Diamond Ranch Academy therapists are caring, experienced, registered mental health care professionals. The DRA is a leading boarding school for teens in need of some type of rehabilitation. The academy caters for teenagers aged 12 to 18 years. It is situated on a magnificent 200 acre property in the state of Utah, USA.

Every therapist has qualified with a Doctorate or Masters degree. They counsel students individually, in groups and with family. They also supervise the academy’s case managers who organize parental visits, psycho-educational groups, and other spheres of the program.

Every sphere of the rehabilitation program at the academy is designed to be therapeutic. Even fun elements are focused on rehabilitation. These include clubs and activities, family groups, work projects, equine therapy, animal care, and fishing. Each is geared to have a therapeutic impact on the students.

Although the main object is to deal with a student’s behavioral problems, every student is encouraged to achieve good academic results. To this end, the academy has an outstanding academic curriculum. While at the DRA, each student will experience his or her own personal journey to self-discovery. The academy’s motto, ‘Healing Families, One Youth at a Time’ clearly defines its ethos.

Using its trademarked Real Life Transition Program, the DRA concentrates on reinforcing responsibility and accountability in each student’s life. Within the first 2 weeks of enrolment, the Clinical Director will assess the student. After this, a principal therapist will be assigned to work with her or him.

This principal therapist will conduct individual sessions and family sessions every second week. In the early stages, family therapy is done via a telephone in ‘conference’ mode. Intensive group therapy takes place every week. In addition, students are able to attend sessions conducted by Narcotics Anonymous.

Twice a week, psycho-educational sessions are held. The object of these is to teach students to understand themselves and how to improve relationships with others. At these gatherings, a number of relevant topics are discussed. These include addiction, loss or grief, peer pressure, social skills, or anger management.

Family therapy starts when the student has completed the ‘homeless’ component of the program. The therapist will contact the family every second week and discuss progress and any other relevant issues. He or she will also determine when personal visits may commence.

All counseling sessions with students and their families are held in strict confidence. No information will be divulged without a parent’s written consent. Likewise, therapists do not disclose details of any therapy sessions with students. The only exception is if someone’s life is in danger. An example would be possible suicide.

It usually takes about 10 weeks before a student is eligible for personal family visits. Sometimes, it can take as long as 3 or 4 months before this can occur. Once eligible, a student may be visited once a month.

Parents can have access to Diamond Ranch Academy therapists whenever they wish. Each has an email address and a personal phone line. Parents are expected to keep in regular contact with their child’s therapist. The academy never excludes family members from the rehabilitation program. In fact, family comprises an essential part of the process.

Diamond Ranch Academy offers a facility for teens who need recovery services while continuing their progress through the educational system. Scared Straight is one of the programs offered to help adolescents turn their lives in a new direction.

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