Burning Tree Recovery is the real deal, especially for chronic relapsers. This is not a short-term, feel-good program. It is built for people who have tried multiple times and need something different that actually works long term. They focus on real accountability, structure, and personal responsibility. The staff understands addiction at a deep level and does not enable. They stay involved for the long haul and push clients to grow up, show up, and change their lives. If someone has been to treatment before and keeps relapsing, Burning Tree is one of the best options out there. It is tough, honest, and effective. Real recovery. Real results. read more

Burning Tree Ranch - Entrance to BT Ranch - Counseling & Mental Health Near Me - Kaufman, Texas

I recently had the opportunity to visit Burning Tree Ranch, and I was genuinely moved by the experience. The facility itself is beautiful and thoughtfully designed, but what truly stands out is the remarkable team that brings this place to life. Every person I met was warm, knowledgeable, and deeply committed to the work they do. You can feel the passion and professionalism the moment you walk through the door. Their approach is intentional, structured, and rooted in real compassion for the individuals and families they serve. Burning Tree Ranch is a special place, and my visit left a lasting impression. I walked away with tremendous respect for their mission and the people who make it possible. Highly recommended. read more

Burning Tree Ranch truly changed my family's life. My sister attended the program over a decade ago, and she has been sober ever since. She has built an incredible life for herself, she has a beautiful family, strong relationships, and is truly happy. I am so grateful for the role this program played in her recovery. It gave her the tools and support she needed to not just get sober, but to stay sober. My family and I will forever be grateful for that! Here is a picture of Cooper, one of the ranch dogs that was around at the time. read more

Burning Tree Ranch - Counseling & Mental Health Near Me - Kaufman, Texas

I was at The Ranch for 9 months followed by 2 months for my eating disorder. That was 21 years ago and not a day goes by that I am not grateful for the time spent there. I am living a life I never thought I'd ever have! Thank you David for believing in me read more

This place has never taught AA. It teaches "David Elliott's Vision, Version of AA" I am a former client and I am writing this regarding Burning Tree and its current/former Directors and associates - Eric Button, Mark Houston, David Elliot, and others. I was in AA for 10 years. I think a lot of these people had started off by being genuine, wanted to turn their life around and help people, find a new purpose. And then, I don't know what happened. But the people who are doing well after going through this place, are doing well in spite of having been there, not because of it. Look at the recurring phrases in the reviews: prison, abuse, power trip, all-caps warnings. Hard for me personally to write anything about this place. We all needed help, I don't think that was ever the question. But start sprinkling in money, and enmeshing your livelihood with your good intentions, and your level of genuine seems to have dropped. Maybe only from 100% to 80% who knows. But this gap, that you all like to sweep under the rug, has made a world of difference. I and many others will tell you. But you could say it all for yourselves - you are the ones who have sat in a circle for all these years and been present for it. From my other review: I'm in my mid 30's, was in AA every week for 10 years consecutively, and then left over 5 years ago. I was also sexually abused for all of my childhood, used substances to get through it, and at 18 years old and again later, Chico West and later Eric Button, somehow convinced my family to dupe me into going to what they called a "treatment center" where I slept in dirty clothes and shared bunk beds in a small bedroom with 10 other adults, my prescription medication for PTSD was taken away despite no one having any medical credentials whatsoever, I was offered no detox, withdrawals for months, absolutely absurd not to mention abusive situation that derailed my life for years. You all kept asking me if I know the definition of insanity. Why don't you go look up confirmation bias. It might not be in your dictionary from 1930. As noted in my other review, here's what I know: Burning Tree and every place like it, has rampant and completely unchecked conflicts of interest: they only make money if clients are coming in, but there are only clients coming in if those clients need AA. Every client I've ever met, was confirmed by the staff of the treatment center to be an alcoholic or addict - meaning, they will never be recommended to leave early by the staff. I cannot think of a single exception; what an astounding coincidence that is, to never need to give anyone a refund and send them somewhere else. You guys somehow always guess exactly right from the get go. Then you want to come up with every service possible to keep expanding (sober living, monitoring, aftercare, whoever came up with the e-cig juice monopoly...) Why don't you guys have a steel on steel and ask yourselves a few "is it possible" questions. 50 people in a room gang up on 1 person who's down and out and has been thrown in a prison. And Mark Houston came up with that all by himself? I'm not sure if that's true, but ganging up on people in a group, that you charade around as therapeutic, is not pioneering. It is a Masterclass on how not to treat people. Perhaps how you, would like to have NOT been treated, in treatment. It is mob rule and bullying, in a modern society. I have been asked more than once, like I'm sure you were, "do I think everyone else in this room is wrong, and I am right?" I don't think it was ever that simple, but in regards to those moments in time, yes, I do think those were very wrong. And maybe rooted in the past. I have already saved all your documents from the last couple decades, every egotistical claim and reaching statistic you dared to print publicly. I think David has shamed the rest of you into working for him. Don't you all remember telling me, you were 6 months in and.....never would have thought you'd stay. Don't play me off like everyone else the way you guys do - my other review is not showing, so I'm going to add a very important part of it here. "What's the common denominator in all this" - people used to ask me. Gee whiz. Take a moment. How many times were we all asked that. I wonder now, if people were asking me that, because they really did not know. Here's my answer: It's David Elliott. David, is the common denominator. It's been David the whole time. He has weaponized your shame against you; over many months, he convinced you to abandon your instincts. Your initial reaction to being there, to meeting him - he told you to abandon yourself in favor of his ideals. And coincidentally, in favor of his business. His prestige. But what does your experience tell you. David Elliott, have you not made enough $$$. What is driving you. Have some shame and a shred of decency and give it up already. There is a mountain of dust to kick up and you know it. I've got your number. And time. read more

