Have questions?
Join Dana Forrest, LCSW for a special webinar via Zoom on Wednesday, April 10th at 10am to have a discussion and answer your questions!
Register here: bit.ly/Surf-therapy-LBI
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the Surf Therapy Program run in 2024?
Who is Surf Therapy best for?
What age do you take for surf therapy?
How do I sign up for surf therapy?
What if there is inclement weather/rough surf?
Where are groups held?
What if I don't have my own surfboard?
Can I join if I have never surfed before?
What if I can't swim in the ocean?
When will the Surf Therapy Program run in 2024?
- Surf Therapy is an 8- week program that will run from June 24th- August 12th, 2024.
- Groups meet one day per week for 110 minutes (1 hour surf + 50 minutes group therapy).
Who is Surf Therapy best for?
- Surf Therapy is provided by a licensed mental health professional + experienced surf instructors. Surfing itself is widely known to calm the mind, body and spirit. Surf Therapy aims to unlock the nervous system while surfing for 1 hour, then participants will sit on the beach and talk.
- Participants who would benefit most are those who are "going through something"... feeling stuck, having issues adjusting to a life change/circumstance. Maybe you've tried to figure out a situation on your own, or maybe even with a therapist... but you just can't seem to work through it...
- Common issues addressed: Break-ups, Peer Issues, Stress, Anxiety, Over-thinking, Grief/Loss, Adjustment, Trauma
- At this time, Swell Therapy's Surf Therapy groups are not suited for those with significant behavioral issues or cognitive delays. If you have someone you love who fits this category, please reach out to us and we will connect you with programs who specialize with this! There are wonderful people offering surf therapy to the special needs population!
What age do you take for surf therapy?
- In 2024, we look to offer groups to a wider age rage!
- 9 years old to 50+ years old... If you can swim in the ocean and have the ability to "hold your own", we will work with you!
- Surf Therapy groups will be divided by age of participants.
How do I sign up for surf therapy?
- We are taking applicants for Summer 2024! Please fill out the inquiry form on the next page. We will outreach applicants within 1 week to of your inquiry.
What if there is inclement weather/rough surf?
- We are able to predict the surf forecast about 3-7 days in advance. You will get a notice 24 hours prior to the start of your group if we anticipate inclement weather that will be unsafe. We will build in "rain dates" to accommodate Mother Nature!
Where are groups held?
- All groups are held on Long Beach Island, NJ. *Exact location will be weather dependent.*
What if I don't have my own surfboard?
- We will provide a surfboard for you! We have "learner" soft top boards available for participants.
Can I join if I have never surfed before?
- Yes. We will teach you how to surf!
- You must be able to swim in the ocean on your own to participate.
What if I can't swim in the ocean?
- While we can't take you on for Surf Therapy, fill out the form below noting your interest. If there is enough interest to hold a group of "non-swimmers" we will do our best to accommodate!
"I cannot teach anybody anything. I can only make them think."
-Socrates-
How does payment work? Does insurance cover surf therapy?
Since 2008, the US military has been studying "Surf Therapy" as an evidence-based treatment modality for mental health. Unfortunately, at this time research is ongoing and "Surf Therapy" is not yet covered by insurance companies.
Current payment options include:
2024 Prices
Private Pay:
8 week program: $1,195
Early Bird rate: $995, if booked before May 1st, 2024
Insurance (Cost below is your out of pocket cost + Copay if your insurance plan is accepted.)
8 week program: $875 + Copay
Early Bird rate: $775 + Copay, if booked before May 1st, 2024
What insurance plans does Swell Therapy accept?
Do I have to pay all up front?
Since 2008, the US military has been studying "Surf Therapy" as an evidence-based treatment modality for mental health. Unfortunately, at this time research is ongoing and "Surf Therapy" is not yet covered by insurance companies.
Current payment options include:
- Private Pay: 100% out of pocket payment
- For those looking to use their health insurance, we can bill the group therapy portion of this program separately from the surf lesson/activity to reduce your out of pocket cost.
2024 Prices
Private Pay:
8 week program: $1,195
Early Bird rate: $995, if booked before May 1st, 2024
Insurance (Cost below is your out of pocket cost + Copay if your insurance plan is accepted.)
8 week program: $875 + Copay
Early Bird rate: $775 + Copay, if booked before May 1st, 2024
What insurance plans does Swell Therapy accept?
- Head on over to Headway, where you can check to see if your plan is accepted + what your copay will be.
- Insurance carriers generally accepted:
- Aetna
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey
- Oxford
- Oscar
- United Healthcare
- Insurance carriers generally accepted:
- Please note at this time, only select commercial plans are covered. Swell Therapy is NOT in network with NJ Family Care, Medicaid, or Medicare
Do I have to pay all up front?
- To reserve your spot, there is a 20% non-refundable deposit at time of registration.
- We accept cash, check or card. (Note- There is a 3% service fee on all card transactions)