233. wilderness therapy doesn’t work… so why are we still sending our kids??! feat. dr. will dobud

September 28, 2025 · 57 min

Show notes

today’s guest is dr. will dobud— a social worker, researcher, and educator who has worked with adolescents and families in the united states, australia, and norway. he is dedicated to improving adolescent therapy outcomes and promoting safe, ethical practices and is an advocate for youth impacted by america’s troubled teen industry.

in this episode, we break down the dangers of the troubled teen industry and why adolescents deserve better mental health care options.

we talk about:

• what inspired will to advocate against the troubled teen industry (tti)

• how tti programs are organized to reduce legal responsibility

• why gen z mental health is still so bad despite efforts to help

• wilderness therapy + how it became so popular

• who gets sent to wilderness therapy programs + why

• the lack of oversight + government regulations over the tti

• how tti programs market themselves + why it’s not accurate

• if stigma plays a role in getting adolescents proper mental health care

• whether the tti can ever truly be reformed

• ways to improve mental health care for gen z