Admissions Process

Residential Treatment Admission Process in ND

The decision to seek residential treatment for your child can feel overwhelming, but we will support you every step of the way. As we assess your child’s needs and walk you through the process, we’ll ensure you feel informed and supported.

Here’s what to expect:

Step 1: Initial Consultation

• Contact Our Admissions Team: Our experienced Admissions Team will listen to your concerns and answer any initial questions about residential treatment at the Ranch.
• Determine Program Fit: We will discuss your child’s needs and background to determine if residential treatment is an appropriate option and if your child meets the state’s eligibility guidelines.
• Sign the Release of Information: We’ll ask you to sign a Release of Information form, which allows us to streamline the process by collecting the necessary records directly from providers involved in your child’s care.

Step 2: Gather Documentation & Complete the Application

• Gather Documentation: After the initial consultation, we’ll help you gather documents needed for the Universal Application, including medical, psychiatric, therapy, and education records.
• Required Information: In addition to answering questions about your child's symptoms and behaviors, you'll be asked for information and documents from other providers involved in your child's care and treatment including:
  • Names and phone numbers of people in your child's primary support system, including parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, case managers, etc.
  • Child and family team meeting notes or your child’s most recent permanency plan (if in public custody).
  • Placement history including previous facility/treatment placements, hospitalizations, and foster care placements.
  • Discharge information (if recently placed in a facility/treatment setting).
  • Any assessment, testing, IEP, medication list, diagnosis detail, or specialist evaluations.
  • Any progress notes specific to therapeutic intervention.
• Application Assistance: Our team will assist you in completing the Universal Application, ensuring that all required fields and information are completed before submission.

Step 3: Behavioral Health Navigator (BHN) and Maximus Assessment

• Initial Screening by BHN: Once your application is complete, our team will coordinate with a state Behavioral Health Navigator (BHN) to review your child’s eligibility for residential treatment. This pre-screening helps identify if a referral for placement is appropriate.
• Maximus Determination: If the BHN determines that residential treatment is suitable, your child’s application will be forwarded to Maximus, the state’s third-party reviewer. Maximus will complete a thorough assessment and interview to make a final determination.
• Timeline: Maximus typically has seven business days to complete the assessment. During this period, they may contact you for additional information or clarification as part of the decision-making process.

Step 4: Receive the Final Decision and Plan the Next Steps

• Notification of Decision: You’ll receive an email with Maximus’s decision. If approved, we’ll work with you to confirm next steps and arrange for admission to the program.
• Support if Denied: If your application is denied, our team will guide you toward alternative resources and community-based services that may meet your child’s needs.

NOTE: If you are interested in your child attending Dakota Memorial School as a Day Student, learn more here. The Day Program has a separate application process that doesn't require you to complete the Universal Application.