Not impressed. Did keep my child safe. I do not feel that other than that there was any benefit to my daughter going here. She had to stay a months and a half longer to graduate we I was assured she would be done with school before she turned 18. They didn't push her to make that happen. The do not push to figure out issues and they talk about being relationship driven, NO, my daughter went there and we where all civil and 6 months later we have no contact other than" you can write letters to her". And on top of that she is now 18 and they cannot give us any info about her. I feel for how much they charge there should have been a noticeable difference in the way my child acts. Wish we would have done a better search and possibly found a facility that would better the situation. Just my 2. You do as you see is best for your child. read more

I am a parent of a child who has been at DRS for almost a year. Prior to this stay, she was at Copper Hills in West Jordan, UT. The 1 star reviews definitely mirror my daughter's experience at Copper Hills where there was no family therapy (therapist was off screen, didn't talk or encourage my daughter to talk, my daughter would scream or yell obscenities at me or would ignore me), what was advertised as activities never happened, and fellow students were violent and attacked each other as well as the staff. DRS has been the polar opposite! Every director is passionate about their field of expertise. Every therapist is well trained and has helped my daughter as well as me. While many of the cabin staff are college students, they like the girls and hold them accountable. No matter what happens, every person my child has come in contact with on the ranch has helped her through her problems and issues. Every moment is a teaching/therapeutic moment for the girls. The issue that it seems some parents have faced is the willingness of their child to internalize all of the therapy they have available to them. I'm proud to say that my daughter calls me her hero (crazy turn around from the days I was blamed for all of her problems), we communicate often (I wrote to her but she never wrote back to me but she would call me often), we had wonderful family therapy sessions and talked about real life things (we also had sessions where she cried and didn't want to talk to me), she has found a passion for her future where once she thought she wouldn't make it to 17 (now she wants to be a vet after being involved with her calf and being in the equine program). I am over the moon, and my dad and brother both see her growth. She will still periodically dysregulate (she is still a teen after all!), but now she uses the skills she has learned to right herself. A program will only work if the child works the program. The ranch is gorgeous, and they provide activities and outings to those who reach a certain phase. The kids have so many opportunities to get help not only therapeutically but also socially and academically. I have not met any employee who doesn't care for the kids. Any child who has been put in a hold has been either a danger to herself or others. I think we all need to remember that the children at the ranch all have issues so to think that it is horrible that there would be kind of outbursts, holds or consequences is not realistic. Honestly, DRS looks for ways for the kids to own their mistakes and move forward when I might be more inclined to take a privilege away if the same behavior occurred at home. My daughter and I have learned to communicate better, and she can clearly express how she is feeling and that helps me know how to help her better. I feel we have been so blessed to land at DRS, and I would recommend it to anyone in the same position as my daughter who was once described as "circling the drain" with her impulsive and dangerous behaviors and choices. She is no longer that girl, and DRS deserves all of the credit for helping her get to the emotional place she is now. She has received nothing but support, guidance, tough love, and encouragement in her endeavors. I am eternally grateful to all of the staff for giving me back my girl!! read more

For-profit and unregulated programs are dangerous. This one uses a punishment-based system that trains teens to behave, rather than heal. There are therapeutic elements of the program, but the staff are inconsistent and many are cruel and/or inappropriate towards the child - majority of them were men when I was there. If you are a parent and you feel that your child needs a long term care facility, look into state-funded or non-profit programs. These have strict regulations that will keep your child emotionally and physically safe while focusing on their recovery, rather than income. PS: Regardless of what you answer on the assessment on the website for "if your child needs DRS", the result will be yes, they do. read more

I wanted to speak out on my story for so long but was never asked for my feedback. I'm giving it. I went to this ranch in 2016 and I'm still actively seeking other treatment programs due to their lack of staff who are knowledgeable in mental health care. I had maybe 2 residential staff I trusted who were female, they weren't trained but just mothers so they had instincts to be nurturing... The male staff belittle you. They tell you what to do and not to do. Communicate and go to intensive therapies with your daughter. Do not. Send her here. I chose to go to this program and I HIGHLY regret my decisions. Respectfully I am disappointed with this company as a whole. read more

(Copied from Google Review) My daughter has been here for 5 months, and I cannot say enough about how great this place is. Even she admits that it's a great place. She's safe, she's active, the therapeutic groups are really top notch (and there's a lot of them), it's structured, and the girls learn to build healthy friendships - no matter HOW much they fight it. Let's face it, the girls that go there are unwell. They aren't there for summer camp. They WILL hate it for the first couple of months - which is typical of ANY treatment center. And then once they finally let go and buy into it, their entire attitude turns around. I have visited multiple times, fed / cared for calves with my daughter - at my request (now THAT was an experience - she loved bossing me around and telling me what to do while I shoveled cow poop), been to a Parent Seminar week where I've met other parents and the girls. It's funny how kids will tell you how traumatized they are, and how they have no friends, but miraculously when you're there, surrounded by the girls, so many of them ARE friends, and DO like each other, and they have fun together. High general staff turnover is normal in any mental health facility. It's not easy essentially babysitting a bunch of teenagers with mental illness. The girls are sometimes highly disrespectful (my own daughter included) at times, and frankly, I can't imagine doing the job. The parent portal is excellent, the communication is top notch, and they do their absolute best with these girls, many of whom are extraordinarily difficult on their best days. I cannot say enough good about this place. And my daughter will be the first one to tell you that it's helped her immensely. Feel free to ask any questions. It's a great place, and they really care about the kids. read more

