Supporting Our Military Families: Discovery Ranch is In-Network with TriWest
Expanding Access to TRICARE Residential Treatment Centers for Military Families
Military life comes with a unique set of challenges, and those challenges can take a toll on the entire family. Frequent relocations, deployments, and the stress of reintegration can disrupt a teen’s emotional stability, academic performance, and sense of identity. For some teens, the pressure builds quietly until it shows up as anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, or withdrawal.
At Discovery Ranch, we recognize the strength it takes to serve and the strength it takes to seek help. We are proud to partner with TRICARE to provide military families with greater access to the life-changing care we offer through our TRICARE residential treatment center.
Our commitment to military families goes beyond insurance coverage. We understand the impact that military culture, transitions, and stress can have on teens, and we’re here to help your son reconnect with himself, his family, and pursue a healthier path forward.
As one of the trusted TRICARE residential treatment centers, Discovery Ranch offers expert support, trauma-informed therapy, and academic continuity for military-connected youth.
You don’t have to figure this out alone. We’ll help you understand your TRICARE coverage and answer any questions you have about admissions.
Transformative Journey: Testimonials from Alumni
What Your Teen Will Receive in Residential Treatment at Discovery Ranch
When a teen is struggling with their mental or emotional health, residential treatment can provide the structure, support, and clinical care they need to heal. TRICARE typically covers the essential services involved in residential treatment for adolescents, as long as the care is deemed medically necessary and pre-authorized.
As part of the TRICARE residential treatment center network, Discovery Ranch provides a comprehensive continuum of care tailored to meet the distinct needs of military families and their teens.
Our comprehensive approach includes:
Medical Oversight
- Routine medical care and nursing support
- Coordination with outside specialists as needed
Eligibility & How to Get Started
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes. Discovery Ranch is an in-network provider with TRICARE, which means eligible families may receive full or partial coverage for residential treatment. Coverage varies based on your specific plan and region, but we’ll help you verify your benefits and understand what’s included.
Yes. TRICARE requires pre-authorization for residential treatment, and a referral from your Primary Care Manager (PCM) may also be necessary, depending on your plan. Our admissions team can walk you through the process, including what documentation is needed and how to request a referral.
Authorization times can vary depending on your plan and how quickly required documentation is submitted. Our team works closely with TRICARE to expedite approvals whenever possible and will keep you informed throughout the process.
Absolutely. Family involvement is a key part of healing. We offer weekly family therapy sessions (often via video), regular updates from your son’s treatment team, parent support calls, and optional in-person visits and workshops.
Your son will receive a comprehensive, individualized treatment plan that includes:
- Individual, group, and family therapy
- Psychiatric care and medication management
- Accredited academics
- Experiential therapies (equine, adventure, recreation)
- 24/7 support from trained staff
All care is delivered in a structured, relationship-focused environment that promotes emotional growth and lasting change.
Coverage depends on your specific TRICARE plan, region, and whether the care is deemed medically necessary. Many families do receive significant financial support through TRICARE. Our admissions and billing teams will provide a detailed estimate once benefits are verified.
Yes. Discovery Ranch accepts students from across the United States and from military families stationed overseas. To accommodate families who can’t travel, we can also facilitate family therapy sessions via video call. We’ll work with you to coordinate travel and ensure a smooth transition.
Yes. We understand the complex demands of military life, including unpredictable deployment schedules and restricted availability due to base responsibilities. Our clinical and admissions teams are flexible and experienced in coordinating with military families to make family therapy and updates as accessible as possible, whether that’s through email, secure messaging, or scheduling sessions at times that align with your availability. Your deployment status and location are kept completely confidential. We treat your personal information with the highest level of privacy and discretion.
Yes. Discovery Ranch offers a structured, values-driven environment that promotes accountability, resilience, and personal growth. Through therapeutic mentorship, leadership opportunities, and experiential therapy (including equine and adventure activities), we help teens build confidence, internal motivation, and a strong work ethic.
Yes. Discovery Ranch typically uses HIPAA-compliant video platforms such as Zoom for Healthcare or similar secure solutions approved for clinical communication. If you have specific security or software requirements due to your military position, our team will work with you to find an approved platform that meets both TRICARE standards and your base's policies.
Why Choose Discovery Ranch
Discovery Ranch is more than a treatment center; it’s a place where struggling teens begin to heal, reconnect, and grow into the people they’re meant to be. For military families navigating the complexities of deployment, reintegration, and frequent transitions, we offer a stable, clinically sophisticated environment designed to meet your teen where they are.
As a leading option among TRICARE residential treatment centers, we bring together structure, compassion, and evidence-based care for long-term healing.
Evidence-Based, Trauma-Informed Therapy
We specialize in working with teens who are carrying complex emotional burdens, often shaped by trauma, loss, or instability. Our therapists use proven, evidence-based modalities tailored to each student’s needs, including:
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CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) to build coping skills and reduce negative thinking patterns
- DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) to improve emotional regulation and relationship skills
- EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) to help teens process trauma and anxiety safely
Our approach is relational and deeply individualized, helping teens feel safe, seen, and supported.
Family Involvement at Every Step
We believe healing happens within the family system. That’s why we involve parents every step of the way through:
- Weekly family therapy (remote or in-person)
- Parent coaching and support calls
- Therapeutic family visits and structured on-campus workshops
We partner with you, not just your teen, so your family can heal and grow together.
On-Site Accredited Academics
Frequent moves and emotional distress can disrupt a teen’s academic journey. At Discovery Ranch, your son will receive a fully accredited education on campus, allowing him to continue learning while receiving the treatment he needs. Our certified teachers and academic advisors create personalized plans to help students catch up, recover credits, and rebuild confidence in the classroom.
Experiential & Recreational Therapy
We engage students beyond traditional talk therapy through powerful, hands-on experiences, including:
- Equine-assisted therapy to build trust, responsibility, and connection
- Adventure therapy, such as hiking, rock climbing, and ropes courses
- Recreation and fitness to promote wellness and emotional regulation
These experiences help teens build resilience, self-awareness, and leadership, all vital qualities for military-connected youth.
Experienced, Compassionate Staff
Our multidisciplinary team of licensed therapists, medical professionals, teachers, and mentors is deeply experienced in working with teens from military families. We understand the impact of stress, separation, and identity shifts, and we’re here to offer steady, expert support every step of the way.
A Place of Stability, Structure, and Growth
Discovery Ranch provides a consistent, structured, and emotionally safe environment where teens can break free from negative patterns and rediscover who they are. For military families facing unique stressors, we offer a pathway toward healing that’s grounded in compassion, clinical excellence, and lasting change.
You Have Questions, We Have Answers. Your Call is Confidential.
Hope Restored: Stories of Success from Our Teen Treatment Center
The Journey to Healing Our Successful Treatment Outcomes
At Discovery Ranch, we understand the critical role of specialized care in your son's journey towards overcoming mental health challenges. Our teen treatment program is meticulously crafted to meet the unique needs of each of our students and is delivered by experts accredited by distinguished institutions. Emphasizing the importance of family participation in the recovery process, our center aims to cultivate resilience and personal development in young people, setting a course for triumphant healing.
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.