Matt works with bright, manipulative, oppositional, and sensitive kids who are often depressed or anxious. He is an expert in treating adolescents with ADHD, including working with neurodiverse young people on the spectrum, and those with processing and other learning issues. Matt has extensive experience in treating adolescents with adoption and attachment issues, and those struggling with grief and loss. He supports clients dealing with trauma gradually, through a narrative and process-oriented manner, assisting them in taking incremental steps in facing what they are ready to face in the present. He works well with clients who have medical issues that require special consideration or related therapeutic issues. His clients often present with a complicated clinical picture and at times have substance use issues secondary to other more significant issues.

Education & Prior Work Experience

Dr. Hoag earned his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Brigham Young University. He is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and has been practicing in Utah since 1994. Matt has specialized in the treatment and assessment of adolescents and their families in nature-based therapy for over twenty-five years. He co-founded Entrada, now Evoke at Entrada, in 2004. Currently, he is a therapist for adolescent boys and Clinical Director at Entrada.
Prior to engaging in nature-based therapy, Matt worked in private practice, a children’s hospital, and outpatient clinics in Utah and Kansas. He has published more than 20 articles regarding group dynamics and psychotherapy, programs for juvenile delinquents, childhood sexual abuse, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, and the efficacy of nature-based therapy. As the Director of Research at Evoke, Dr. Hoag has presented on research and theoretical models at national and regional psychological conferences and he continues to be a leader in the area of nature-based therapy research.

Matt served on the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Program’s research committee to further research efforts within the NATSAP community.

Strengths

Matt utilizes a creative and passionate approach, using wilderness skills to facilitate process and address resistance, while remaining emotionally supportive, and challenging as appropriate. Matt is creative and adept at using the strengths of his field staff to facilitate change. Matt is skilled at working with families who struggle with challenging dynamics.

Interests

Matt is the oldest of 5 children, born in New Orleans, Louisiana, and raised in Minnesota. He is a Vikings and Timberwolves fan, and overall sports fan. He is passionate about many things and often becomes “addicted” to his current hobby (according to those that know him well). Matt’s current passions are mountain biking and hiking throughout Utah. He enjoys spending time with his family (four daughters and one son) playing card games, hiking, kayaking, and being outdoors. He loves spending time with his three grandchildren, ages 8, 6 and 3, and may spoil them regularly. Matt also enjoys collecting art, playing pinball, and exploring trails. He has been married for 35 years and enjoys traveling with his wife.