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When I arrived at Burning Tree Ranch, I had exhausted every other option (3 previous inpatient treatment centers and 5 sober livings) and was in end-stages of alcoholism. Their long term, highly structured approach provided me the tools, accountability and foundation for long term sobriety. Their staff is the best in then business and know what they are doing when it comes to helping clients and families heal. Today, I am 10 years sober and get to live the life I always dreamed of. I have two little girls and a husband who is also sober. I try to tell my story every chance I get and am forever thankful for Burning Tree Ranch. read more

This rehab is a hoax. It is a cult not a professional rehab. They practice community shaming which has been proven to not be effective. Please don't waste your loved one's time and money here. My daughter paid for treatment here and stayed for over a year. It turned her off of all treatment centers. She is now deceased. read more

Stay away! They harass you and lie about availability. It's a scam. Any reputable rehab knows better. Literally called me and texted me endlessly over the last month. Then had their detox center they recommended do the same. My goodness! Horrible to have a center to this when you are dealing with such a sensitive time. There are so many better rehabs in Texas, don't go to them. read more

They point blank refused to answer questions about cost or admissions processes in writing, stating that those matters would only be discussed verbally. This indicates that they have different policies for different people and is, in my opinion, indicative of a place that is interested only in making the most money off of people in distress. read more

My daughter went to Burning Tree Ranch after having been to eleven other programs. Her Aunt who also owns a treatment center recommended Burning Tree long term care which to this day I will always be thankful! It was a very tough program but that is what she needed and we needed as parents. We had to let go before she could get better other wise if we kept rescuing her she wouldn't get sober. She was there for a year they basically learn how to live life sober. We were told as parents we needed to go to Al anon I already was going but said my husband had to go if wanted to come to family weekends. I just can't say enough good things about Burning Tree we would go every month to family weekend and see the results not only with my daughter but other families . It's hard core but your not playing around this is somebody life my love ones! It was either this or a coffin . read more

After years of attempting to get sober, Burning Tree delivered me to a spiritual place and a program of recovery that very much saved my life. I am very grateful to the staff for their rigor and dedication--mostly for not putting up with my BS. Burning Tree's treatment regimen is tough, like no shit tough, but it works. It really does. read more

