Host of the Stories from the Field Podcast | Wilderness Therapy Researcher, Author & Educator

Dr. Will White is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), master licensed alcohol and drug counselor (MLADC), and a leading voice in the field of outdoor mental health treatment. He holds a Doctorate of Arts in Leadership, which informs his work at the intersection of personal transformation, experiential education, and systems change. With over 30 years of experience in wilderness/adventure therapy and residential treatment, Will has supported thousands of young people and families navigating critical life transitions.

He is the creator and host of Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the Outdoors, a long-running podcast that features personal interviews with clinicians, program founders, researchers, and individuals with lived experience. Each episode offers honest, nuanced conversations about the power—and complexity—of using nature as a vehicle for mental health and healing.

Will is the author of Stories from the Field: A History of Wilderness Therapy and is currently working on a follow-up volume chronicling the evolution and transformation of the field. He teaches at Plymouth State University, consults with emerging programs, and continues to explore new ways to help people thrive through connection to community, purpose, and the natural world.

Will White’s Doctoral Dissertation

The First In-Depth Academic History of Wilderness and Adventure Therapy

As part of his Doctorate in Leadership from Franklin Pierce University, Will White authored the first comprehensive dissertation documenting the origins, development, and evolution of wilderness therapy and adventure therapy in the United States. His groundbreaking academic work remains a foundational resource for researchers, clinicians, and educators exploring the therapeutic use of nature and outdoor experiences.

In his dissertation, Will meticulously traces the field’s roots from early 20th-century therapeutic camps to the structured, evidence-informed wilderness therapy programs of today. He examines the key philosophies, pivotal figures, and sociocultural movements that influenced the growth of outdoor behavioral healthcare, while also addressing ethical considerations and program effectiveness.

Key Themes Explored:

• The historical context and evolution of adventure-based therapeutic practices

• The emergence of wilderness therapy as a mental health intervention

• Influential pioneers, programs, and policy shifts in the field

• Ethical and leadership considerations in outdoor therapy programs

Will’s dissertation has informed national conversations about best practices in outdoor mental health and continues to be referenced by clinicians, graduate students, and wilderness therapy advocates.

This academic work helped lay the foundation for his later book, Stories from the Field: A History of Wilderness Therapy, and inspired the creation of his podcast of the same name.