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Peace In the Wild Alps:
Nature-Informed Retreat for Therapeutic Renewal

Alpine Healing & Cultural Exchange - Peace in the Wild Alps

Join the Center for Nature Informed Therapy (CNIT) for a transformative trek through the German and Austrian Alps - where mindful hiking, immersive cultural exchange, and CNIT’s evidence-based nature therapy practices unite to foster deep healing and global understanding.  If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to retreat in a landscape straight out of The Sound of Music—surrounded by alpine peaks, wildflower meadows, and shimmering lakes—this experience is for you. If you enjoy local, non-touristy adventures, love hiking, and are curious about how you’re wired and how to grow into the best version of yourself, you’ll feel right at home

2026 Trip Details

Date:

May 23rd, 2026 - May 30th, 2026

Location:

Munich, Germany and Austrian Alps

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Journey Overview:

Embark on a transformative trek through the German and Austrian Alps - where mindful hiking, immersive cultural exchange, and CNIT’s evidence-based nature therapy practices unite to foster deep healing and global understanding.  If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to retreat in a landscape straight out of The Sound of Music—surrounded by alpine peaks, wildflower meadows, and shimmering lakes—this experience is for you. If you enjoy local, non-touristy adventures, love hiking, and are curious about how you’re wired and how to grow into the best version of yourself, you’ll feel right at home

FSA/HSA Eligibility (Medical Purpose):

This retreat is delivered under the clinical oversight of a licensed mental health professional and is intended for individuals seeking care for diagnosed stress- and anxiety-related conditions (e.g., generalized anxiety, depressive symptoms, trauma-related stress, burnout). The program includes structured psychoeducation, clinician-guided therapeutic skills practice, and mindfulness-based interventions tied to evidence-based mental health outcomes.

If your clinician determines the retreat is medically necessary for your condition, you may be able to use FSA/HSA funds with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN). Final eligibility is decided by your plan administrator. General wellness or vacation expenses aren’t eligible. 
 

What we provide for claims:

  • Itemized receipt with participant name, program dates, and the statement: “Clinician-supervised mental-health program with psychoeducation, therapeutic skills, and mindfulness-based interventions.”

  • Lead clinician credentials (name, license, and NPI) listed on your receipt/confirmation.

  • Sample LMN template (you and your clinician can adapt).

Administrators commonly request an LMN and a detailed receipt for programs/classes/retreats tied to treatment

Itinerary:

  • Day 1 – May 23
    Arrival in Munich. Group airport pickup at 1:00 PM, followed by transport to a small village outside the city. Warm welcome and orientation, introducing participants to the transformative activities and intention-setting for the journey ahead.​

  • Day 2 – May 24
    Pilgrimage to Abbey Andechs, highlighting themes of connection, spirituality, and community.​

  • Day 3 – May 25
    Psychoeducation on stress physiology.  Drive to the Austrian Alps. Begin engaging in tailored activities including hiking amidst majestic mountain scenery, cycling through pristine alpine parks, and nature-assisted exposure to restorative settings, mindfulness practices by serene lakes.​

  • Day 4 – May 26
    Clinician-guided CBT/mindfulness targeting anxiety symptoms.  Immersive alpine experience: extended hikes, cycling loops, and guided mindfulness practices in nature.​

  • Day 5 – May 27
    Morning alpine adventure followed by transition to a panoramic mountain lodge. Guided reflection to connect skills with personal goals.  Evening focus on rest, self-care, and resiliency practices.​

  • Day 6 – May 28
    Summit hikes for those seeking challenge; downtime at the mountain lodge for stillness and reflection.​  Skills practice aligned with your treatment plan

  • Day 7 – May 29
    Drive back to Bavaria. Closing evening with shared reflection, integration of experiences, and celebration of the journey.​  Optional brief 1:1 check-ins with a licensed clinician.

  • Day 8 – May 30
    Early morning transfer with drop-off at Munich Airport by 10:00 AM for departures. Participants leave carrying forward the enriching experiences and insights gained throughout the journey.

What Past Participants said:

"The capacity to push my body to work out all the pent up emotions and have a physical release was something I have never experienced in this way.  All of the negative emotions were able to be left on the mountain- I was transformed into a peaceful connection with the earth and nature became my greatest teacher. This allowed for a deep sense of equilibrium and inner serenity."

