The department shall create a business license for wilderness therapy programs catering to troubled youth who experience emotional and behavioral problems. The requirements include behavioral health treatment for youth with mental health or substance use disorders which is delivered by licensed professionals, including professionals practicing as agency affiliated counselors. For the purpose of this section, a wilderness therapy program is a form of residential treatment provided in a non-traditional setting that employs supportive peer groups, skill building, and experiential learning challenges alongside more traditional therapy techniques.
Rules shall be established by the department by December 2021.
