At Sundown Ranch, Inc., chemical dependency is
regarded as a treatable disease. The twelve step program
of Alcoholics Anonymous is combined with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy,
to enable clients to live free of alcohol and drugs.
Clients receive extensive individual therapy, and regularly
review their progress with their therapist's and
counselors. Counselor-led group therapy
sessions allow young people to discuss common issues, and
to support one another's recovery. Family and client education groups are provided each week.
MASTER TREATMENT PLANNING
Each client's needs and issues are thoroughly
assessed and evaluated by the multi-disciplinary treatment
team. Because each client has unique, individual needs,
each profile and Master Treatment Plan is tailored to the
adolescent or young adult. The Master Treatment Plan is a working document which is reviewed and revised throughout the patient's stay.
Goals, Objectives and Strategies are evaluated consistently to determine progress. Additional goals and objectives
are added as needed. The client, family and clinician work
together to create a plan designed to accomplish
abstinence and maintain recovery.
MEDICAL SERVICES
All client treatment services are medically
supervised. The Medical Director and Psychiatrist are responsible for the overall health
and psychiatric services provided to the clients. A physical exam and history is completed
and a client's
medical needs are followed throughout his/her treatment. Emergency and
hospital services are provided by East Texas Medical Center
in Athens, Texas.
Sundown Ranch, Inc., provides
nursing services 24 hours per day 7 days per week, with
on-call physician coverage 24 hours per day. The nurses
ensure the client's health is regularly monitored and
that all concerns are brought to the attention of our physicians. Health problems are addressed in treatment
planning, including care provided on-site, as well as referrals
for additional services.
FAMILY THERAPY
The family program - a major focus of
treatment includes counseling and education enabling family
members to share, understand and help in the rehabilitation
process. At our Intensive Family Program weekend, specific activities
are designed to build relationships and enhance communications.
In addition, we combine extensive chemical
education, family systems model counseling, multi-family
therapy, and experiential work to heal wounds and rebuild
bridges.
NUTRITIONAL SERVICES
Well balanced meals are prepared
daily in our own country kitchen, with careful attention
given to the particular nutritional needs of each and every
client. Special diets are served as prescribed by the attending
physician. The combined skills of the Dietitian, Food Service
Manager and Dietary Staff result in
home cooked menus with variety and imagination. Spring,
Summer, Fall and Winter menus (four sets) are served on
a four week cycle. To enhance variety, we offer a daily salad
bar.
ACADEMIC SERVICES
An integral part of Sundown's program is
the continuing education of the clients. A fully accredited
academic program at the junior high and high school levels
is provided through an on site charter school. The school is chartered as a junior high and high school through the Texas Education Agency. The school works closely with the staff of Sundown Ranch, Inc. to ensure clients' education and treatment program work together as part of the rehabilitation process.
RECREATIONAL SERVICES
Sundown Ranch provides recreational services as a part of
the therapeutic process. We provide an emotionally secure environment
with a minimum of outside distractions. A twelve step "wilderness
trail" around the lake allows private meditation and has
open areas for group discussions. The Therapeutic Outdoor
Experiential Challenge Program (Ropes course) puts clients
in physically, emotionally and intellectually demanding
situations where skills of trust, cooperation, problem-solving,
goal setting and self awareness are developed. The Equine
program in which the clients learn to care for and ride
the ranch horses, instills discipline, self respect and
responsibility. All activity sessions are well coordinated and facilitated by direct care staff. Supervised activities are scheduled daily and include:
physical fitness activities, basketball, volleyball, fishing, camping
and arts & crafts.
DISCHARGE PLANNING
An individualized aftercare program is
developed with the input of the family, client, and referral
sources. It provides a structured plan utilizing sponsors
and AA/NA participation to assist clients in remaining
drug and alcohol free after they leave the ranch. In addition,
the Sundown Ranch staff is available for relapse prevention or assistance whenever necessary.