So obviously no treatment center is perfect there's flaws in every single one. That being said Discovery Ranch is no exception there's definitely room for improvement, but they are trying. I went to the ranch from January 2021-22, and from the beginning of my time there to my end there were so many things that changed and improved. Even now from what I've heard its a completely different program for the better. If you're looking for a program to send your kid. DRS is an amazing place, most of the staff really do care and they want to help you. When I came to the ranch for the first time I was not doing great, I wasnt eating, drinking, or even talking. I couldn't even go a few hours without trying to harm myself in any way I could. I didn't even have any hair because I had pulled it all out. By the end of my year there I had friends, I had hair, I was even eating and drinking. The ranch saved my life I would not be here today without them. Another thing I love about the ranch is how fun it is. They truly give you a chance to just be kids. My favorite memories from the ranch are all the bracelet making parties we had, when we would go outsisde and play red rover, play concentration, all the inpromptu water gun fights in the summer, the snowball fights in the winter, going sledding in the winter, the lake days with a giant water trampoline, going trick or treating on Halloween, getting to go off campus during christmas, getting hot chocolate, and looking at christmas lights. I'm 21 now and I still miss the ranch and all the friends I made. Its not perfect, but to me it felt like home for that year. read more

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i usually don't do these, but drs was a very significant factor of my life and i want to share some of my experiences. i went to drs about a year and a half ago and it was definitely an experience. while yes, my mental state has improved drastically and i have been sober since, the environment on campus while i was there was horrible. students would run from the ranch every once in a while in an attempt to get away, and it would always cause so much chaos among the other students and the staff. one night, i remember we had to stay in one of the cabins on campus, (basically our home), for literally hours. this cabin was not everybody's cabin, so many of us did not have anything to do, and were basically left to overthink and stress on our own. no one was allowed to leave the room, usually we had to stay on one floor, and 9/10 times there was only 1 or 2 staff with 20 or more students in a very limited space. in the time i was in the program, i would see so many staff quitting their job because of the stress from these events. and these weren't rare either. some nights it would be a sigh and a "here we go again" for the students. usually the staff are really nice and genuinely care for the students, but sometimes they get too comfortable or just don't care at all. in my stay, i heard about 2 staff giving students vapes and getting fired. not very good for recovery, is it? the overall campus was designed to be very structured, but the structure was slacking horribly when i left. once i graduated, it almost felt as if "god, i'm so glad that was over" rather than "that sucked, but i'm going to miss the people i met." as much as drs helped me improve my mental health, i wish it was a more positive experience. personally, i wouldn't recommend sending your child here, but that's just based on how i felt while i was there. these things help each kid differently. read more

This place sucks! i wish that i could explain how bad this was in a few words but its impossible. Just notice how all the girls who went to the ranch all have bad reviews but the people that work there and the parents give it great reviews. Seems interesting. Read the girls reviews because we went through the program and we experienced first hand all the terrible things about the ranch. The staff are all college kids and they dont have experience or qualifications to deal with kids with mental health. It always felt like a power struggle between girls and staff. Anyways i am willing to answer any more questions if anyone has any. read the other reviews!!! read more

Discovery Ranch for Girls has been a blessing for our family. After severe depression and multiple suicide attempts, our school district recommended sending our 16 year old daughter to DRG. As a parent, it was a tough decision to send our daughter to another state to receive the help she needed, but we felt everything else we tried had been unsuccessful. Our unease with having her away from home was overshadowed by the possibility that DRG could be a game changer in our lives. And although there was a period of adjustment for us all, DRG did indeed change our lives. My daughter went from wishing she wouldn't wake up each morning to applying to colleges and talking about getting her first job. For the first time in years she is not just looking forward to her future, she's actually excited about it. She now realizes when her demons start to creep back in and she can successfully use the tools she's learned to cope with her feelings and thoughts. Her lows have gone from lasting months to lasting only a few days (if that). The transformation has been amazing. And the cherry on top, is that our daughter enjoys and appreciates her time at the ranch. She's making the most of her experience there and has matured immensely. We are so thankful to the staff, and particularly our daughter's therapist who connected with her in ways that the previous dozen therapists were unable. The staff communicates with parents and ensures everyone is in agreement before making any therapeutic changes. And any concerns we voice are taken seriously and addressed immediately. We are completely happy with our decision to send our daughter to DRG and have no doubt that they helped save her life. One side note: we recognize that our family's dynamic (we are very close) and my daughter's self-awareness (she knew she needed help and things were looking grim) are probably not the typical situation. If we were resistant to the staff's guidance or if our daughter refused to go along with the program, I'm sure it would not have been as impactful as it was. Everyone involved has to be committed to the program, especially the student. Things can and will improve, if you're willing to do something different. read more

