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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is your program located?
We are located in rural Loa, Utah, just 20 miles from Capitol Reef National Park and about three hours south of Salt Lake City,
What types of students is your program prepared to serve?
We are a co-educational residential treatment program for teens between the ages of 13 and 17.6 years. Common issues experienced by Aspen Ranch students prior to enrollment include low self esteem, academic underachievement, substance abuse, mood disorders, anger, and family conflict.
How much will tuition cost?
Because we offer comprehensive and highly individualized services, costs associated with enrolling in Aspen Ranch depend upon a number of personal factors, including (but not necessarily limited to) anticipated length of stay and the nature and severity of the issues the child is struggling to overcome.
Our intake advisors will be happy to work with you to develop a detailed financial picture based upon your family’s unique needs.
Does your school accept insurance or provide financing options?
Financial Assistance is available for those who qualify. If you're interested in determining if you would qualify for a private loan, we work with an independent loan organization called Clark Behavioral Health Financing. Loans can cover tuition, enrollment fees and miscellaneous expenses including transportation to and from the program.
CBHF features multiple loan products with competitive rates, and a possible deferral of interest for up to 6 months with no prepayment penalties or cancellation fees. For more information visit our Admissions page.
Will my child be working with qualified and licensed professionals?
In addition to being talented, dedicated and experienced, our teachers, therapists, counselors and other staff members possess a range of licenses and credentials. For more specific information visit our Faculty and Staff page.
Is your program accredited?
Yes. We are fully accredited by the Northwest Association of Accredited Schools, licensed by the State of Utah for residential treatment, and certified as a California Approved Non-Public School.
How long will my child need to remain at Aspen Ranch?
We have a nine-month minimum stay requirement for all students, though ideal length of stay for your child will depend upon a number of factors, the most relevant of which include the following:
- The relative complexity of the psycho-social and educational history of the child prior to admission. Typically, the more complex, the longer the stay.
- The onset of problems and difficulties. In other words, did the problems start one year or ten years age? Typically, the older and more entrenched the problem is, the longer the stay.
- The follow-up and aftercare plan. A child that will go to a boarding school with a variety of support services following graduation from Aspen Ranch may likely have a shorter stay than a child who will return home, enroll in a public school, and continue with individual and/or family therapy. In other words, the complexity and relative support afforded the Aspen Ranch graduate has an impact on the length of stay.
How will your school meet my child’s academic needs?
We combine the rigorous academics of a private boarding school with the intensive therapy of an adolescent residential treatment facility. To promote academic success among our students, we have created a collaborative learning environment where critical thinking is the focus and multidisciplinary supervision is the rule. Our academic program is designed to maximize student learning, foster a joy of learning, and utilize a unique credit recovery program. For details visit our Academics page.
What types of therapeutic/clinical support will my child receive ?
We employ an Integrated Relationship Model, in conjunction with a Collaborative Problem Solving Approach, to initiate positive change in the lives of teenagers. Components of this therapeutic approach include regular individual and group therapy sessions, close family involvement and our innovative equine therapy program. For details visit our Clinical Therapy, Equine Therapy and Recreational Therapy pages.
What is a typical day like for a student at your school?
Daily life at Aspen Ranch is comprised of academics, therapy sessions, recreational activities and regular chores and assignments. Residential life at Aspen Ranch is based upon a five tiered level system. Through honest achievement students can work their way through this system, earning respect and additional privileges along the way.
How much involvement will I have in my child’s experience at your school?
Family involvement is critical your child’s progress and success – and we encourage close communication and coordination among parents, staff and students.
Contact with your child will include phone calls, letters, visits, and family therapy. Furthermore, you will be invited to come to the Ranch at specific planned times for education and family work with your child. Therapeutic site visits with residents are encouraged and can be arranged with the advice of your child’s primary therapist.
Four times throughout the year, all parents are invited to attend Parent Week, which includes parent education and support groups, parent-teacher conferences, and experiential activities with residents. For more information visit our Clinical Therapy, Staying Connected and Building Relationships pages.
How do you prepare students (and families) for life after graduation?
All students receive a follow-up and aftercare plan prior to their departure from Aspen Ranch.
How can I learn more about your school?
Call 877.231.0734 or visit our Contact Us page. We look forward to answering all your questions about Aspen Ranch!
Where is your program located?