To the people who wrote the one star review- the fact that you "say" you work in treatment and denounce Burning Tree, tells me you may not actually work in treatment, at least not high quality treatment. After all, Burning Tree is a highly regarded long term facility and any credible treatment center will tell you the same. I graduated from Burning tree and have been sober for 12 years. 12 YEARS!!! A miracle. Let's talk about the issues you raise. Even though they do sound quite like a child not getting the toy they want. You say no one stayed sober from the time you were there- I have many friends to this day who have stayed sober. Because contrary to your review, they surrendered and took accountability for their actions, behaviors, and recovery. Do I have friends who passed away that attended Burning Tree? Unfortunately, I do. BEST friends, in fact. But you know what? Their parents STILL recommend Burning Tree. Not only do they recommend Burning tree, they even support Burning Tree by contributing to the foundation that sponsors clients that don't have the finances. To say someone took their own life because of Burning Tree is reckless and preposterous and not indicative of something a healthy person would say. Burning Tree does control how often you communicate with your family and they do expect complete family involvement. Why? Because, as addicts and alcoholics, we want to control our OWN narrative. We lie, manipulate, complain- we will say anything to get out of facing our demons or hearing the truth about our lives. You will most definitely hear things about yourself that you don't like and may, at first, not agree with. Are you going to whine and cry- call mom and dad/ spouse and throw a tantrum? Will you sit in your victim mentality and stay sick while dragging your family with you? Or are you committed to changing your life? Can you take a look at the hard truths and complete devastation that this disease has caused and do the work and live a life beyond what you could imagine? I hope you choose change. I hope you choose freedom. I hope you choose YOU! Burning Tree enrolls the family in learning what they can do differently to help break the cycle of relapse. How can the addict get (then stay) sober if the family doesn't change as well? Not impossible, but generally unlikely. Especially for the chronic relapser. Addiction is a serious disease and Burning Tree offers serious treatment. For the addict and the family. They are invested in all of you! Let me give my personal experience- I left burning tree early in my stay, hitch hiked across Texas, and begged my parents to buy me a plane ticket home. Can you imagine how scared they were? But- they said no, at the advice of Burning Tree. Thank God they did. No more manipulating my parents to feel sorry for me. No more holding them emotionally hostage. How selfish to think I was only hurting myself. Not once did I think they didn't love me. As a parent now, I can't imagine having the strength to do that. And no wonder Burning Tree has to guide our families. But as a result, I graduated Burning Tree and have been grateful to be sober ever since. I find your claims of staff being uneducated and your suggestions about Burning Tree being like a prison not only false, but devastating and harmful. I go back yearly to the reunions and 12 years later, I'm delighted to see the same staff that were there when I attended. We are family. Are they perfect? No. People are fallable. To expect anything more is ridiculous and unrealistic. How amazing you are sober, but it sounds like you still have a lot of work to do. I encourage you to call your sponsor and do some resentment inventory to find your truth. I hope someone respects you enough to tell you. To the parents of a loved one reading this: consider the source. I would be happy to connect you with families who have success stories, and some that don't. Not everyone will make it. Burning Tree is HARD. It is exhausting. It is painful. But man is it worth it. Signed, AN ACTUAL CLIENT read more

Burning Tree changed my life in the best way possible. They gave me the foundation I needed for a life of long-term recovery. Burning Tree not only helped me, they helped my family learn about the disease of alcoholism and addiction. This program is not for everyone. It's for chronic relapsers who have tried other methods and other rehabs. It's an extremely hard program. You may see a lot of these reviews on her complaining about how hard it is. But it's structured like this for a reason, This is life and death for the real alcoholic and addict...and every single staff member at BTRR treat it that way. I would suggest this program for any addict/alcoholic that wants a new way of life. If you've given up on the hope that you'll ever be able to get and/or stay sober...you may be in the right place. read more

google reviews can't be real. I spent all of 10 minutes at this place. It is horrifying. 5 minute phone calls once a week if you are lucky. Visitation with family for 4 hours every other month. I went there to heal my family, they false advertised and threatened to keep my passport and id before I had even signed any paperwork. A girl that was my "buddy" that came to meet me cried when we returned to the campus because they went into some sort of "lockdown" and she had no idea why. This meant she didn't get to call her family. I could tell she was trying to not even show that she was crying. She was afraid to explain it to me and I told her to do her best. The clients in this place are clearly being abused, I am so grateful I did not stay to find out. Simply terrifying. This place should be shut down. I made a report about it to the sheriff who was well aware of what was going on there read more

