Turnabout Ranch

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Cuz I watch Dr.Phil sending spoiled brats for therapy, lol.

DISCLAIMER: This is NOT a fake post nor have I been paid to post this. I am writing my story first and foremost because I had a wonderful experience and also because of the negative people who have nothing better to do than troll this page (with or without attending TAR). Anyone who is struggling with their rebellious child and has lost all hope should seriously consider sending their child here. I attended TAR in '07 I was 17 years old and senior in HS who would do anything to defy my parents. I was ALSO awoken in my bed early in the morning by two transporters and sent away, but this was all due to MY bad behavior. My parents are nothing short of amazing and because of my crappy teenage attitude and not wanting to listen OR respect my parents I was sent here. My parents did everything they could in their power (even call the police on me) to get me to listen and settle down. MY behavior had nothing to do with how my parents raised me. I was a very fortunate child who grew up in a middle-class family that fell into the WRONG crowd and had issues coping with the rules my parents set in THEIR house (and these rules were like any other...curfew, no going out on school nights etc.) When I arrived at TAR I had no idea where I was or how long I was going to be there. I was scared and sad that I had pushed my parents so far that this ended up being their last ditch effort. Everything that I took for granted was taken away from me in the beginning and through this I had to learn how to appreciate the things that my parents worked so hard to provide for me. This program works you HARD and the reason that they do this is to show you that you are capable of so much more. They also do this to break you down and show you that respect is EARNED not given. The hard work that we endured was nothing close to ABUSE, they were chores that we were expected to accomplish just like my parents expected of me. And if we gave lip, or refused to work we were punished by having to do MORE work or have time added to our stay at TAR which is completely reasonable. I worked the program even with having a rebellious attitude and it happened to be the best experience of my life. I graduated after 103 days. I went back home and yes I still partied with my friends, but I had a heck of a lot more respect for my parents and my life in general. Thank you Peggy, Wayne, Tom, Deb, Deborah, Rex (R.I.P), Carol, Myron, Carl and many many more. I am forever indebted to you for your hard work. I hope one day to return and visit and maybe share my own story with the kids there.

So I knew my son probably had ADD but didn't want him labeled or medicated so I never looked into it. His doctor said, 'he's just an 8 year old boy,' and I agreed, because that's what I wanted to hear. My dad and my husband probably had it too and they had never been treated or diagnosed. It wasn't until I filled out an application at another program that asked for a year by year report of his school history, that I realized, Jake had never liked school and none of his teachers had really liked him either. Sometimes a learning disability just looks like a behavioral problem, especially in boys. Day after day, year after year of him struggling -- it’s no wonder he's angry! So he's 16, and things are pretty bad, so we go to his doctor, who says Jake has poor impulse control and probably ADD, so we try 3 different medications but nothing helps. We start therapy but that seems to make things worse. One psychologist diagnosed drug and alcohol addiction and recommended a program that involves regular UA's, group and individual therapy. Jake says no way. He can't have the extensive psychological examination because of the drug use. Jake is almost 18 and has been kicked out of 2 schools and is currently failing at the 3rd. We have found a gun in his room, which we took to the police station. They just said thank you. He broke his hand but won't treat it, emergency room visit for stitches, police calls to the house, a felony charge for reaching into another boy’s car to try to pull him out. We took him to the mental hospital and they said he wasn't an immediate threat. His anger is scary. He is scared. We are helpless. 2 am searches on the internet lead us to Turnabout Ranch. We've filled out the application but it's so expensive and too extreme and how can they fix years of bad parenting? Then Jake's friend shoots and kills herself with the gun she's been carrying around and we decide we've got to at least try to save Jake's life. Our plan to grit our teeth until he turns 18 and kick him out of the house, with a felony charge, no car and no diploma seems pretty pathetic. So we have him transported to TAR and after several weeks of being sober, they arrange a psychologist to come and evaluate him and we learn he has ADHD and some other learning problems and this actually good news because it explains a lot. TAR was so professional from beginning to end. They taught him so many things like hard work and accomplishment feels good, he cannot be entitled to anything, how to be a leader and that feeling are ok. They taught him to express himself in healthy ways and to be a letter writer. He no longer takes things for granted. A leader at the Ranch walked with the boys when they needed to 'reflect,' 7 miles, I think, and when they still didn't get it, he walked with them again the next day. Jake had to reflect a lot towards the end of the program, which caused concern for them and for us, but I know now he was just squeezing all he could from the program before he had to leave. They also walked beside my husband and I with weekly therapy for us as well. They helped us develop an aftercare program, which included the drug and alcohol program we visited before, a diversion program for the felony charge and school and an online class. This week, we celebrated Jake's one year 'sober-versay,' and the day he went to TAR. We wrote down things that we had left behind and tore them up. Jake wrote 4 or 5 things, including loneliness, because his old 'friends' didn't really care about him and he didn't have a relationship with us anymore. I wrote fear. He said he was sober initially because he had to be, then because of the aftercare program, but now it is for himself. TAR didn't give me my son back, as some have said. I've never known this man, who is capable of impulse control, problem solving and displaying emotions constructively. He is thoughtful and kind and SUCCESSFUL. He graduated high school and has a good job and I am filled with love and gratitude daily.

