subject: All Diamond Ranch Academy Therapists Are Registered Professionals [print this page] Troubled teenagers are guaranteed professional counseling with Diamond Ranch Academy therapists. The DRA is an outstanding boarding facility for teenagers who have behavioral problems. The academy, which is located in Utah, USA, caters for adolescents in the 12 to 18 age-group.
All therapists have qualified at either Doctorate or Masters levels. They are in charge of conducting therapy with students on an individual basis, in groups, and with family members. They supervise case managers who co-ordinate psycho-educational groups, parental visits and other aspects of the program.
Every component of the rehab program at the DRA is geared to have therapeutic benefits. Even fun activities focus on rehabilitation. Some of these are clubs, work projects, family groups, fishing, animal care, and equine therapy. All have a remedial impact on students.
Although the main object is to deal with a student's behavioral problems, every student is encouraged to achieve good academic results. To this end, the academy has an outstanding academic curriculum. While at the DRA, each student will experience his or her own personal journey to self-discovery. The academy's motto, 'Healing Families, One Youth at a Time' clearly defines its ethos.
The DRA uses its Real Life Transition Program which is based on integrating and reinforcing personal accountability in every area of life. When a student first arrives, he or she is assessed by the academy's Clinical Director during the first two weeks. They are then assigned a personal therapist who will guide them through the program.
Students receive individual counseling and family therapy with the primary therapist every second week. Family counseling takes place via the phone on a conference call basis. Every week, intensive group therapy is held. If they so wish, students are able to attend weekly sessions presented by Narcotics Anonymous.
Psycho-education groups are held twice a week. These are designed to help students understand themselves and their relationships with others. Each session has a different topic. These include anger management, loss and grief, addiction, peer pressure, and social skills.
Only when the student has finished the 'homeless' phase of the program, can family therapy begin. The family will be contacted by the primary therapist every second week to discuss the student's progress and any other important aspects. He or she will decide when face-to-face visits can commence.
Therapists strive to guarantee confidentiality with students and families. Nothing will be revealed without the family's prior consent in writing. In addition, therapists will not divulge what occurs during a student's therapy sessions unless a life-threatening situation emerges.
Usually, after 10 weeks, a student will be entitled to personal visits from parents and family. Sometimes, this can take up to four months. They are then allowed to have visitors once every month.
All Diamond Ranch Academy therapists can be contacted by phone or email at any time. The family is encouraged to keep in regular communication with their child's therapist. In no way does the DRA wish to exclude families from the process of rehabilitation. In fact, it is a vital component for the program's success.