This place was the sixth rehab I had attended in seven years. I was a chronic relapser and master manipulator. I entered this treatment center just like I entered the others- expecting a mini vacation that would allow me enough clean time to get back into my family's good graces. I never expected real change. I never expected real recovery. I never expected I'd still be sober. Was it a mini vacation? Not at all. It's a long term program and it was harder than any other treatment program I had encountered, mostly because they severed the enabling connection that my family and boyfriend had provided for so many years. With that gone, my options were to stay in Burning Tree or go to the streets. I chose to stick it out in Burning Tree. And thank God I did! Burning Tree Ranch taught me accountability, integrity and honesty. They helped lay a strong foundation in a 12 Step program which is what has worked for me in recovery. They helped my family and I process my alcoholism and addiction and the devastating effects it had on our relationships. I never expected real change, real recovery or lasting sobriety- but it's what I got. I am recovered and have been sober for 11 years. Does everyone like this program? Of course not. Do I know people that have died that I attended this program with? Sadly, yes. Too many. But that is the nature of the diseases of alcoholism and addiction and I don't think there's a treatment program in the world that doesn't see the lives of its former clients lost to addiction and mental illness. I have also seen a lot of success stories come out of Burning Tree. This program helped save my life. I know I would be dead with out it. That is my experience and I will continue to share it in the hopes that it can do the same for someone else. read more

This place saved my life and my family. As a chronicler relapsing alcoholic and drug addict I was at the end of the road. Though the stay and the work were difficult, the amazing staff with their experience and insight are amazing. read more

When reading treatment center reviews I can always tell who is doing well and are sober and those that are not. I went to Burning Tree in 2004 and I have remained sober ever since, Burning Tree treats chronic relapsers which are those of us with multiple failed attempts at treatment, this rarely has anything to do with anything or anyone else failing us. Our resistance to doing things different or following directions is the culprit. I have had many friends die that have gone through the Ranch and I attribute this to the horrible disease of addicition. I have had many stay sober as well and this has been the greatest gift to witness as I also get to witness the healing of the families as well. read more

BURNING TREE HAS SOMEHOW HIDDEN MY REVIEW ON GOOGLE BECAUSE IT IS REAL, SO I AM REPOSTING HERE. WARNING, some hard cold facts in here of the reality of Burning Tree Ranch. Ok I'm done with reading these fake reviews. I went to the Ranch in June 2018 for a year, finished inpatient, and everything they're gonna tell you, whether you're the "addict" or "loved one" is a lie. When I went in, these reviews were a 2.7 I believe. Clearly they're making people do this, these reviews are from people that have never been there, or they are buying reviews, and you're about to hear why. I'm going to go back and write every single thing they did to us here at some point, but gotta start somewhere. They traumatize you as a client. The CEO when I was there, Brian, would come into "the circle" every morning, which was a meeting with the entire community, to shame and harass us about literally anything and everything. Ask to go to the bathroom too many times in one day? How dare we do that we're being disruptive, and God would not appreciate this. Yes, you WILL BE FORCED TO ADMIT YOU BELIEVE IN GOD to be able to get out of there. They will lie about this over and over again. Most of us eventually learned we had to lie about this to get out. Apparently Brian "resigned" because he was cheating on his wife, who also worked there. So they kept someone running that "community" group named Jesse, who was worse. If you are a "client," you will not be able to leave willingly unless you finish the inpatient program, around 12-16 months. Yes they'll tell you six to whatever months, literally no one ever has gotten out under 10 months. That was two times. Ever. They will put you on what they call contacts. Eat too much? They'll cut you off from getting your own food and someone else will have to do it. Like working out? Too bad, they'll put you on a "no gym" contract because you're too vain. Like talking to your bf/gf/husband/wife, etc? That's unfortunate because the most you'll get is one 5-min phone call a week, WHICH IS MONITORED. Use your opinions too much? They'll put you on what is called the "ghost" contract, where no one that lives or works there is allowed to even look at you, let alone talk to you. Apparently you need to learn your place. I'm so done being silent. This place kills people. For one example, if you're a client and you try to leave, first off you can't because they won't give you your ID or cards or suitcases back. They'll make you walk by yourself to the closest gas station miles away, and I really hope you're not a woman doing this. But the actual example, a young man in my small therapy group ran away from an AA meeting they bussed us to in Dallas one night because of all this abuse, and he was dead within a week. Not because he overdosed or anything, but because he was beat to death on the street because burning tree convinced his family not to answer his call. If you bring this review up they'll deny everything. They always have and always will. I made it out and am finally happy after 2 times in inpatient PTSD treatment because of Burning Tree. Please read the actual reviews from people that aren't 5 stars, those are lies or fake. Clearly, because no details are given. Also these positive reviews? Half these people haven't been in Burning Tree, and the vast majority of the positive reviews from "clients" are because they won't give you privileges in "Phase 3" unless you do. Like the reviews with the last name "Button?" They get monetary kickbacks. Why am I using my real name under this review? Because in the "circle," the CEO, facilitator, whatever, would continuously come in there and make fun of people who wrote negative reviews and were traumatized by burning tree, calling them "weak," "pussies" (literally again), or worse. We were all brainwashed, and I want as many people to know as possible that this is what it's like. Sure go for it, call them and let them tell you I'm lying. Just know you're gambling with your loved one's life. read more