I went here. I wish I could go back. The environment was great! I loved everyone who worked with me. My only problem was I went back to the same living situation.... I am currently trying to be removed from my home so I can have a new start, get a job, and get off probation. I am not welcome in my home so I am using the resources I learned at Turn About Ranch to fix my life for ME, NO ONE ELSE. Thank you turn about ranch I finally care about me for me :) MUCH LOVE

I have not attended. Just commenting on some of the poor reviews. YOU WERE MADE TO WORK. DONT CRY ABOUT IT. This is stuff I and millions of others do EVERY SINGLE DAY. HARD WORK WILL BUD CHARACTER. Change your attitude and you'll change your life. May even come to love ranching. I guess I was raised to actually know how to work though...

i went here when i was 12. i was out of control and had alot to work through. this place herr may have been rough but it was entirely worth it. it was hard yet it helped shape me...

My daughter was at Turn About Ranch. This program not only saved her life but also United us as a family. It was the most humbling experience of my life and leaving her was the hardest thing I ever had to do. Getting her back - as she was before she got into trouble - was the most rewarding and amazing thing. It’s the end result that makes the process worth while. The staff was so wonderful. They made this experience easier to go through. Michelle and Lorie keep me posted on my daughters initial days then the weekly posting of her progress gave me strength. The staff made such an impression on my daughter that she wants to continue a relationship with them. Her therapist called weekly and never held back on setting her father and I straight. This program is not only for our children but for the entire family. Don’t hesitate! This program will work if all efforts are made by both the parents and child. Totally worth it. My daughter is now home and in private school and putting her life back together day by day. It’s a blessing to know Turn About Ranch is still there if we need them. Very happy mom in San Diego.

THIS PROGRAM WORKS!!!! think intelligence, think about how much your freaking parents paid to keep you here, that knowledge of what you think as basic transcends normal daily life I kid you not! this review is for the ones who care enough, but the truth is that this program works! my name is John Cagle and I'm telling you that this program works! long term thinking is what it's all about, the long term strategy is to go without because most of the kids; despite your mental disability, is ultimately lack of appreciation, and to this day I find myself reverting back to things I learned here at Turn About. Life I simple, life is easy, and it can be perfect, and it can be perfect for you and you can change the WORLD because nothing is stopping you, you survived all of Turnabout Ranch! graduated or not, you were THERE, the opportunity alone is gratefulness, because you had the opportunity of 500 million other delinquents who get written off as assholes and screwed by the system. THANK YOUR PARENTS, you will become successful and have an opinion in life that counts and matters, you will learn the art of appreciation ;)

Absolutely recommend this program without a doubt. I was a frustrated mother at a breaking with a struggling teenager that hit rock bottom. Without this program in our life, I don't know if I would have ever seen his smiling face again. I can't say enough about the staff, counseling and program itself. Don't listen to the negativity with reviews, I didn't. It was a tough decision but thank God every day I trusted my gut and the program. I have my son back and yes it's a tough structured program but all in a good way, the way it needs to be. He needed a drastic measure and TAR exceeded my expectations. Worth every penny. Thank you!!!

i enjoyed being at the ranch i made a lot of friends while i was there it was amaZing

I love how all the poor reviews are written by whiny, narcissistic kids forced to attend the ranch and get a wake-up call through hard work and probably some of the first real discipline they have ever faced in their self-absorbed little lives, while the good reviews are written by the parents who saw the impact that hard work and discipline had on their kid (probably should have introduced that yourselves, parents.) The ranch is a tender version of boot camp, not a playground, and not meant to be a fun or loving experience. It's meant to be a wake-up call and last stop before those little f***ers wind up in prison.

Ok, I don't know anything about this place but reading the reviews... All the negative reviews look like they've been written by kids (probably the teens that were in this place) and the positive reviews look too phony. Honestly, unless you've actually been inside, they keep it pretty secretive so you can't know what goes on. I bet it helps but something else is involved. Otherwise, how could they help the teens in such a short amount of time??