We are located in rural Loa, Utah, just 20 miles from Capitol Reef National Park and about three hours south of Salt Lake City,
What types of students is your program prepared to serve?
We are a co-educational residential treatment program for teens between the ages of 13 and 17.6 years. Common issues experienced by Aspen Ranch students prior to enrollment include low self esteem, academic underachievement, substance abuse, mood disorders, anger, and family conflict.
How much will tuition cost?
Because we offer comprehensive and highly individualized services, costs associated with enrolling in Aspen Ranch depend upon a number of personal factors, including (but not necessarily limited to) anticipated length of stay and the nature and severity of the issues the child is struggling to overcome.
Our intake advisors will be happy to work with you to develop a detailed financial picture based upon your family’s unique needs.
Does your school accept insurance or provide financing options?
Financial Assistance is available for those who qualify. If you're interested in determining if you would qualify for a private loan, we work with an independent loan organization called Clark Behavioral Health Financing. Loans can cover tuition, enrollment fees and miscellaneous expenses including transportation to and from the program.
CBHF features multiple loan products with competitive rates, and a possible deferral of interest for up to 6 months with no prepayment penalties or cancellation fees. For more information visit our Admissions page.
Will my child be working with qualified and licensed professionals?
In addition to being talented, dedicated and experienced, our teachers, therapists, counselors and other staff members possess a range of licenses and credentials. For more specific information visit our Faculty and Staff page.
Is your program accredited?
Yes. We are fully accredited by the Northwest Association of Accredited Schools, licensed by the State of Utah for residential treatment, and certified as a California Approved Non-Public School.
How long will my child need to remain at Aspen Ranch?
We have a nine-month minimum stay requirement for all students, though ideal length of stay for your child will depend upon a number of factors, the most relevant of which include the following:
- The relative complexity of the psycho-social and educational history of the child prior to admission. Typically, the more complex, the longer the stay.
- The onset of problems and difficulties. In other words, did the problems start one year or ten years age? Typically, the older and more entrenched the problem is, the longer the stay.
- The follow-up and aftercare plan. A child that will go to a boarding school with a variety of support services following graduation from Aspen Ranch may likely have a shorter stay than a child who will return home, enroll in a public school, and continue with individual and/or family therapy. In other words, the complexity and relative support afforded the Aspen Ranch graduate has an impact on the length of stay.
How will your school meet my child’s academic needs?
We combine the rigorous academics of a private boarding school with the intensive therapy of an adolescent residential treatment facility. To promote academic success among our students, we have created a collaborative learning environment where critical thinking is the focus and multidisciplinary supervision is the rule. Our academic program is designed to maximize student learning, foster a joy of learning, and utilize a unique credit recovery program. For details visit our Academics page.
What types of therapeutic/clinical support will my child receive ?
We employ an Integrated Relationship Model, in conjunction with a Collaborative Problem Solving Approach, to initiate positive change in the lives of teenagers. Components of this therapeutic approach include regular individual and group therapy sessions, close family involvement and our innovative equine therapy program. For details visit our Clinical Therapy, Equine Therapy and Recreational Therapy pages.
What is a typical day like for a student at your school?
Daily life at Aspen Ranch is comprised of academics, therapy sessions, recreational activities and regular chores and assignments. Residential life at Aspen Ranch is based upon a five tiered level system. Through honest achievement students can work their way through this system, earning respect and additional privileges along the way.
How much involvement will I have in my child’s experience at your school?
Family involvement is critical your child’s progress and success – and we encourage close communication and coordination among parents, staff and students.
Contact with your child will include phone calls, letters, visits, and family therapy. Furthermore, you will be invited to come to the Ranch at specific planned times for education and family work with your child. Therapeutic site visits with residents are encouraged and can be arranged with the advice of your child’s primary therapist.
Four times throughout the year, all parents are invited to attend Parent Week, which includes parent education and support groups, parent-teacher conferences, and experiential activities with residents. For more information visit our Clinical Therapy, Staying Connected and Building Relationships pages.
How do you prepare students (and families) for life after graduation?
All students receive a follow-up and aftercare plan prior to their departure from Aspen Ranch.
How can I learn more about your school?
Call 877.231.0734 or visit our Contact Us page. We look forward to answering all your questions about Aspen Ranch!
Q: To what extent should I discuss the expected graduation date with my child?
