ABOUT RECOVERY RANCH
Recovery Ranch, located in Santa Ynez near Santa Barbara, California, is a long-term residential rehabilitation center for adolescent boys and adult men struggling with substance abuse. The program is highly structured, incorporating 12-step practices and work therapy. Recovery Ranch does not provide treatment for individuals with dual diagnosis or detox services, in alignment with the majority of California facilities.
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
Recovery Ranch places a strong emphasis on the 12 Steps and the life principles outlined in John Wooden’s book, “Wooden.” However, no additional information is provided regarding traditional counseling or psychotherapy related to addiction. The program follows a rigorous schedule and maintains high behavioral standards, creating a therapeutic community.
The ranch operates five in-house businesses, offering clients the opportunity to learn and practice various skills such as catering, auto detailing, rose cultivation, and apparel production. Younger residents are encouraged to continue their education through the facility’s accredited online program. Additionally, residents participate in community projects and volunteer outside the facility.
Although recreational therapy is prioritized and clients are encouraged to engage in sports and social activities, free time is limited as part of the recovery process. The facility’s baseball team represents the rehab center in the Santa Barbara league. Family visitation is allowed but must be pre-arranged and scheduled on Sundays.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
The majority of staff members at Recovery Ranch are program graduates who hold positions as house managers, business specialists, recreational leaders, and project coordinators. Although limited information is available, it is important to note that Recovery Ranch is among the 9.1 percent of facilities in California that are not accredited, certified, or licensed.
ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES
Recovery Ranch provides accommodation in nine houses, including four on the main property and five in Santa Ynez and Santa Barbara. These houses can accommodate approximately 60 clients. Most bedrooms are shared, though there are some private rooms available for senior clients or program graduates who wish to continue living and working at the ranch.
The facility offers various amenities such as a swimming pool, arcade, coffee shop, and movie theater built by residents. The website showcases images of well-appointed dining tables, comfortable living room furniture, manicured lawns, scenic mountain views, and exercise equipment. Program participants are responsible for the upkeep of buildings and grounds.
WHAT ALUMNI SAY
Two alumni surveyed by Best-rehabs.com provided positive ratings for Recovery Ranch. They expressed satisfaction with accommodations, amenities, meals, exercise opportunities, leisure activities, and facility cleanliness, rating these aspects with four or five stars out of five. Only one of the alumni evaluated staff training and experience, as well as the availability of holistic treatment, giving them a rating of four stars and two stars respectively. Google ratings also indicate positive feedback, with an average rating of 4.4 out of five stars from 27 reviewers. Most alumni reviewers reported successful outcomes after treatment, mentioning restored family relationships, steady employment, clean legal records, and continued education. Many reviews were written by graduates who participated in the living and work programs. One alumnus shared, “I came to the ranch a year and a half ago not wanting to live. I got here, sick and tired and messed up and the first thing everyone gave me was care. I didn’t want to get sober and everyone related to me and told me there was a better way to live.”
WHAT FRIENDS & FAMILY SAY
A family member surveyed by Best-rehabs.com offered a critical review. While praising the accommodations, they expressed concerns about other aspects of the program. They echoed the alumni’s comments regarding graduates feeling obligated to stay and work at the ranch. The family member’s main issue was the lack of discharge planning and aftercare support their grandchild received. Consequently, they would not recommend the program to others.
Google reviews from friends and family also highlighted the facility’s reliance on peers and graduates to staff the facility, but generally held a more positive view. One review stated, “There is no need for healthcare professionals, these guys know what they are doing and if you talk to the graduates, you will find some very happy accomplished men.”
FINANCING
Information regarding the facility’s cost, access to financial assistance, and insurance coverage is currently unavailable on the website. However, the two alumni who submitted reviews to Best-rehabs.com mentioned that the treatment was worth the cost.
[1] Google Reviews