— OUR STORY

Five decades of creating safe spaces

Since 1979, The Mountain Center has been a trusted anchor for New Mexico communities, growing from a wilderness-based youth program into a full-service behavioral health and wellness organization.

— Who We are

Rooted in community, land, and five decades of care

The Mountain Center was founded in 1979 with a belief that time in nature, and genuine connection with others could transform lives. What started as a wilderness adventure program for youth has grown into a multi-program behavioral health and wellness organization serving thousands of New Mexicans every year.

We serve youth, adults, families, and communities across New Mexico, with a particular focus on those who have been underserved, marginalized, or who face significant barriers to care. Our six programs span outdoor therapeutic adventure, harm reduction, counseling, gender and sexuality support, residential services, and peer support; all united by a shared commitment to dignity, cultural grounding, and meeting people exactly where they are.

Across all of our work, we hold fast to the belief that healing is not linear, that every person deserves to be seen and respected, and that the land, culture, and community of New Mexico are powerful sources of strength and renewal.

— key milestones

A history of showing up.

Over 45 years, we've grown alongside the communities we serve; expanding our programs, deepening our reach, and staying true to our founding values.

1979

Founded

Wilderness roots

The Mountain Center is established as a wilderness-based youth program in New Mexico, offering therapeutic adventure experiences grounded in nature.

1980

Awarded

U.S. Department of Education Model Program Award

The Mountain Center, then operating as the Santa Fe Mountain Center, was selected as one of the 10 outstanding experiential education programs in the United States during its first full year of operation.

1990s

Expansion

Growing deeper roots

Program offerings expand to include counseling services and community-based outreach, deepening the organization's behavioral health roots.

2000

Accredited

By the Association for Experiential Education

The Mountain Center earned its official accreditation as an Adventure Education Program. This was a key step in recognizing our commitment to high professional standards and safety.

2005

Harm Reduction & GSA Program

Meeting people where they are

The Harm Reduction and New Mexico Genders & Sexuality Programs launched, providing non-judgmental, evidence-based support for individuals navigating substance use and LGBTQ+ identity.

2015

Medical Coverage

Became a Medicaid provider, increasing accessibility to services

This allowed The Mountain Center to offer state-funded behavioral health, counseling, and recovery services across Northern New Mexico.

2018

Accreditation

Earned accreditation in Outdoor Behavioral Health Services, one of the most rigorous certifications in the field

Through the Association for Experiential Education, this accreditation cemented our role in providing rigorous, high-standard therapeutic adventure and wilderness programming in New Mexico.

2021

Aspen House Women's recovery

A place to land

Aspen House opens as a residential and transitional living program, providing safe, supportive housing for individuals in recovery and transition.

2026

Accredited

CARF: Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities

Recognized by an international, nonprofit health and human services accrediting organization for behavioral health, community services, and more.

Today

Emergence & Beyond

Still here. Still growing.

With six programs and a growing team, The Mountain Center continues to meet New Mexico's evolving behavioral health needs; honoring the past while building toward a stronger future.

Key Milestones

A history of showing up.

Over 45 years, we've grown alongside the communities we serve — expanding our programs, deepening our reach, and staying true to our founding values.

1979

Founded

Wilderness roots

The Mountain Center is established as a wilderness-based youth program in New Mexico, offering therapeutic adventure experiences grounded in nature.

1980

Awarded

U.S. Department of Education Model Program Award

1990s

Expansion

Growing deeper roots

Program offerings expand to include counseling services and community-based outreach, deepening the organization's behavioral health roots.

2000

Accredited

By the Association for Experiential Education

The Mountain Center earned its official accreditation as an Adventure Education Program. This was a key step in recognizing our commitment to high professional standards and safety.

2005

Harm Reduction & Sexuality Network Programs (NMGSAN)

Meeting people where they are

The Harm Reduction and New Mexico Genders & Sexuality programs launched, providing non-judgmental, evidence-based support for individuals navigating substance use and sexual identity.

2015

Medical Coverage

Became a Medicaid provider, increasing accessibility to services

This allowed The Mountain Center to offer state-funded behavioral health, counseling, and recovery services across Northern New Mexico.

2018

Accreditation

Earned accreditation in Outdoor Behavioral Health Services, one of the most rigorous certifications in the field

Through the Association for Experiential Education, this accreditation cemented our role in providing rigorous, high-standard therapeutic adventure and wilderness programming in New Mexico.

2021

Aspen House

A place to land

Aspen House opens as a residential and transitional living program, providing safe, supportive housing for individuals in recovery and transition.

2026

Accredited

CARF: Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities

Recognized by an international, nonprofit health and human services accrediting organization for behavioral health, community services, and more.

Today

Emergence & Beyond

Still here. Still growing.

With six programs and a growing team, The Mountain Center continues to meet New Mexico's evolving behavioral health needs — honoring the past while building toward a stronger future.

— mission & values

Our Mission

The Mountain Center promotes wellness, personal discovery, and social change through innovation learning experiences in nature, community and cultural environments.

Our Vision

To be a global leader in unique wellness and behavioral health approaches.

Corporate Compliance

The Mountain Center delivers behavioral healthcare and wellness services in an environment that strictly conforms to the highest standards of accountability across administration, clinical, business, marketing, and financial management. Leadership is fully committed to preventing and detecting fraud, fiscal mismanagement, and misappropriation of funds and, therefore, to developing a formal corporate compliance program to ensure ongoing monitoring and compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements. Further, the organization is committed to the establishment, implementation, and maintenance of a corporate compliance program that emphasizes the prevention of wrongdoing – whether intentional or unintentional, immediate reporting and investigation of questionable activities and practices without consequences to the reporting party, and timely correction of any situation that puts the organization, its leadership, or staff, funding sources, or consumers at risk.

— our approach to care

Nature as Healer

We believe the natural world is one of the most powerful environments for healing and growth. Whether in the Sandia Mountains or a community garden, nature offers perspective, calm, and connection that no clinic can replicate.

Trauma-Informed Care

We recognize that trauma is pervasive and that its effects shape how people experience the world. Every interaction is designed to be safe, trustworthy, and empowering; never retraumatizing.

Person-Centered

We provide individual and group counseling that is affirming, culturally responsive, and focused on the whole person; integrating mental health, substance use, identity, and life circumstance.

Evidence-Based Practice

Our programs are grounded in what works. We draw on established research and clinical frameworks while remaining flexible enough to honor each person's unique path toward wellness.

Harm Reduction

We meet people where they are, without judgment. Harm reduction is not just a program, it is a philosophy that honors individual autonomy and recognizes that progress, not perfection, is what matters.

Cultural Grounding

New Mexico enjoys a rich cultural heritage including Iindigenous, Hispanic, and multicultural individuals. All cultures shape who we are and how we work. We center cultural identity as a source of strength, not a barrier to overcome.

Collaboration & Partnership

We work in partnership and collaboration. Strong partnerships with schools, health systems, tribal communities, and local organizations allow us to extend our reach and serve as a trusted bridge in New Mexico's care continuum.

Five decades of creating safe spaces

Rooted in community, land, and five decades of care

A history of showing up.

A history of showing up.

Our Mission

Our Vision

Corporate Compliance

Nature as Healer

Trauma-Informed Care

Person-Centered

Evidence-Based Practice

Harm Reduction

Cultural Grounding

Collaboration & Partnership

Stay connected with The Mountain Center

Stay connected with
The Mountain Center