizes environmental enrichment as a biological modulator of depression.
Nature-Based Interventions (VBOHC Protocol)
Forest Bathing (Shinrin-Yoku)
Immersive sensory engagement in forest areas.
Reduces cortisol, enhances parasympathetic activity.
Water-Based Reflection (Hydro-Mindfulness)
Mindful observation near water sources.
Promotes calm, lowers rumination.
Movement-Based Therapy (Trail Therapy)
Mindful hiking and walking.
Improves mood, activates endorphins, enhances vitality.
Restorative Silence Practices
Nature sound meditation.
Reduces cognitive overload and depressive thought patterns.
Metrics
PHQ-9 (Depression Severity)
GAD-7 (Anxiety)
Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ)
Nature Relatedness Scale (NRS)
Epigenetic Health Dashboard Metrics (Cortisol, HRV, inflammatory biomarkers)
Participants’ data are integrated into the Oak Mountain Outdoor Healthcare Outcomes Dashboard, tracking:
Emotional resilience
Cognitive flexibility
Environmental connectedness
Systemic health indicators
Risk Management and Safety
Daily environmental risk assessments.
Weather and terrain protocols.
Emergency response plan and first-aid certification required for all facilitators.
Informed consent and liability waiver signed at intake.
Aftercare and Integration
Participants transition into:
Mindful Mountain Continuing Care Group
Outdoor Community Health Pods
VBOHC Wellness Membership Programs
Focus areas include sustained mindfulness practice, community volunteering, and re-engagement with natural environments for ongoing healing.