Top Teen Residential Treatment Center for Boys
Don't let your son suffer in silence! At Discovery Ranch, we offer premier residential treatment for teen boys struggling with mental health challenges.
Inspiring Stories
From Crisis to Healing: A Family's Residential Treatment Story
Follow a family's transformative journey through residential treatment, marked by challenges, honest conversations, and lasting change. This podcast series explores critical topics such as recognizing when treatment becomes necessary, the importance of family involvement, building trust, and finding strength in the healing process. Their story offers hope and practical wisdom for families facing similar struggles.
Transformative Journey: Testimonials from Alumni
When You're Worried About Your Son's Future There's a Path to Healing
If your family is struggling, and you're concerned about your teenage son's mental health, you're not alone. At Discovery Ranch, we provide a supportive and healing environment, combining personalized care with therapeutic experiences designed to help sensitive boys overcome challenges, build resilience, and develop the skills for a brighter future.
We understand you want the best for your son. That's why we offer:
- Tailored Support: Individualized treatment to address his unique needs
- Experienced Guidance: Highly experienced therapists and staff to provide expert care
- Comprehensive Therapy: A wide range of therapy options for deeper healing
- Strong Family Connection: Extensive opportunities for family involvement and support
- Focus on Success: A commitment to academic excellence to support his future
This comprehensive approach is designed to effectively address the specific needs of teenage boys and help your family find a path toward recovery.
We've helped over 1000 families, and 96% of our students acknowledge the positive impact of our program. You can find further reinforcement of this in our outcome studies and testimonials from grateful parents.
A podcast for parents of teen boys facing mental health struggles. Learn how to support your son’s emotional resilience through expert advice, therapy insights, and practical tools for creating a safe, empowering environment.
Who is the Ideal Student for Discovery Ranch
During the development of our teen treatment center, we noticed a significant pattern: the majority of our students can be categorized as highly sensitive teenagers. While this unique characteristic can be a wonderful gift, it also puts these young individuals in a vulnerable position when they lack the necessary coping skills and resilience. The heightened sensitivity in teenagers can lead to various challenges, including intense emotional disturbances and complex behavioral health issues. This is largely due to their intricate and deeply felt responses to their surroundings and social interactions. As this sensitivity often contributes to a range of mental health challenges, Discovery Ranch has expertise in assisting teenagers who face the following difficulties:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Trauma and PTSD
- Anger
- Level 1 Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Relationship problems
- Social struggles
- Out-of-control behaviors
- Risky behaviors
- School refusal
- Co-occurring disorders
- And much more
The Journey to Healing Insights from Discovery Ranch Alumni
Our commitment to delivering the best care possible for your adolescent at Discovery Ranch. We leverage the transformative power of outcomes to accomplish this goal. Outcomes, which go beyond simple statistics, are critical in monitoring client progress, assessing program effectiveness, and driving ongoing enhancements.
Integrated CARE Model: Our Clinical, Academic, Residential, and Experiential Departments All Work Together.
At Discovery Ranch, all of our professional departments work together with the same goal in mind: helping your teen learn, grow, and heal so your family can be whole again. Using an Integrated Care model, our Clinical, Academic, Residential, and Experiential departments all work together to streamline your teen's experience. These departments will provide ongoing feedback and support that will help your teen achieve their therapeutic goals on a daily basis.
Cinical
At Discovery Ranch, our expert therapeutic team specializes in helping struggling teens. Each clinician is highly qualified, holding a Master's or Doctorate, and focuses their specialized interventions on a small group of just six students. This approach guarantees personalized care for your son, providing peace of mind with our top-quality support.
Academic
At Discovery Ranch, we understand that challenges like a mental illness, health concerns, anxiety, school avoidance, depression, and learning difficulties can impact your son's education. Our school provides tailored classes, including credit recovery, regular, honors, and AP options, to help your son catch up or accelerate his learning journey. We're committed to supporting his unique educational needs.
Residential
Nestled in the majestic Rocky Mountains on a sprawling 20+ acre campus, Discovery Ranch provides a premier environment for your son's personal growth. Our comprehensive residential program boasts highly skilled staff and exceptional indoor and outdoor facilities for equine therapy, ranch activities, and sports, ensuring each activity promotes therapeutic and meaningful progress. Through engaging in various activities and community service, your son will build success, self-confidence, and the resilience needed to face life's challenges.
