Comprehensive Treatment
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. If required, a physical exam and history is completed. A client’s medical needs are followed throughout his/her treatment. Emergency and hospital services are provided by UTHealth East Texas 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 treating practitioner. 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. Credit recovery is available, if needed.
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. 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.