Helping today’s Troubled Teens To Become Tomorrow’s Successful Adults

Sorenson’s Ranch School brings the hope for a brighter future. Students learn through many different ways how to cope with and deal with their issues.

Sorenson’s Ranch School has been helping youth for over 35 years and we can help you!

Authentic Ranch Environment

Sorenson’s Ranch is much more than a school. Located on over 300 Acres it is a fully operational Ranch with the unique learning experiences that come from living in a ranch environment. Experiential learning is an enormous part of our student’s lives and helps prepare students to solve issues on their own and adapt to change rather than internalize issues and misbehave.

Many Teens suffer from diagnosable disorders – Sorenson’s Ranch School can assist not only with a diagnosis but also with the important therapeutic treatments to assist the student learn to deal with or overcome the diagnosis.

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Who We Are

Sorenson's Ranch School is Teen Treatment Center

Sorenson's is a second generation family owned school with over 30 years experience helping troubled teens. We were one of the first programs to combine therapy, experiential learning, academics and behavioral modification to help troubled teens overcome issues such as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD), Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), teen cutting, drug and alcohol abuse and many others.

Therapy

Clinical Therapy

The clinical department at Sorenson's Ranch uniquely includes both mental health therapists and specially trained substance abuse counselors. Mental health and substance abuse issues are addressed in group and individual settings. This well-rounded approach to assessment and intervention provides our students with the necessary life skills to overcome teen depression, teen anger and many other problems.

Experiential Learning

Experiential learning is a process of learning by doing rather than by talking and listening. At Sorenson’s Ranch School experiential learning begins on day one. Each new student at Sorenson’s begins their stay with a week of feeding the animals and doing chores on the ranch. This provides youth with the opportunity to acclimate to their new setting and to learn some real life lessons by doing rather than by talking.

Academics

For school we do not have quarters or semesters. Open enrollment allows students to enroll at any time. Teachers follow the Utah State Department of Education curriculum guidelines. Small class sizes allow teachers to individualize teaching methods for each student. The program consists of a strong behavioral component coupled with a multi-disciplinary and multi-theoretical element. Using these different components can allow students to make up for lost credits in the past and helps to put them on path to graduate. If the student is already doing well in school the individual attention received at Sorenson’s Ranch will accelerate learning and help them learn at an appropriate pace.

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Sports

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Co-Ed

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4-H

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Experiential Learning

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Horse Program

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Camps Out

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Parent Services

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Second Generation

Over 30 years experience helping troubled teens

Testimonials

"I am writing to express our family’s sincere gratitude to you and your staff for the changes that have taken place in our son John during the time he spent with you. John came to SRS angry, defiant, out of faith in himself and hope for the future and as a consequence unable to gain a foothold on the slippery climb to adulthood. We watch now as he takes a breath before answering, thinks before acting, seriously weighs the pros and cons of what to do with the rest of his life. He isn’t perfect. Who is? But he’s now standing on a solid foundation of values and self-confidence instilled at your school.

When I picked John up, I told Tevita, his case manager, “When John came here, his future was dim and small. Now, thanks to you, it’s bright and big.” We would like to use this opportunity to say the same to all the rest of the staff. You have a tough job and I’m sure there are days when you are weary. Please know that the work you do is appreciated and admired by us and that you really are making the world a better place."

A.H.

"I’m grateful we found the name of your school, and decided to send our son there. What a beautiful ranch, and it’s truly a beautiful state. Nice place to clean up your act and get yourself together. I see a lot of change in my son since he’s been there. I’m looking so forward to his coming home. I also wanted to mention how wonderful his case manager has been. He’s a very special person. He’s been great with Leon and also with us. He’s made a big difference for Leon. His effort and caring ways are above what he could possibly earn. He’s priceless. We’ve grown very fond of him. He has made this tremendous experience a positive one for us."

L.B.

"Just wanted to let you and your staff know how much Ron and I have appreciated your help over the years with Rhye, Paula and Hayden. Most recently with Hayden we would like to acknowledge SeSe and Sam. The entire staff should be acknowledged, but we singled out these two because of our own personal time with them. We continue to recommend Sorenson's School to anyone who could benefit from your services. You sure were a lifeline for us, so please continue with your good work. As an update on Hayden, he is doing very well. He has started driver's ed. and has enrolled in Houston Community College and has been filing job applications. Daily we see progress and signs of maturity. So again thank you to Sorenson's and your staff."

Bonnie and Ron

Amazing Campus

Sorenson’s Ranch is located on a beautiful 300 acre campus and provides a unique experience for students to learn and grow. The surrounding area provides an excellent learning environment.

