Blog

By Katie Kasenchak, Therapist One of my favorite parts of working at Pacific Quest is having the opportunity to share meals with our students. Not only do I enjoy taking a moment to appreciate what our students have cultivated and nurtured in the garden and prepared in the camp kitchen with new found skill and …

By Bridger Jensen, Therapist Recently, I met with the staff of Pacific Quest to talk with them about positive psychology and sustainable growth. It was no surprise to find them already aware of how positive psychology facilitates change. They even had personal experiences and examples of how using it daily with the students enhanced the …

Here is a great testimonial from a parent who came to Hawaii to reunite with her daughter during a recent Parent Workshop: The Pacific Quest parent weekend is a must for all parents of PQ students. For me, as a parent, it was equally painful, confusing and heart wrenching to live with and parent someone …

By Travis Slagle, Horticulture Therapy Director In the past three weeks I had the opportunity to attend the annual conference for the American Horticultural Therapy Association, and co-present with Hilary Moses at the Wilderness Therapy Symposium sponsored by the Outdoor Behavioral Health Care Industry Council.  Both organizations are dedicated to developing research and professional development …

By Yvette Slagle, Outreach Assistant Pacific Quest wilderness therapy program is pleased to partner with Jen Murphy, M.Ed., LPC.  Jen will offer Parent Coaching Services for families in need of individualized parent support, coaching and counseling.  Pacific Quest recognizes the importance of family systems and dynamics in successfully treating adolescent and young adult clients.  Parents …

By Yvette Slagle, Outreach Assistant Pacific Quest was recently featured on LA Talk Radio with Lon Woodbury focusing on “Parent Choices for Struggling Teens”.   Pacific Quest’s Land Supervisor Travis Slagle and Dr. Katie Kasenchak were guests on the show and highlighted some of the key aspects that set Pacific Quest apart from other wilderness therapy …

By Yvette Slagle, Outreach Assistant Pacific Quest is pleased to announce the movement of the young adult program to a brand new ocean front location at historical Reeds Bay.  Several years ago, Pacific Quest was asked by a number of families and referring professionals to consider serving the needs of struggling young adults. Noted for …

By Britta Zimmer, ND, Medical Director In front of a standing room only crowd, Dr. Kasenchak and I recently presented at the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians conference in Bellevue, Washington. The audience consisting of MDs, NDs, and PhDs were eager to hear about Pacific Quest’s unique management approach to treating common mental health disorders.  …

By Hilary Moses, Clinical Director Over the past few months I have been working with our Land Supervisor, Travis Slagle, to produce what we hope will be a great 3-hour presentation for the upcoming Wilderness Symposium in Boulder.  Travis’ energy about horticultural therapy and life in the gardens is infectious.   As we sit and banter, …

Pacific Quest wilderness therapy program welcomes Psychiatrist Dr. Shelly Ham to its clinical and wellness team. Dr. Shelly Ham will have an integral role working with Pacific Quest’s treatment professionals where she will oversee and evaluate the psychiatric needs of all adolescent and young adult students enrolled at Pacific Quest’s wilderness programs. Suzanne McKinney, co-founder …