Definitely worth the time and effort. It gave me some separation from the alcohol and a chance to develop relationships with friends. As someone who has been through inpatient treatment over 15 times, I needed this opportunity. read more

Burning tree was a place for me to learn and practice spiritual principles in my life. They provide quality care. It was also a safe environment to learn and practice the 12 steps . They offer a wide variety of care ranging from substance abuse to trauma treatment. I personally benefited a great deal from both and am extremely grateful for my experience at Burning Tree. It was life changing. read more

My name is Aaron Stacey I went to Burning Tree Programs back in Jan, 2009. I am from Portland, Maine I had been to 4 very well known 30- 90 day impatient treatment centers prior to admitting at BTP not to mention Oxford Houses and many other sober livings. I would discharge from these places and go back home then I would be right back at it again using drugs and alcohol even though I truly didn't want to continue using. I had lost everything that I cared about living for I was on the brink of death or prison. My close friend helped me get into Burning Tree, there I received very high level of care. I also was shown how to recover from this deadly disease of addiction/Alcoholism. They also didn't let me do what I want which a lot of these other past treatment centers seemed to be just collecting a pay check while they let residents do whatever they want. I am so grateful for the staff and peer support I received while at Burning Tree Programs. I have a life beyond my wildest dreams my relationship with my family has been restored, I get to work in the Recovery field myself now I've become fully self supporting. I must admit I wouldn't have the life I have today if it wasn't for the Philosophies and beliefs that they operate in and teach at Burning Tree Programs. read more

Hostile environment and the staff are rude . They will tell you anything to get you in the door . I wouldn't recommend this place to anyone . Clients are made to use machinery with out proper training under conditions that are unsuitable without breaks or water . Clients are made to endure constant belittling by the staff . Only given one five min phone call a week to approved family which is supervised. All means of connecting to the outside world are taken away . Be prepared to stay over a year . read more

ts been 7.5 years since I was a client at Burning Tree Ranch. I had been to 13 programs and was hopeless. Today i am an active member of a 12 step program and have a full and sober life, I have read some of the reviews and was compelled to say that i find most of comments made from angry people who couldn't have their way which is exactly what will keep them trapped in their addiction with no hope of freedom. I will also say these statements about BTP being a cult and being subject to a linear type of thinking is not true. Burning Tree does not sell out on clients or their families and I am forever grateful. read more

Burning Tree saved my life. After countless attempts including 6 rehabs (90 day programs, long term transitional living/sober living programs, wilderness programs, you name it), many IOPs, taking courses on addiction...I could not stay sober. My life fell apart and my family fell apart and death was not far away. I got the opportunity to go to Burning Tree and my life completely changed. Unlike anywhere I had ever been, I developed tools and worked the 12 steps, worked through deep emotional issues, learned how to show up for people I love, and developed trust in others again. Through daily programing, I got to practice showing up willing, honest, and open. A very unique part of this program (aside from the long term aspect), is the Aftercare program. I am so grateful that Burning Tree includes this phase in their program. Having the structure and accountability and care outside of inpatient treatment was so important for me. I will be coming up on 4 years sober in June and my life is absolutely amazing today. I have a wonderful relationship with my family, a job I love going to everyday, so many friends in the program (all of them I met through Burning Tree), and I am so happy. Thank you! read more