I was sent to Turn About Ranch the day after my 13th birthday, back in 1992. I was there for about 3 months, and in that time, I learned many things. The main part was conflict resolution and working through anger issues. We had to work hard, but also had some great fun as well! It was all worth it. I consider the other kids my family. I have many wonderful memories of Turn About and the people who helped me - Kas and Ken, Connie, Joy, Myron to name a few. I am still in contact with several of the people 24 years later. This place truly saved my life and helped me to become a responsible adult!

Turn About Ranch saved our son and family. We had to make one of the hardest decisions when it came to our son. We could no longer live on the emotional roller coaster our son had us on. Our home had become a war zone and it needed to stop. After researching Wilderness Programs for our son, Turn About Ranch came out above the rest. It had all the components our son needed in order to become a healthy young man. It had an accredited school, extensive therapy, accountability, an amazing horsemanship program, an excellent work ethic and staff that truly love the kids and their jobs. We did read the negative reviews and spoke extensively with the Director of Admissions, Shane. After much soul searching we decided we needed to do this for our son. It was the best decision we have ever made. Do not get me wrong...it is not an easy program. It makes these kids work hard on all levels but it also teaches them to love themselves. So, for every negative comment, there a so many more positives and the end result is so worth every penny....every tear...every uncertainty. We thank God everyday for guiding us to Turn About Ranch...it gave us our sanity back and a young man who is not so angry at the world and learning to became an amazing young adult. I also would like to add that we, as parents could call the Ranch at anytime to ask questions or voice any concerns. His therapist spent much more time then the allotted amount to make sure we knew exactly what was happening in his daily life at the Ranch. Sharing both emotional growth as well as areas he needed to work on. She went above and beyond the call of duty. We did not feel our son/family was just another kid or number. That was huge in reassuring us that we made the right decision. We will forever be grateful for them guiding us out of the darkness of our life. The sun shines again thanks to the Ranch and its dedicated staff. THANK YOU!

After speaking with families (you may speak to families who had their child there) that have enrolled their child in the Turn-About Ranch program, 5 starts isn't enough to review this real ranch. The student studies and earns a semester of school credit while waking/sleeping early- being responsible for the care of animals and learning plain old work ethic; they go from a bad place in their life to experiencing life in a whole new light achieving goals every step of the way. The goals gave D. the courage to get past tragedy and mold herself for a wonderful future. The staff were caring, transparent, and helped the entire family. Thank you for providing this service.

Was our last resort out of fear from the unknown. Wish it would of been our 1st . Wish we would of done this in early teens instead of waiting. But so thankful to have our daughter back with attitude to enjoy life and each other..... thanks to turn about ranch who gave her a chance to get to the root of the issues that was holding her back. The staff here is amazing.. Each having their own role in making this happen. Thank You All !!!!!

I think I was one of the very first kids to complete a stay at Turn-About Ranch. That was 28 years ago (yikes I'm getting old)! I was recently in southern Utah vacationing and couldn't help but reflect on my experiences there as I drove by many familiar places from my past. Back then I was a lost 14 year old kid. I had some family issues, my parents were divorcing, I was a high school dropout, a runaway, a "tad" rebellious (ha!), and was unfortunately dabbling in things no 14 year old had business dabbling in. Looking back now I can honestly that my time at Turn About Ranch probably saved my life. They taught me about accountability, responsibility, hardwork, and integrity. All lessons that have shaped my life as I've grown in to the adult woman I am today. However, I have to say that the most impactful thing Turn About did for me was show me that I had options. I was able to see that the dark path I was troding down wasn't the only path available to me. That idea was a profound revelation at time, and strangely enough, when life gets complicated, it's a revelation that still helps to guide me as fumble my way through this crazy, glorious life. I'd like to send a big heartfelt THANK YOU to Dave, Bart, Ken, Kas, Charles, Myron and all the others that helped one broken kid find her wings and fly. You made all the difference in the world. Much love to you all!!

My son spent the summer at Turn About Ranch. I had read the bad reviews and was concerned about sending him there. But, it seemed he was on the road to jail or death so we did it. Best decision we could have made. I was able to talk with them extensively before sending him and every week after sending him we were in contact with his therapist. They did wonders for him and I know he was sad to leave and will miss many of the special people who work at TAR. When we visited I watched for any signs of abuse or mistreatment. NONE. TAR saved my sons life and he is now off to college. Not sure why people who know nothing about TAR are reviewing it. Using a fake name and posting a bad review about a place you know NOTHING about, is a bad idea. It could prevent a parent from getting the help they need for their troubled teen. You obviously have never been in a situation where you felt helpless about what's happening with your teen. It would be best not to judge until you have walked in another's shoes.