A: If your child is pressing you to make an "under the table" deal with him/her, your discussing of a graduation date will inevitably have a detrimental effect on the treatment process. In such a case, the child is once again demonstrating avoidance behavior, thus focusing on termination rather than on change. Your best response is to support the child by conveying the message that "the length of stay depends on you." The graduation date is determined by the multi-disciplinary team, in consultation with you, through the channels of the primary therapist.
Q: My child said that if I would give him/her a graduation date to work toward, that he/she would really go to work and make all the desired changes. What should I do?
A: Tell the child that the graduation date depends on him/her. The goal must be changing certain behaviors, not graduating on a particular date. The relapse rate for students who have been given a discharge date well in advance of true behavioral change is significantly higher than those residents whose graduation date is not discussed until there is some evidence of permanency of changed behavior.
ACADEMICS
Q: How does my child receive credit?
A: The State of Utah has stated that 140 hours is equal to one credit. For instance, in a public school, if a student is enrolled in US History (for example), he/she will spend approximately 140 hours to complete that credit. Aspen Ranch is an open enrollment, open exit school. We do not divide the school year into quarters, semesters, or years, but the core curriculum and objectives for each class are divided into the 140 hours. For instance, if the US History book has 14 chapters, each chapter is worth 10 hours. When the book is completed, the student receives the credit. In this way the students are able to receive credits as quickly as they can do the work required and pass the assignments. This gives students that are behind in school a perfect opportunity to "catch up" if they are motivated to do so.
Q: What is the average classroom size?
A: Classes generally range from 6 to 12 students per class.
Q: How can I find out how my child is doing in school?
A: Each month a progress report is posted on the Parent Check-in Website. Also, every month the student's academic advisor will send a written report, email, or will give a report over the telephone on the student. If there are additional questions, parents are encouraged to call the school.
Q: I have a chance to participate in a parent-teacher conference?
A: Four times a year the Ranch has Parent Week for all parents. At this time the parents are encouraged to visit the Ranch and will have assigned times for a Parent/Teacher conference with all of the students teachers.
MEDICAL CARE
Q: What kind of medical care will my child receive at Aspen Ranch?
Physical Exam
Upon entry to the residential treatment program for struggling adolescents, each student receives a health and physical exam by a local physician or physician's assistant. In the event that a student is being transferred in (from another facility), the Ranch's medical department will make attempts to receive a copy of a recent physical instead. They will also request any pertinent medical reports from their staff.
Dental and Medical Care
Off-campus doctor/specialist visits will be billed to the student's insurance, provided that the parents send the Ranch a copy of the card and pertinent information. The medical team will make every attempt to have the doctor's offices bill the insurance; however, if unable, it may be necessary to take funds out of the student's account. The nurse will contact the parents for permission prior to making any appointments. A medical clinic is located within 15 minutes of the Ranch, and our medical director is available by phone contact 24 hours a day. Orthodontic care is available locally. Occasionally, students will need specialty visits and are transported approximately 45 minutes from the facility. Escort fees are applicable when students leave the campus for appointments.
Psychiatric Care
Upon enrollment to the Ranch, the nurse practioner conducts a psychiatric evaluation of all students. Subsequent to the initial psychiatric assessment, parents can choose to have the nurse practioner provide ongoing psychiatric care or they can elect to have the Aspen Ranch psychiatrist, Dr. McElroy, provide follow up care. Students in Dr. McElroy's care are seen once a month for ongoing medication evaluations. Students followed by the nurse practitioner can be seen on a weekly basis if needed. The treatment team reserves the right to refer students with more complex psychotropic medication regimens to Dr. McElroy for ongoing care.
Fees for the initial psychiatric evaluation are included in the student's tuition. All other psychiatric care is billed directly to parents. Payment for this service must be made prior to the follow-up appointment and can be paid by credit card.
Prescriptions
The medical department asks that parents send in a 30-day supply of medications when students enter the facility. It is helpful to the nurse if the following is listed by the physician of the student:
- Name of drug
- Dosage amount (i.e., 200mg or 2 tsp.)
- Times of administration you prefer (especially if different than label)
How the prescription can be refilled: 1) The Ranch can have the previous pharmacist transfer the prescription over to one closer to the Ranch; 2) Parents can mail in future refills; 3) Parents may want Ranch physicians to write new prescriptions if they are evaluating their needs. In any case, the Ranch medical department will be in contact.
