First Light Wilderness Therapy

About First Light Wilderness Therapy – Clayton, Georgia

First Light Wilderness Therapy in Dahlonega, Georgia, is a substance abuse and mental health treatment facility that caters to teens between 12 and 18 years old in Lumpkin County. The program is available to males, females and non binary adolescents. On average, students will stay for treatment between 10 and 14 weeks.

This facility requires payment for 30 days of treatment and an enrollment fee before getting started. First Light Wilderness does not accept any insurance policies for payment, but the facility does offer a limited number of scholarships for eligible students.

They offer intensive and immersive therapy in a nature based setting. Students have access to customized individual therapy at least twice a week as well as group therapy sessions. Staff who are trained on trauma responses can help students in need get access to trauma treatment like EMDR or brainspotting.

One of the most unique aspects of this facility is that it is situated directly in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This natural landscape provides a serene and peaceful place for students to heal. Students have the option of participating in adventure education, which includes recreational activities like mountaineering, fishing and kayaking.

Parents will also have the opportunity to participate in the healing process through weekly parent calls facilitated by the center’s family therapist. Throughout treatment, parents will also have the opportunity to attend a family visit and a parent workshop. Parents are always able to communicate with their child through writing.

Past reviews of First Light Wilderness Therapy consistently state how effective the program can be for students.

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Treatment & Services

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Staff & Accreditations

Our Team

Jeff Holloway, MSW

Executive Director

TaKesha Jones James, M.S.

Director of Human Resources

Dr. Ryan Patterson, M.D.

Medical Director

Charles A. Lenahan, MA, LPC, LCPC, NCC, CSOTS, CPCS

Clinical Director

Accreditations