Bev Gorman, 2023 participant

Registe PIW

FAQ

Can I use FSA or HSA funds for this retreat?
Possibly. If your treating clinician provides a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) stating the retreat is recommended to treat a diagnosed condition (e.g., anxiety, depressive symptoms, trauma-related stress, burnout), many administrators will reimburse eligible program fees when you submit the LMN + our itemized receipt. Final approval is always up to your plan administrator.

What makes this retreat “medical” versus general wellness?
This program is delivered under the clinical oversight of a licensed mental health professional and includes structured psychoeducation, therapeutic skills practice, and mindfulness-based interventions tied to symptom reduction and functional improvement. It is intended for people seeking help with diagnosed stress- and anxiety-related conditions—not a leisure tour.

What documentation do I need for FSA/HSA reimbursement?

  1. LMN from your treating provider that lists your diagnosis (ICD-10 codes if available), why the retreat is medically necessary, and the dates.

  2. Our itemized receipt (participant name, dates, fee, and clinical supervision statement with credentials/NPI).

  3. If requested by your administrator, we can provide an attendance verification and a brief curriculum outline of the therapeutic components.

Will you provide a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) for me?
Your LMN must come from your treating clinician or physician. We’ll send you a sample LMN template you can share with them to make it easy.

Do you bill insurance or provide CPT codes?
We don’t bill insurance. This program is not coded as psychotherapy unless a clearly defined, documented therapy service is delivered that meets CPT requirements (e.g., 90834/90837) with appropriate notes. For FSA/HSA, most participants use the LMN + itemized receipt route for the program fee.

Which costs are typically eligible—and which aren’t?
Usually eligible: the program fee when supported by an LMN.
Usually not eligible: airfare, lodging, meals, tourism/excursions, gear, and other purely travel/recreation expenses. Your plan administrator makes the final call.

Is the retreat location (outside the U.S.) an issue for reimbursement?
Generally, no—what matters is the medical purpose documented by your LMN. We issue receipts in USD and include the clinical supervision statement and NPI to meet common administrator requests.

Who provides clinical oversight?
The program is clinically led/supervised by Dr. Heidi Schreiber-Pan, LCPC, License LC5637, NPI 1134510746
with additional licensed or supervised facilitators as needed. (We’re happy to add your plan’s preferred credential details to your receipt.)

What’s the daily structure from a clinical perspective?
Each day blends psychoeducation on stress physiology, clinician-guided CBT/mindfulness tools, nature-assisted practices, small-group reflections, and (when appropriate) brief 1:1 check-ins to support your treatment goals.

Is this appropriate for me? Who should not attend?
It’s designed for adults experiencing stress- and anxiety-related symptoms who can safely participate in moderate outdoor activity at altitude. It may not be appropriate for individuals with medical or psychiatric conditions that would be unsafe in a group/outdoor setting, those needing high-acuity care, or anyone currently unstable. Please consult your treating clinician and disclose relevant conditions on intake.

What about privacy and confidentiality in a group setting?
We follow group confidentiality guidelines and set clear safety norms. While we protect your privacy, remember that group members are not bound by HIPAA; we emphasize consent and respect for all participants.

Are there accessibility or physical requirements?
Activities include walking/hiking on uneven terrain at elevation. We offer titrated options and rest periods; however, a baseline level of mobility is required. If you need accommodations, contact us before booking so we can discuss fit and options.

Can I schedule follow-up sessions after the retreat?
Yes. Telehealth integration and optional follow-up sessions are available to reinforce skills and support continuity of care (additional fees may apply and are separate from the retreat fee).

How do payments, refunds, and FSA deadlines work?
You’ll receive an itemized receipt upon payment. If you’re using an FSA with a year-end deadline, consider paying before December 31 (or your plan’s grace period) and submit your claim promptly. Our cancellation/refund policy appears on the registration page; please review it before booking.

Can you split payments or work with my employer’s wellness benefit?
Yes—contact us if you need a payment plan or documents for employer benefits. Employer wellness dollars are separate from FSA/HSA rules.

What should I bring?
We’ll send a packing list (layers for mountain weather, sturdy footwear, daypack, water bottle). Specialized gear is optional; we’ll note any items that are required for safety.

How large is the group?
We keep groups intentionally small to maintain safety, individualized coaching, and clinical quality. Typical range: 8–16 participants.

What if the weather is bad?
We use a “safety first” approach and have indoor/covered alternatives that preserve the therapeutic objectives for the day.

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