If you want to get sober, and experience shows you that for whatever the reason you simply can't, Burning Tree is the last house on the block for you. It only deals with people that have been to several treatment centers, so I was around people similiar to me. Burning Tree is not in the business of stroking your ego or making sure you are comfortable emotionally. I was pushed to my limit emotionally and spiritually, and it was the one thing all the high dollar places I went to before did not do. They educated me on the 12 steps of AA, introduced me to the AA/CA fellowships, and I chose a sponsor that would push me and I could get along with as well. They teach right out of the Big Book of AA. They provide teambuilding adventures, fun outings, community service hours, and the ability to see that I was not as hopeless as I once thought. They run a structured program, with time to kick back and enjoy the surroundings. Carved upon a beautiful Texas landscape, surrounded by dogs, horses, and cattle was a little different for this beach bum. The place saved my life, and to me that is the highest compliment I can give a place. If you or a loved one need help, and have tried numerous times to get sober, you owe it to call and talk to an admission person. read more

I love this place and the staff here. GOOD recovery and good staff. They have helped so many many people and have an amazing program also :) I have seen a lot of people get sober and stay sober from this place! read more

People reading these reviews probably know more about Addiction then they ever thought possible, yet find themselves helpless to alter the addictive behavior. My experience, is that recovery is much more difficult and many times impossible without the structure and time requirement of a well respected recovery program with a proven success rate..... we were so fortunate to find Burning Tree. Our family had supported my Daughter through many years of addiction and many failed attempts at recovery. She was in and out of more than a few rehab programs but each time, prior to Burning tree, she quickly returned to a level of drug and alcohol use that was more serious and frightening then before. Eight years ago, my Daughter left a well respected treatment center, with a fellow patient, going on a three week drug and alcohol spree that nearly killed her. To their credit the rehab she had left, admitted that my Daughter's addiction and it's related complexities were beyond the capabilities of their facility. However, they recommended Burning Tree Recovery, as perhaps the only place with the structure, reputation and time requirement that might be able to help her. After her admittance, we attended family sessions and were quickly able to see and feel the significant difference in the structure of the recovery program and the exceptional competence of it's personnel. Burning Tree is not a place or program that seeks to please clients and families, but one that is dedicated to addressing the very real nature of addiction as a disease. By teaching clients how to HONESTLY understand their addiction and by instilling techniques, philosophies and support systems addicts are given the opportunity to live healthy, fulfilling lives . Make no mistake, Burning Tree's comprehensive program works only if the addict does the hard and often frustrating work necessary to get in recovery, and understands that a degree of hard work will be necessary to STAY in recovery and lead the life always hoped for. My Daughter is approaching her sixth year of recovery, living a happy, healthy life with a successful job and wonderful family. There were so many times she, and we ,never thought this was possible. Thank you Burning Tree! read more

This place has given thousands of people their lives back. It's not easy but no recovery is easy- you just have to want it bad enough. Judson C is the perfect example of someone that has not hit bottom yet and has no desire to quit yet. He will get to that point someday- hopefully alive. read more

I know several people who have had profound experiences here, these are people that might not be around anymore if it weren't for the staff at burning tree. People who went through countless other rehabs with no real impact. Burning tree is what did it for them, burning tree is a great place! I would recommend it to anyone ready for help. read more

Burning Tree did help me get sober. I'll start by saying that. I believe that this happened because it was a long-term facility, NOT because of their practices. Their practices are questionable at worst, downright dangerous at best. They engage in behavior modification therapy highly, which is very controversial in the psychiatric community. Most of the therapists that engage in this do not have the credentials to perform it (even people with advanced degrees are hesitant to perform it). This means for some people, this can be effective (just look at some of the other reviews). For others, it can do real damage to them, especially people that suffer from co-occurring disorders. I was one of those people. Because they ONLY believe in the "tough love, behavior modification" type approach (because they believe that's the ONLY way to deal with chronic relapsers), they end up exacerbating some other people's emotional issues and co-occurring disorders. Also, there is no science-based treatment in this center, it's completely 12 Step based. If the 12 Steps don't work for you (and for MANY people, they don't. We have a real epidemic in this country of only using a method of getting sober created in the 1930s that is based on spirituality with absolutely no science behind it), you are out of luck at Burning Tree. They will force it down your throat and blame YOU for it if it doesn't work. I have been sober almost 4 years now, go to NO 12-Step meetings, have an amazing girlfriend, am back in school to go to med school, and am the happiest I have been in my life. This should be impossible by what they preach in Burning Tree because I'm not following the 12 Steps. The 12 Steps works great for some people, for others, it does not. Just like Burning Tree. So long story short, Burning Tree is a gamble. No matter what, you WILL be miserable when you're there. That's their goal when you go through. And for some people, that will be very helpful. For others, it will be very damaging and awful. So my recommendation is to look for another long-term treatment center that doesn't engage in Burning Tree's methods and offers a science-based approach along with the 12 Steps. ESPECIALLY if you have co-occuring disorders. I'm guessing it will be more effective in helping you get sober, but without the risk of emotional scarring. read more

