Therapeutic Model and Approach
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
We believe that God has a purpose and a plan for every boy who comes to Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch. It’s not just about teaching boys how to stay out of trouble. It’s about seeing our students reach their full potential and experience the hope and future that God intended for them. We believe that every boy that comes to us has the ability to become a man of character and integrity. His attitudes can become positive, and he can be successful in his relationships with others.
Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch utilizes an integrated model of intervention. Our program makes use of behavioral elements, experiential activities, therapeutic interventions, and social/interpersonal activities.
All of these elements are presented in a loving Christian environment.
On our campus we feature a licensed addiction treatment program, which helps boys with addictions. We treat substance abuse, alcoholism, and addictions to gambling, pornography, and online gaming.
Mental and Behavioral Therapies
Our methods are Biblically-based and incorporate concepts and techniques from various psychological approaches including:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy-CBT/Dialectical Behavior Therapy-DBT/Evidence-based Therapies/EMDR/Individual Therapy/Family Therapy/Group Therapy/Adventure Therapy/Sand Tray Therapy/Mindfulness/Motivational Interviewing/Crisis Management/Psycho-Educational Therapy/Equine-Assisted Psychological Therapy
Helping Boys Make Good Choices
Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch helps young teen boys regain control of their behavior by helping them to recognize the unproductive patterns in their lives and encouraging them to seek new solutions to life’s problems and difficulties.
We believe that students can and should take responsibility for their behavior and choices. While there may be life tragedies or difficulties which have contributed to a boy’s problematic behavior, he can learn to make better choices regardless of his situation or past. Effective solutions to life’s difficulties can be found, and healing from life’s hurts can be experienced.
Adventure-Based Therapy, Fitness and Recreation
As the name implies, Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch provides Adventure based therapy and other non-traditional forms of treatment. We have a certified CrossFit gym, basketball court, a 15-element ropes course with dual zip lines, a fishing pond, and many other on-campus activities. We take advantage of the outdoors and regularly go camping, hiking, rappelling, rock climbing, etc. Our residents learn to integrate fitness and activity into their recovery and life management plan. Along with our staff, peers in the program are a critical force in showing the way, because these individuals who have been in the program longer and naturally mentor and want to lift up the newer residents.
Family Involvement
We believe that a family’s involvement in the therapeutic process is key to their child’s ultimate success. Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch works closely with families to help bring healing and restore relationships.
Retreats and home visits are scheduled throughout the boy’s enrollment in the program in order to give families opportunity to renew bonds and work through difficulties. Reconnect Weekends are scheduled every two months.
Our Basic Program Components:
New Adventure Treatment Center (90 Day Treatment Program)
Entry Level – Residential Treatment
Level 1
- Day Treatment/IOP programs
- Limited Boarding School Classes Provided
Adventure Ranch Therapeutic Boarding School
After completing the 90 day treatment program, clients enroll in TCAR’s boarding school where they will also have access to Day Treatment and Outpatient clinical services as appropriate.
- Approximately 6 months. May be shortened or extended based on client progress.
- Levels 2-3
- Full Boarding School Schedule
- Classes are scheduled to accommodate continued treatment
- Day Treatment and Outpatient clinical services provided as appropriate.
Aftercare
- Level 4 Successful transition outside of the program.
- 6 months minimum
The first 9-12 months occur in residence at Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch and the last 6 months take place after the child returns home and enters our Aftercare program.