Therapeutic Programming at the Ranch

Therapeutic Programming at the Ranch

Therapeutic Programming at the Ranch

At the Ranch, therapeutic programming is delivered by an experienced, multidisciplinary team focused on helping youth stabilize, heal, and build skills for life.

Clinical and medical support includes:

  • Psychiatrists and mid-level providers
  • A clinical psychologist
  • Licensed and master’s-level therapists
  • Licensed addiction counselors
  • Recreation therapists
  • 24/7 nursing support through the Tom and Joan Scott Medical Clinic, an on-site medical center

This integrated approach ensures coordinated, consistent care around the clock.

Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch is accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA), reflecting our ongoing commitment to quality improvement and nationally recognized best-practice standards in human services.

Every child at the Ranch receives individualized care, including weekly individual and family therapy, as well as specialized group therapies tailored to their needs and treatment goals.

Below is an overview of our therapeutic programming at the Ranch in Billings.

Psychiatric Care & Medication Management

Psychiatrists and mid-level providers deliver psychiatric services, including medication management, to support stabilization and treatment progress.

Youth receive regular psychiatric evaluations, ongoing medication review, and adjustments as clinically indicated, with careful attention to safety, effectiveness, and individual needs. Care is coordinated with therapeutic services to ensure continuity and responsiveness.

Medical Services

Nestled among the ponds and pathways of our East Campus, the Tom and Joan Scott Medical Clinic provides on-site medical services with 24/7 nursing support, working closely with clinical and psychiatric teams to ensure coordinated, responsive care.

Our nursing team supports daily health needs, medication administration, and acute medical concerns, helping ensure continuity of care throughout each youth’s stay at the Ranch.

➝ Learn More About the Tom and Joan Scott Medical Clinic

Therapy Services

Therapy is a central component of care at the Ranch. Youth participate in weekly individual therapy, family therapy, and specialized group therapies designed to address trauma, strengthen relationships, and build practical life skills.

Services are delivered by licensed and master’s-level therapists and tailored to each youth’s treatment, developmental needs, and family context.

Family involvement is critical to supporting progress beyond residential care.

Chemical Dependency Treatment

Our Chemical Dependency program supports youth who are struggling with substance use challenges alongside mental health needs. Care focuses on strengthening family relationships, supporting healthy decision-making, and building practical tools that help youth move toward long-term wellness.

Recreational Therapy

Recreational Therapy promotes physical and emotional well-being through structured activities that build teamwork, cooperation, and sportsmanship. Youth engage in traditional sports and individual and group activities, developing healthy habits that promote overall wellness.

➝ Learn More About Recreational Therapy

Equine & Animal-Assisted Therapy

Equine and Animal-Assisted Therapy supports youth who have experienced trauma through structured equine activities that help build trust and coping skills. Work with therapy dogs offers a calming, consistent connection that supports relational safety and helps youth manage stress in their daily environment.

➝ Learn More About Equine & Animal-Assisted Therapy

Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapy helps youth build sensory regulation, social skills, and the ability to manage daily routines more independently. Individualized plans address school needs, self-care, and daily routines, fostering healthy habits, resilience, and engagement through individual and group therapy.

➝ Learn More About Occupational Therapy

Native American Services Program

Our Native American Services program fosters cultural connection and mentorship—providing ongoing support to youth at the Ranch that follows them into aftercare. Through traditional practices like powwow dance, beading, and smudging, along with our Wellbriety 12-step chemical dependency program, Indigenous youth build a sense of pride and belonging on their path to wellness.

➝ Learn More About Our Native American Services Program

Spiritual Life Program

We offer faith-based services, including chapel and spiritual mentorship, fostering purpose, belonging, and mind-body-spirit wellness while embracing diverse beliefs.

➝ Learn More About Our Spiritual Life Program

Education Services at Yellowstone Academy

Yellowstone Academy, our educational partner at the Ranch, is a fully accredited K–12 school, holding accreditation from:

Yellowstone Academy provides a therapeutic alternative education setting for youth in our care. Certified teachers offer a structured, year-round learning environment.

➝ Learn More About Yellowstone Academy

Learn More

For more information about how we support youth at the Ranch in Billings, visit our Residential Care at the Ranch page.

To explore our full array of services, navigate to our Continuum of Care page.