Therapeutic Program

Most youth who come to Diamond Ranch Academy have spent significant time in therapy and little change has occurred. Therapy at the ranch is different. We are able to provide a more effective treatment because of the natural setting of the ranch and because of the interplay between therapy, academics, and programming (day to day life). Our therapists work closely with the student and have nearly daily contact with each student. This leads to the development of strong therapeutic relationships and makes therapy much more effective.

Like a crutch used until a person can stand on their own, we believe therapy is essential to the well-being of our students. Every aspect of Diamond Ranch Academy is centered on helping the youth to change. Change is synonymous with therapy. A youth ready and willing to change and capable of implementing change is a youth who is experiencing effective therapy. Four main types of therapy are offered at Diamond Ranch Academy: 1) Milieu Therapy, 2) Group Therapy, 3) Family Therapy, and 4) Individual Therapy.

1. Milieu Therapy
Milieu (Mill-you) Therapy consists of the entire structure and environment of Diamond Ranch. This includes a token economy and the process of student advancement. It also includes the open ranch setting where students can be outdoors in a beautiful, safe environment. Through milieu therapy, the youth learn the law of the harvest, the consequences of their actions, and basic life and interpersonal skills. In it’s simplicity, milieu therapy is everything Diamond Ranch Academy offers your youth.

2. Group Therapy
Group Therapy is a very effective approach for helping teens. We offer group therapy in many formats. Skills Development groups focus on the basic skills of self-esteem, communication, anger management, problem solving, dating, etc. These groups occur almost daily. Traditional therapy groups with a focus on emotional issues such as abandonment, abuse, and depression, are also conducted by the therapists. Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous are conducted in a group setting, generally on a weekly basis.

3. Family Therapy
Family Therapy is offered in two general forms: 1) phone calls between the youth, the family, and the therapist and 2) parent visits to Diamond Ranch Academy. We encourage parents to become involved in the change process along with their youth. To assist in this process, all parents are invited to attend Parent Seminars, when the student achieves the appropriate level. Study materials are also given to parents to assist in this process.

4. Individual Therapy
Individual therapy at Diamond Ranch Academy is an important part of the change process. Our licensed therapists assist the students in every aspect of the change process. A minimum of one hour each week is spent in one-on-one counseling. Sometimes the therapist will split this time into smaller increments so students with ADD/ADHD can benefit from therapy within a limited attention span.

Our individual therapy sessions offer alternative ways for youth to deal with impulse control, anger, defiance, manipulation, and other emotional and conduct disorders.

Therapy begins as soon as the student enters the program. Treatment at Diamond Ranch Academy is enhanced by close communication between therapists and other program components. They all work together to assist the student in achieving the desired life changes.

Many times individual therapy takes place outside next to a pond, under a tree, or on a walk, creating a more effective and relaxed atmosphere for the youth.