The Therapeutic Cornerstone

Hope Ranch utilizes a family systems approach to treatment.  The family is seen as an integral part of their student’s success and participates in treatment through Family Enrichment Conferences offered each quarter, therapy phone calls as needed, and individual and group family therapy during conferences.  Much of the student’s “Journey” focuses on family processes and the student’s role within their family system.

Within the systems framework, Hope Ranch therapists utilize 12-step groups in working with addiction.  They also utilize cognitive-behavior interventions, Adlerian “needs-based” approaches, and insight-oriented therapy and the therapeutic milieu.  In addition, Hope Ranch therapists include the faith beliefs of the students and families in treatment.  We also believe in the therapeutic benefits of expressive arts and animals.  A positive peer culture is foundational to the therapy that occurs, and students in upper levels of the program encourage, teach, guide and mentor students on the lower levels.

Hope Ranch strives to offer treatment in a caring, supportive, and non-judgmental atmosphere, respecting the students and family.  The therapists also strive to offer clear strategies and evaluation for healthy student lifestyle choices and successful student and family relationships. 

Hope Ranch serves students who are not succeeding in their home environment due to truancy from school, running away from home, oppositional to parents or other authority, depression, anxiety or drug experimentation.  We also serve students who are having difficulty making good decisions with their peer group or with the opposite sex, students who have a history of trauma or abuse, and students who are failing in traditional education models.

An initial intake assessment is completed shortly after each student’s arrival.  A treatment plan is then developed (including both the family’s and student’s input).  Therapy for each student includes:

·         Individual meetings with her therapist:  To work on the individual therapeutic goals established in the treatment plan.

·         Small group therapy:  To provide peer support on more sensitive issues and give psychodynamic education on various topics.  Groups are assigned on a quarterly basis and each student attends at least 3 group sessions each week during that quarter.

·         Parent Conferences & Retreats:  To give each student and her family the opportunity for therapy together.