Mark Oerther is the Chief Development Officer at  Balance House, a young adult dual-diagnosis treatment program in Utah. Mark is a person with a purpose: to help young people and their families start the healing process. Mark shares his unique journey into the field, from being a troubled young man following a jam band across the country for over two years to becoming sober and pivoting to follow a path of service to others for over 20 years. Mark tells stories about his time working at various wilderness therapy programs across the country, including SUWS of the Carolinas, Wilderness Treatment Center, Adirondack Leadership Expeditions, and many more. Mark dives into why he believes so much in the Balance House program, how he helps young men start the healing process on the first phone call, and reflects on how wilderness therapy has changed over the years.

We thank the underwriters of Season 14 Brightstone Transitions, Point School, and Wisdom Ranch. Season 14 focuses on young adult programs and young adults sharing their stories.