Ive been sober for four years. I did it after burning tree. I was expecting a therapeutic environment and it wasn't. Not even close. The doctor visits lasted for fifteen minutes once a week. Ridiculous. The staff they had were spread out thin. Why not hire more? You had the feeling that most of the structure and rules were put in place for liability purposes and so that couples wouldn't have sex. I was expecting professionals and many therapy sessions. The rehab uses the word ranch but you have what is basically a large yard to walk around and you cant touch the animals. I thought they would use the ranch as therapy but they didn't. Many times I looked around and wondered if this is all there is. Please don't chose this place if youre looking for individual intense therapy. I would suggest a mental health hospital in New Canaan Ct. Im serious.Theres this myth in recovery that all help has to be tough love and extreme. Many of us respond to treatment better using a different approach. Im trying to have someone look into this place. Im sure it has helped some but to charge what they do and offer so little ,its disturbing. One doctor for over twenty people? If you chose to leave they make you find your own way. Well, when I paid over fifty thousand they were happy to pick me up. I saw a couple allowed to stay after having sex but when a young girl was hurting, she cut herself and had to go. This was after a difficult group. The rules never made sense. Cigarette smoking is allowed but chocolate isn't. Watching tv but not books. I know chores and structure is good but I felt like a hired hand. Where was the therapy? Please think hard before going. read more

I gave Burning Tree 5 stars because I had to rate it to write this review, but this review is in response to the negative posts here. I have not been to Burning Tree but I have been to treatment for alcohol addiction. Believe me, I was just as bitter, negative and angry of the treatment, staff, and facility at the treatment center I attended as the negative comments below. I hated it the whole time I was there, calling it archaic because the staff and system were so rude and "uncaring," and also believing they would say anything to get you through their doors. However, I am 3 years sober now and life is so much better. Alcohol is a terrible, terrible "mental medication" and extremely difficult to be free of. I can't say that enough for those who may not understand the use and relapsing of alcohol. BUT, to be free, you have to do the work and there is nothing nice about doing your personal work. Nothing! Hindsight of this experience is that it's the labor intensive program necessary to wake people up, stop being lazy, face fears and reconnect with self in order to be transformed. It's not meant to be "therapeutic," comfy, pampered, find a new girlfriend or boyfriend, receiving pats on the back or gold stars on your homework. But there's a reason for that. The time spent in treatment was a small price to pay for freedom from 25 years of dependency on alcohol, learning to trust myself again. less guilt and hopelessness, more confidence, and liking to be with myself again. In the end, treatment can be beneficial, but people have to do the ugly work first. read more

I was a client at Burning Tree Ranch in 2007. At 18 I was the youngest client they had ever had. I had seen therapists, gone to the psych ward and been to another treatment center in Connecticut. I was hopeless that things would ever get better or that I would make it into my 20's. If my parents hadn't taken the leap of faith to send me across the country to Burning Tree I am fairly certain I wouldn't be here today and absolutely certain I wouldn't have the life I do. While a client at Burning Tree I got the therapeutic help I needed as well as an in depth knowledge and experience with the 12 steps. I worked through my 'family issues' and my family got their sister and daughter back. Five and a half years later, I am still sober and Burning Tree and the staff continue to be a part of my life. A few years ago I went back to college, got married and now have a beautiful 3 month old daughter. For an addict like me who couldn't NOT get high or couldn't leave the house without a few shots of vodka, this is a miracle. I would (and have) reccommend Burning Tree without hesitation. It helped save my life. read more