I have not been here or stayed here, but based on the reviews i wouldn't want to! Recently I went to cedar city and drove by this ranch and thought that it would be so great for recovery!! I mean horses and golf courses to have fun sounds great. When i read these reviews i almost broke down in tears seeing what these people have gone through!! My only request is that u read this review to yourself... How can people HUMAN BEINGS be this way? You are 1 doing it for the money and not to help these poor girls with their problems but only making them worse. :( 2 Making it look all nice and telling parents all the fun activities they get to do..well guess what none of these girls have done those activities. 3 you are manipulating parents to send their child here. That is totally wrong!! YOU . ARE. HORRIBLE. PEOPLE!! read more

Saved our daughter's life. I couldn't express more how thankful my wife and I are for DRG and would highly recommend them. I don't know who Molly is and everyone has a right to their opinion, but what she wrote is so blatantly not our experience that it causes my jaw to drop. Maybe she confused Discovery Ranch for Girls with Discovery Academy? DRG is small and billions of dollars are not being spent there. read more

Just look at these reviews and how all of the parents gave five stars while the girls didn't.

No, I don't speak for our daughter but know with 100% certainty she agrees with the following categorical statement: DRG saved her life. I've heard her say it countless times. The staff, the professionals, the programs. All amazing. All dedicated folks working hard to build your daughter's ability to first love herself and then others. Surely some girls hate DRG. My take? They aren't ready for a change. Equine, bovine, rec., performing arts, group, RODBT, brain spotting, and traditional talk therapies all add to the big picture. Day 1 your daughter will be given a days old calf to care for. Sounds silly, right? Well, it gives your troubled daughter the responsibility to get outside of herself and care for another live being. The start of the process of caring for herself. It's not possible to express how thankful I am for DRG and what it has done for our daughter. I could write and write but I'll close with this succinct summary description of DRG: DRG is an oasis of love and healing in the high desert of southern Utah. Don't loss hope. Good luck. read more

I went to Discover Ranch from the age of 14/15 to 17. Worst experience, it was traumatizing for many people there and the rate of kids who have since left and committed suicide is ridiculously high. I am almost 22 now and I cannot get over that there are places like this that exist. The person who ran the show at the time was named Jack and he was mean, homophobic and made the place completely dehumanizing. I was there from when the ranch was in Mapleton, and coeducational and it moved to Cedar City and is now all girls, so I experienced both. They tried to get parents to send their kids there by showing them the nice facilities and all these things they have to offer. Guess what? We did none of that. The only part of the Ranch that made my stay semi bearable was the equine director, Lee. She really knew what she was doing with the equine program. PARENTS- DO NOT SEND YOUR KIDS ANYWHERE IN UTAH. I don't know about other places but I know the state of Utah has different laws regarding what is and what is not okay in regards to punishing children. They put me in a room for TWO WEEKS and only let me out to shower (completely naked in front of them) or to hand me food. My parents regret sending me here and only years later have realized how awful this place is. If you want a healthy relationship with your child and for them to trust you, DO NOT SEND THEM HERE. read more

Worked here for 5 months 2nd month in noticed nothing but favoritism from the supervisor she favorited a co worker that's been there the same amount she has they would let each other sleep all night and cover for each other. Pay was bull couple of my checks got cut which didn't add up with my hours, no benefits for a year and no overtime approved hardly ever. Find coverage is extremely hard half the coverage list never ever replies. Hate to say this but I noticed a couple racist staff one in particular who is the supervisor of Cabin 3! Their day staff wants girls up and ready by the time they get there which isn't night staffs duties constantly complained and always talked crap about other employees backs and would also talk about students. A couple girls told me about what the staff say about other girls and other mentors which isn't professional. Nice looking ranch great students but very hostile arrogant two faced people who work their, not my cup of tea. Dont wast your time working here I highly suggest other facilities. read more

My granddaughter started at DRG in January 2018. Not only has this child completely turned around but she is learning to walk through alot of past hurts and adversity. The theraputic, academic, equine, school staff at DRG are beyond caring, competent, caring and want nothing more than to see your child really bloom and change their lives! Is it tough - you bet. But not punitive tough - learning self control, learning consequences, learning self correction through appropriate responses, corrections and yes, consequences. That's what life is and if we can't help our kids learn how to navigate the world successfully, some other horrible person will. I would recommend anyone to DRG. My granddaughter has never had a punitive action to any misbehavior (and there was alot when she first landed at DRG). She is now learning how to advocate for herself, hold her own and others boundaries and have positive healthy relationships with others. Parents are completely involved in therapy with their child on a weekly basis (more if needed). I wish every kid that struggles had a chance to attend DRG. Not sure who Mollie is but I'm involved in every single instance of my granddaughter's actions and care and never once have I felt she was in any danger nor was any corrective action punitive. Sorry for your bad experience Mollie. DRG, in my opinion, is the BEST SCHOOL EVER and I will be forever grateful to everyone there!! read more