What happened to Claire McCafferty at WinGate Wilderness Therapy?

Claire McCafferty claims she was forcibly removed from her home and spent 13 weeks in harsh desert conditions with limited food and water at the WinGate program.

How big is the troubled teen industry?

The troubled teen industry reportedly generates $23 billion annually, with 120,000 to 200,000 children enrolled in such programs each year.

Are there safety regulations for wilderness therapy programs?

According to Meg Appelgate, founder of Unsilenced, there is a lack of federal regulation overseeing these programs, leading to potential abuse and neglect.

Home / Lifestyle / Wilderness Therapy: A Teen's Nightmare Confession

Wilderness Therapy: A Teen's Nightmare Confession

16 Mar

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Summary

Teen recounts being 'legally kidnapped' to Utah wilderness program.
Forced hikes and scarce water led to survival fears.
Lack of regulation enables abuse in $23 billion teen industry.

Wilderness Therapy: A Teen's Nightmare Confession

Claire McCafferty detailed her traumatic experience at the now-defunct WinGate Wilderness Therapy program in Kanab, Utah, starting eight years ago. At 16, she claims she was forcibly removed from her home in the middle of the night, blindfolded, and transported to the remote desert.

For 13 weeks, McCafferty endured harsh conditions, including sleeping outdoors, hiking long distances with heavy backpacks in extreme heat, and surviving on limited rations. She states that feminine hygiene products were not provided, and participants were denied adequate food and dental care, leading to physical ailments upon her return home.