Residential Treatment

A Place of Healing for Children & Adolescents in North Dakota

Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch is a Christ-centered residential treatment and educational center for children and their families; a place where we look the most troubled, complicated, and amazing kids in the eye, walk with them, and help them become their best selves in this world and in Christ.

Safe, Nurturing Residential Treatment for Your Child

Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch’s residential treatment programs provide a safe, nurturing environment where children and adolescents ages 10 to 17 can heal from severe mental health challenges, behavioral issues, and trauma. Our integrated approach to treatment addresses the psychological, physical, relational, and behavioral well-being of your child. Individualized therapy, psychiatric services, group therapy, education, life-skills training, and a structured daily schedule help them heal and grow in a safe and supportive setting.

When to Consider Residential Treatment:

If your child is suffering from mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, suicidal thoughts or actions, self-harm, aggression, and/or psychosis, they may benefit from residential treatment.

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, it may be time to explore residential treatment. We understand this is a big decision. Our admissions team will guide you through the process and walk with you every step of the way.

The Admissions Process

The residential treatment application and qualification process can be complicated. Call us at 701-354-4181. We can help you determine if your child will qualify for residential treatment and help you navigate the admissions process.

Financial and Insurance Information

The Ranch accepts many forms of payment for services including self-pay, Medicaid, and commercial insurance.

• Insurance: Most public and private health insurance plans cover residential treatment. We work closely with insurance providers to maximize coverage and minimize out-of-pocket costs. We also help families apply for Medical Medicaid so coverage continues after private insurance runs out.
• Educational Costs: The education provided by Dakota Memorial School is generally covered by the child’s home school district.

Residential Treatment at the Ranch

Residential Treatment at Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch provides a safe, nurturing, and structured environment where children have 24/7 access to specialized care, education, and therapeutic resources. We ensure that each child feels supported, understood, and empowered to heal, learn, and grow in a setting designed to address their unique challenges.

Access to On-Campus Resources, 24 Hours a Day

Our on-site clinical staff includes therapists, nurses, psychologists, addiction counselors, and a psychiatrist. Individualized therapy, psychiatric services, group therapy, education, life-skills training, and a structured daily schedule help children heal and grow in a safe and supportive setting.

Our highly trained Residential Treatment Specialists care for the children throughout the day and night—providing trauma-focused care and support, accompanying them to on and off-campus appointments, going with them to school, taking them on community outings, playing games with them, and watching over them at night.

Trauma-Centered Care

Most children arrive at the Ranch having experienced significant trauma in their lives. We weave trauma-informed practices into all residential and educational programs.

Employees are trained to understand the neurological, biological, psychological, and social impact of trauma on children. We screen and assess all children for Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and provide specialized trauma therapies when the children and their families are ready.

Accredited Academic Instruction

At the Ranch’s on-campus school, your child can succeed academically and socially, maybe for the first time. Our fully accredited school provides best-in-class, trauma-sensitive education for children with severe mental health and behavioral issues while giving them access to special education, 504, and Title services.

Research-based assessments guide us in placing your child in classes that align with their academic levels and goals, including credit recovery for high school students. We work closely with your child's home school district for a smooth transition and credit transfer.

Spiritual Life

Our ministry’s success in serving children and families is attributed in great part to our Spiritual Life Program. While the program is voluntary, children are encouraged to participate in Chapel, Christian education, and spiritual life groups, as well as to meet individually with our on-campus Pastors, Chaplain, or Spiritual Life Specialists.

Children who choose to not take part in spiritual life activities participate in a values-based program—which teaches many of the same values of love, compassion, and forgiveness, but without a religious connection.

Family Involvement During Treatment

A child’s healing journey is most successful when their family is actively involved. We require family* participation in treatment and provide ongoing family support, empowering you to play a central role in your child’s healing journey.

*"Family" or "parent" includes the child's biological family, adoptive family, guardian, foster family, or "fictive kin" (non-biologically connected people who support and care for the child).

How We Involve Families in Treatment

• Family Therapy Sessions: Regular family therapy sessions led by licensed therapists create a safe space for open communication, help build stronger relationships, and provide you with tools to support your child’s growth.
• Parent Coaching and Education: Our team provides coaching and educational resources to help you understand your child’s mental health needs and the strategies that support healing. We empower you to create a positive, supportive home environment by providing guidance and practical skills.
• Frequent Updates and Communication: We keep you updated on your child’s progress through weekly check-ins and personalized treatment updates. This transparency helps you stay connected to your child’s journey, even from a distance.
• Contact with Your Child: We encourage you to stay connected to your child through frequent phone calls and visits. When your child is ready, we will work with you to schedule off-campus and overnight home visits.

Transitioning Home

Our goal is not to help kids be good at living in treatment but to help them be successful in their home environment. As your child prepares to transition home, we will work with you to create a detailed plan for safety and success.

• Individualized Transition Plans: We will develop a personalized transition plan tailored to your child’s needs, equipping both you and your child to succeed at home.
• Community and Outpatient Referrals: To ensure your child’s ongoing success, we connect you with local resources, outpatient therapy options, and community services that offer continued support.
• Follow-Up Support: After discharge, we will address any questions, challenges, or adjustments as your family settles into new routines. This extended care helps reinforce the tools and strategies your child learned at the Ranch.