Experiential
At Discovery Ranch, we focus on experiential therapy, building strong connections through daily interactions with our dedicated team, including therapists, mentors, and teachers. Your son will engage in therapy while participating in hands-on activities like Equine Therapy, Rec Therapy, and Sand Tray Therapy. This immersive approach ensures constant therapeutic engagement, making the experience more effective for struggling teens. Our proven method fosters lasting success in our program.
Building a Brighter Future for Your Son
Understanding the unique challenges and emotional turmoil that families face when their teenage sons are struggling with mental health difficulties. With our extensive experience, gained through successfully assisting numerous families to navigate the complexities of mental health challenges, we are deeply committed to providing the most effective care and support.
At Discovery Ranch, we recognize that every teenager and family situation is unique. That's why we've developed tailored treatment solutions specifically designed to address the individual needs of struggling teenage boys and their families. Our approach is personalized, ensuring that we not only meet but exceed the specific requirements and expectations of each family we work with.
Our treatment program is carefully crafted to encompass a range of therapeutic modalities and supportive interventions, all aimed at fostering healing and growth. We focus on the following key components:
By selecting Discovery Ranch, you are making a valuable investment in your son's emotional well-being and academic success. Our team of experienced professionals will create personalized therapy plans to cater to his needs. Moreover, our supportive community is committed to fostering his growth and development.
Enriching Experiences:
Outdoor Adventures and More at
Discovery Ranch
Discover How Our Residential Treatment Helps Teenage Boys in Crisis!
You Have Questions, We Have Answers. Your Call is Confidential.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can parents recognize if their child needs residential treatment?
Recognizing the need for teen residential treatment program can be a challenging decision for parents. Here are some signs to consider:
- Failed Outpatient Therapy: If previous attempts at outpatient therapy have been unsuccessful in addressing the child's behavioral or emotional issues, it may indicate the need for a more intensive level of care.
- Persistent Behavioral Issues: Parents should pay attention to persistent behavioral issues at home or school that have not improved despite interventions. Waiting until a crisis occurs or until the child reaches a critical age, such as approaching 18, may delay necessary treatment.
- Lack of Accountability: When there is a lack of accountability in therapy sessions, where the child may manipulate or avoid addressing their issues, it can signal the need for a structured environment like residential treatment. In outpatient therapy, there may be limited involvement of parents, leading to a disconnect between therapy sessions and real-life situations.
- Resistance to Change: If the child shows resistance to change or lacks motivation to engage in therapy, despite clear signs of distress or dysfunction, it may indicate the need for a more intensive treatment approach.
Parents should not wait until a crisis occurs or until other interventions have failed before considering a residential treatment program. Recognizing persistent issues, lack of progress in therapy, and resistance to change are key indicators that may suggest the need for a higher level of care for their child.
How Does Discovery Ranch Incorporate Family Involvement Into the Treatment Process?
Discovery Ranch strives to heal your family as a whole. You and your son will work to rebuild your relationship with weekly family therapy sessions, family visits, and Parent Day Seminars. You will also be able to observe your son's progress through our secure, password-protected parent portal. For many parents, this focus on parental participation is the reason they choose our program.
How Does Discovery Ranch Ensure a Therapeutic and Supportive Environment for My Son's Healing Journey?
The entire residential facility is designed to create a rich therapeutic and healing environment. In this experiential, safe, and supportive environment, your son will confront his challenges with the goal of healing and increasing his capacity which builds his self-confidence and self-esteem. You can be assured that your son will not confront these challenges alone. He will have the support of well-trained and experienced clinical, academic, residential, and experiential staff members. Your son will have the opportunity to build the strength and resilience he needs to thrive at home.
Why is the Schedule, Structure, and Routine So Important for the Boys at Discovery Ranch?
Our structured environment promotes predictability and safety. This lays the groundwork for building trust and establishing positive relationships. We call this the "relational model." This structured environment teaches students the concept of cause-and-effect, that our actions have consequences. Over time as they learn these concepts, the prominence of this structure becomes less important, allowing relationships to blossom.