F.A.Q.

Where are you located?
We are located in South Central Utah in a rural mountain valley in the small town of Koosharem.
Do you have a facility in my area?
We are a privately owned, family business and not part of a corporate conglomerate with multiple facilities. Our only location is in Koosharem, Utah.
When can a student enter?
Sorenson's Ranch School is an open entry program. Students may enter at any time. An individualized class schedule is designed for each pupil, based on previous credits earned and their personal needs.
What is the average length of time a student stays?
Our program is organized for approximately one year.
What are the credentials of Sorenson's Ranch School?
We are licensed by the State of Utah as a residential treatment and substance abuse facility. We are accredited by The Joint Commission Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), and the Northwest Accreditation Commission (NWAC) & National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSAP). We are on the special education list of some states.
Do insurance companies cover Sorenson's Ranch School?
Most insurance companies do not cover residential treatment centers. If you have residential benefits, we will bill your insurance company; however, you will be responsible to cover tuition until insurance payments arrive. We can also bill for some of the services we offer as outpatient therapy.
What are visiting privileges?
We suggest that parents visit before the student enters and at three months when the student has earned the privilege of a visit and after six to eight months. Home visits are suggested for the student when the student is on the right level and after eight to ten months.
What about runaways?
We are very isolated, which is a deterrent to running away and with parental support we will work to bring any runaway back.
What should a student bring with him/her?
Basic clothing requirements for students are as follows: six tee shirts (no solid black, red, or blue), five pairs of jeans, sweatshirts, one light jacket, ten pair of underwear, ten pair of socks, two to three bras, one pair of pajamas/sweatpants and shirt for sleeping, one swimsuit (modest one-piece, not white), one pair of sunglasses. Students may have one heavy coat, one pair of tennis shoes, one pair of sandals for summer (no heels higher than one inch), one pair of hiking boots, and two pair of shorts (no more than 3 inches above the knee). Parents may send these clothing items with student when admitting. Please consult the Clothing Policy in the Parent Manual for details on what is or is not allowed.
Is there a religious affiliation?
No, we are not associated with any religion. Our students come from many religions. We offer an opportunity for them to attend the religion of their choice if they initiate the request and if it is available. Students in Addiction Recovery or Support Group meetings are encouraged to rely on the help of a higher power.
What is the policy on smoking, drugs, and alcohol?
Campus is a drug-free zone. Smoking, drugs and alcohol is not allowed, even for staff.
What is the boy/girl policy?
We have a co-ed program. We have a "no physical contact" rule and are reasonably safe and secure in these areas -- much more than in the home, neighborhood, or public schools.
What success can be expected?
We don’t offer a “quick fix,” but we do change behavior and habits in a therapeutic setting. We teach a new way of life with emphasis on ranching, farming, camping, and country living. Many students go on to college, trade programs or other. All students have life-enhancing experiences.
Can students earn a diploma?
Yes, students may earn a high school diploma or transfer earned credits to another accredited high school. We offer all required courses for high school graduation. We are able to help students who have fallen behind to catch up. We have special education classes, small class-loads, and many experiential (hands-on) opportunities.
How often can I have contact with our student?
You may write letters to your son or daughter as soon as they enter the program. Students are also encouraged to write you each week. We ask that you wait three weeks to speak to them by phone. This gives each student time to acclimate to their new environment. After the initial waiting period, phone calls are determined by the level of the student. Levels Two through Five may receive a weekly call from home, of various durations based on level. (This schedule does not include therapy calls with your student, as they are therapy sessions)
How often will my son or daughter receive therapy?
The advantage to therapy in our residential setting is that each therapist has the opportunity to interact with students both in therapy and out of therapy. Students will have between one and three individual sessions per week. This will vary depending on a number of factors; such as willingness to engage in therapy, behavioral issues, and emotional needs at any given time. Each student also attends group therapy sessions, up to four times each week. These may include Grief Therapy, Anger Management, Dialectal Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Adoption, Peer, Life Skills, Prevention/Intervention, and NA, among others. Each therapist will also conduct family therapy sessions, and will develop a schedule that meets the needs of you and your son or daughter. Sorenson’s Ranch School incorporates therapy into almost everything we do. The therapeutic value of spending time in the open, on the back of a horse, and around a campfire, is priceless.

Free Information Package

Please fill form below and we will send you free information package including details about Sorenson's Ranch School, tution and financial options. If you have any question, please feel free to call us at 888-830-4802