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COMPREHENSIVE TREATMENT

COUNSELING SERVICES

At Sundown Ranch, Inc., chemical dependency is regarded as a treatable disease. The twelve step program of Alcoholics Anonymous is combined with therapeutic techniques to enable residents to live free of alcohol and drugs. Residents receive extensive individual counseling, regularly reviewing their progress and problems with their primary counselor. Daily counselor-led group therapy session allow young people to discuss common issues and to support one another's recovery. Residents are assigned subject to discuss on a one-on-one basis with their peers which are then reviewed with their counselors.

MASTER TREATMENT PLANNING

Each client's needs and issues are thoroughly assessed and evaluated by the multi-disciplinary treatment team. Because each resident has unique, individual needs, each profile and Master Treatment Plan is tailored to the adolescent. The Master Treatment Plan is a working document being reviewed and revised throughout the patient's stay. Goals and objectives are evaluated daily as "completed", "still in progress", etc. Additional goals and objectives are added as needed. The client, family and counselor work together to create a viable plan designed to accomplish abstinence and maintain recovery.

MEDICAL SERVICES

All client's treatment services are medically monitored. The Medical Director, a Certified Addictionologist, is responsible for the overall health care services provided to the clients. A physician completes a physical exam and history upon admission, within seventy-two hours, and follows each client's medical needs throughout his/her treatment. Emergency and hospital services are provided by East Texas Medical Center in Athens, Texas. A psychiatric consultant is employed to evaluate clients with a dual diagnosis.

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 the Medical Director. 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 the monthly Ranch Family Day, specific activities are designed to build relationships and enhance communications. The family program is enhanced by a monthly, three day Intensive Family Program. It combines 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, Supervisor and Trained Dietary Cooks result in home cooked menus with variety and imagination. Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter menus are served on a four week cycle. To enhance variety we offer a salad bar daily.

RECREATIONAL SERVICES

Sundown Ranch recreational services itself, is a part of the therapy. It provides 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 residents 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 residents learn to care for and train the ranch horses, instills discipline, self respect and responsibility. Certified Recreational Therapist coordinate and provide all activity sessions. Supervised activities are scheduled twice daily and include: softball, basketball, tennis, volleyball, fishing, camping and arts & crafts.

ACADEMIC SERVICES

An integral part of Sundown's program is the continuing education of the residents. A fully accredited academic program at the junior high and high school levels is provided on the ranch through the Ranch Academy and Life Skills Center. Sundown Ranch supplements this program with additional Equivalency Diploma preparation classes provided through the Ranch's relationship with colleges and universities in Texas and throughout the United States. Sundown Ranch offers a range of college correspondence courses for young adults in treatment. The Directed Study Program covers such subject areas as effective use of leisure time, study skills, appropriate classroom behaviors, vocational education/career opportunities and basic job hiring skills.

DISCHARGE PLANNING

An individualized aftercare program is developed with the input of the family, resident, and referral sources. It provides a structured plan utilizing sponsors and AA/NA participation to assist residents in remaining drug and alcohol free after they leave the ranch. In addition, the Sundown Ranch staff is available for relapse prevention whenever necessary.

ALUMNI PROGRAM

Each year Sundown Ranch conducts an annual Alumni Reunion which brings together former clients of clients of Sundown Ranch and their families with our current clients and their families share their successful recovery stories and provide a fun and joyful event to celebrate sobriety. Each year this alumni event grows as the success of our program provides young people with the personal identity, self-esteem, and tools to live their lives free from the influence of drugs and alcohol.