Sorenson’s Ranch School is a residential treatment facility for teens combining therapy, experiential learning, behavior modification, and education to address behavioral health issues, including drug and alcohol abuse. Treatment includes individual, group, and family therapy, and a specialized equine therapy program. Additional services include life skills, relapse prevention, and anger management classes.
ABOUT SORENSON’S RANCH
Set on a functioning farm in the small mountain valley town of Koosharem, UT, Sorenson’s Ranch is a residential treatment facility and therapeutic boarding school for adolescents ages 12 to 18. The facility provides comprehensive programs to treat individuals struggling with substance abuse, maladaptive behavior, and mental health problems. Family-run and in operation for more than 30 years, Sorenson’s Ranch also provides a competency-based, accredited school curriculum on-site.
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
Upon admission, clients are evaluated on past behavior, psychological testing, and academic aptitude, so that an individualized treatment plan can be created.
The facility uses a range of evidence-based techniques to modify behavior and promote mental and emotional health including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and motivational interviewing (MI). Along with their academic obligations, residents participate in individual, group, and family counseling and attend specialized support groups, which may address anger management, grief, adoption issues, trauma, substance abuse, mental health, and other relevant topics.
To ensure academic proficiency, students must achieve at least an 80 percent in each class to advance. If not, a tutor will be assigned to help the student improve his or her grade.
Experiential learning is also a major component of the program at Sorenson’s Ranch. Residents care for the farm’s animals (horses, pigs, and sheep) and perform daily chores on the grounds. Clients may also participate in equine therapy, which includes training horses for competitions. Recreational and leisure activities include organized sports, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, camping, waterskiing, and more.
The average length of stay at the facility is between nine and 16 months, and is based on the resident’s specific needs.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
Sorenson’s Ranch employs a full-time staff of licensed medical and psychiatric professionals, along with clinicians with an expertise in reactive detachment disorder, substance abuse, family dynamics, and sexual abuse. More than 40 child care specialists support these clinicians. The school’s classes average between six and 12 students and its staff includes a school counselor, a special education teacher, and a team of certified educators.
ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES
The facility has 75 beds and houses students in cabin-style dorms with connecting bathrooms, with about four students to a room. The campus includes a classroom complex, an industrial arts center, an indoor gym, a fine arts center, a game room, playing fields, barns and corrals, and a library.
WHAT ALUMNI SAY
To date only one alumni has responded to the Best-rehabs.com survey. Alum K.C. gave a negative review about the facility, giving most categories, including treatment effectiveness, ratings of only one out of five stars. K.C. did rate the staff’s level of training and experience a perfect five stars though they wrote: “Staff have low respect for kids we are treated like criminals 24/7”
On secondary sites responses are more positive but still generally mixed. On Google the facility received an average rating of three out of five stars across 38 reviews.
WHAT FRIENDS & FAMILY SAY
Only one loved one has submitted responses to Best-rehabs.com at time of writing. P.J.D. gave the facility a perfect five star rating for several categories, including: accommodations, meals and nutrition, cleanliness, counseling options, staff support, executive leadership, and involvement of family in treatment. She gave the facility a two out of five stars rating for holistic offerings.
FINANCING
Fees start at $5,500 per month and $16,500 for 90 days. Some private insurance is accepted.
Updated November 2017