Over 30 Years of Turning Hearts Homeward

What is Anasazi Foundation?

Recognized internationally for its caring and effective approach, ANASAZI Foundation is a non-profit (501c3) intervention resource that helps to restore and strengthen parent-child relationships.

ANASAZI’s licensed and Joint Commission-accredited, outdoor behavioral healthcare services are ideal for adolescents (13-17) and young adults (18+) struggling with lack of motivation, defiance, mild mood disorders, drug and alcohol experimentation, internet addiction, entitlement issues, and other self-defeating behaviors. We offer 49-day (minimum stay) wilderness-based, residential treatment programs rooted in the belief that all young people—regardless of their struggles or at-risk choices—possess an inherent “seed of greatness.” This idea permeates our philosophy and our evidence-based therapeutic approach, which addresses the biological, psychological, social, and spiritual aspects of a child’s life.

Parental Involvement Is The Key

ANASAZI considers its work with parents and caregivers to be as important as its work with their children. Our renowned parenting program and aftercare services help committed parents create a home environment that enhances family unity and promotes a lasting change in family behavior.

A Unique Approach

Our non-punitive ANASAZI Way philosophy focuses on one’s strengths and good deeds—it relies on natural consequences rather than on contrived experiences or punishment. This approach promotes a change of heart that often results in a lasting change in behavior. The young people who participate in ANASAZI programs discover a profound sense of self worth which enables them to begin anew and assume responsibility for the choices that govern the course of their lives.

The ANASAZI Way:

Individualized care provided by experienced, independently licensed clinicians

Non-punitive and based in respect for individual choice

Addresses the biological, psychological, social and spiritual aspects of one’s life

An invitation to consider one’s family values and belief systems

Facilitates a change of heart that promotes a lasting change in behavior

Healing and strengthening family relationships

Opportunity for a new beginning

The ANASAZI Way was developed over the past 40 years by Larry Dean Olsen and Ezekiel Sanchez, who are widely considered to be pioneers of the field generally known as wilderness therapy. Together in 1988 they formed ANASAZI Foundation to make this experience available to all families, regardless of their financial circumstances.

Note: ANASAZI is not a boot camp. Participation in an ANASAZI program requires personal responsibility and accountability; however, no force, contrived experiences, manipulation, confrontation, point or level systems, or other behavioral modification techniques or models are employed.

“Troubled teens” need proven intervention, not boot camp

ANASAZI does not consider itself a brat camp. There are no “brats” or “bad kids” at ANASAZI. We help children and young adults (and their caring families) who in some cases have made bad choices. Our many years of experience working with thousands of diverse young people make this important distinction abundantly clear. While we appreciate the good work performed by other licensed and accredited wilderness therapy providers, our programs differ in significant ways. We invite you to compare ANASAZI with these and other providers to learn more about our clinical approach and the proven principles which form the foundation of our programs.