*(Based on 2014-2021 data from Dr. Sheade's, STEPS Executive Director, private practice)

8,000+ 
 Individual Equine Assisted Counseling sessions completed

400+ 
Unique clients served

~50 
Potential clients are on a wait-list for services

5 out of 6  
Clients on wait-list need financial assistance to receive services
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Does Equine Assisted Counseling Work?

90% 
Of children/teens with emotional and/or behavioral problems get better


82% 
Of military veterans with diagnosed posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) experience improvement
(in comparison to 50-60% who improve using other office-based, evidence-based therapies)


11% 
Of military veterans drop out before completing 8 or more Equine Assisted Counseling sessions
(in comparison to 20-50% who drop out from other office-based, evidenced-based therapies)

Data collected using clinical mental health assessments. Posttraumatic stress is measured using the PTSD Checklist (PCL-5).

What do Clients Think About Equine Assisted Counseling?

92% of teen/adult clients agree:

• "I think equine assisted counseling benefits me in ways that traditional office-based counseling cannot."
• "Equine assisted counseling helped me to think more clearly/accurately to reduce distressing emotions or behaviors."
• "I prefer counseling with animals involved."
• "I do not feel judged by the horses."
• "Equine assisted counseling helped me gain a greater understanding or clearer sense of identity."
• "I feel accepted by the horses."
  
  

100% of parents agree:

• "The relationship with the horse is an important part of my child’s counseling."
• "My child does not feel judged by the horses."
• "My child is making progress towards treatment goals."
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91% of parents agree:

• "Equine assisted counseling has taught my child one or more strategies to solve or cope with problems."
• "I think equine assisted counseling benefits my child in ways that traditional office-based counseling cannot."
• "My child prefers counseling in outdoor settings."
• "Equine assisted counseling helped my child increase his/her understanding and appreciation of people."
• "My child prefers counseling with horses involved."
• "My child prefers counseling to include activities beyond talking."
• "My child appears to trust the counselor."
• "My child feels accepted by the horses."
• "Equine assisted counseling helped my child increase self-confidence or self-esteem."

Mission

To improve the mental health and well-being of military service members and family members, at-risk youth, and others with mental health needs through equine assisted activities and therapies including counseling and psychotherapy, therapeutic activities, education, and community engagement.

Vision

To develop a facility exclusively devoted to professional mental health treatment through equine assisted therapies/activities and long-term mental health support at one location.