Residential Treatment

At Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch, youth who struggle socially, emotionally, and behaviorally are welcomed by professionals who are committed to building relationships and reinforcing the strengths of each young person. Our caring staff includes psychiatrists, nurses, clinical and school psychologists, therapists, chemical dependency counselors, director of spiritual care, recreational therapists, Eagala therapist, school administrators, teachers, and direct care personnel who provide 24-hour supervision to children with serious mental health needs. Because of these extensive resources, struggling youth receive the individual support they need to learn how to overcome daily challenges and find success in life.

We serve boys 11 to 18 and girls 12 to 18 years of age who have significant difficulties functioning at home or school. Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch provides treatment for youth diagnosed with the following disorders:

  • Anxiety disorder
  • Substance Use Disorder
  • Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
  • High-Functioning Autism spectrum disorder
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Oppositional defiance disorder
  • Depressive disorder
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Reactive attachment disorder (RAD)

Other behaviors may include drug use, running away, self-harming, suicidal thoughts, poor social skills, and defiance.  We evaluate special physical and medical needs on a case by case basis.

YBGR Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF) believes full schedules that consist of healthy activities provide opportunity for youth to build constructive relationships with staff and one another.

The environment encourages good daily habits and provides structure and support through consistent, predicable scheduling in a nurturing environment. Here youth thrive and grow personally as they learn to manage their time, be accountable and responsible community members and respect those around them.  All staff involved with youth, including lodge and school staff, are well-trained in behavior management and intervention techniques. YBGR staff are encouraged to help youth in their care to develop positive, significant relationships with those around them.

Youth live in same-sex homes, called lodges, and share basic housekeeping responsibilities. Each youth is assigned a chore to assist in the major cleaning of his/her lodge and are asked to clean on a daily basis. 

We recognize the importance of family involvement in the therapeutic process and provide opportunities for phone calls, mail, visitation, and off-campus passes.  YBGR provides on-campus housing units that are available for families visiting.  Reservations are required and are made by the child’s therapist when the visit is scheduled.  Family therapy is offered weekly in person, by phone, or by video conferencing with a licensed therapist.  Monthly treatment plan reviews are conducted with the treatment team and families are invited to participate.

Youth attend year-round school at Yellowstone Academy in a unique setting that fosters learning and growth.  After school, evenings, and weekends consist of full schedules of healthy activities that provide opportunities for youth to develop social skills, healthy coping skills, and life skills while supporting relationships with peers and staff.   YBGR PRTF offers extra-curricular and recreational activities at the Uihlein Center (UC)  as well as other therapeutic activities  in the lodges and other areas on campus.