So rather than hindering relationships, the structure serves as a catalyst, providing clear boundaries and frameworks that foster trust and flourishing connections within a safe space.
Discovery Ranch Uses a "Relational" and a "Relationship-Based" Approach. What Does That Mean?
Relational meaning that there is a cause and effect. That our actions have consequences and effect our lives.
Relationship-based: as students grow beyond being motivated by relational means, they gain motivation, self awareness, and strength to change from the relationships they nurture in their lives.
What Outdoor Activities Are Available for My Son While at Discovery Ranch?
While at Discovery Ranch, your son will participate in a variety of outdoor activities. This will provide him with the experience of a lifetime because Utah has a natural landscape that is second to none. The ranch has the best of both worlds: a small-town atmosphere with access to world-class skiing, and outdoor activities surrounded by beautiful mountains and close to two major universities and hospitals.
How Much Therapy Do the Boys at Discovery Ranch Get Each Week?
The Boys at Discovery Ranch Receive a Total of 10 to 15 Hours of Therapy Each Week.
What Kinds of Therapy Do the Boys at Discovery Ranch Participate in Each Week?
Therapy plays a crucial role in promoting the well-being of adolescents at Discovery Ranch. Boys at the ranch receive a total of 10 to 15 hours of therapy each week.
This consists of 10 hours of therapy that every student takes part in, including:
- Individual therapy
- Family therapy
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Recreational therapy
- Equine therapy
- Social skills development
- Process groups
- Caseload intervention groups
In addition to the regularly scheduled therapy every week, each student will also have the opportunity to participate in an additional 1 to 5 hours of group therapy that is specifically designed to meet their individual needs. These personalized interventions may cover topics like:
- healthy relationships
- neurofeedback
- navigating adoption and attachment
- coping with grief and loss
- overcoming trauma & PTSD
- and more depending on the current needs of the students at Discovery Ranch.
Why Does Discovery Ranch Require Its Students to Adopt Calves as Part of the Program?
Through the calf program, teenagers are given the opportunity to develop a sense of love and responsibility by caring for calves. This program effectively transforms self-centered attitudes into an understanding of the value of hard work, sacrifice, and service. Teenagers experience a sense of achievement when their calf thrives and in the event of its passing, the program provides a structured and safe environment to deal with the emotions of loss. As the calves mature, teenagers learn about letting go and apply those lessons to their everyday life and relationships. Through this program, teenagers gain insight into concepts such as grief, attachment, and detachment, ultimately building resilience in a secure and supportive environment.
What Extracurricular Activities Are Offered at Discovery Ranch?
In addition to taking part in the equine therapy and horsemanship programs, he will have access to the fully-equipped music studio. He can participate in various sports teams, such as basketball, flag football, wrestling, and cross-country running. As part of the therapeutic learning process, all boys participate in weekly ropes activities that build character and help develop lifelong skills.
What is the School Like at Discovery Ranch?
At Discovery Ranch, you don't have to worry about choosing therapy over academics. Here, academics and therapy go hand-in-hand. Your teen will be part of a small, nurturing learning community. This is possible because the academic support is highly individualized. Your teen will not have to compete for attention among thirty or more students. Here, teacher and teacher's aides teach a class of four to twelve students. Your teen will experience individualized attention every day. Discovery Ranch has successfully guided many students through high school completion and assisted in the transition to college, vocational training, and employment.
Backed by The Joint Commission which ensures programs adhere to the highest quality of clinical and medical practices.
Designated as a NATSAP Research Program, showing our commitment to well-researched practices in our program.
Full member of the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSAP), which ensures regulation of programs that serve children and adolescents.
Discovery Ranch is fully licensed in the state of Utah.
This program is proud to be Cognia Accredited.
Discovery Ranch is a certified Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), allowing us to welcome and support international students.
Founding member of Choose Mental Health, guiding families with questions about mental health.
Is your son struggling? Let us help! Take our free teen assessment today to see if residential treatment is the solution for your family.
Completing the assessment is free. It does not represent any obligation.
Find out more about the assessment.
We respect your privacy. We will not share your information.