Resolution Ranch Academy

2274 C R 203 LP Cameron, TX 76520
InpatientOutpatient
Resolution Ranch TX 76520

About Resolution Ranch Academy

Scott McGarrahan, a former NFL player, founded Resolution Ranch Academy, a 500 acre horse ranch and therapeutic boarding school for troubled boys aged 13 to 17. It’s located just over an hour from Austin in Cameron, Texas, a small town of around 5,000 people, known for its well-preserved historic homes and buildings. The facility provides a structured, supervised, and supportive environment for teens who are suffering from self-harming behaviors such as drug use, defiance, low self-esteem, anger, and a lack of motivation. Boys learn to live and work well with others while taking part in multiple therapeutic and educational offerings, including equine-assisted therapy, clinical counseling, and mentorship. Residents also complete standard school coursework during their six to nine month stay.

The program is based on the “R.A.N.C.H.” philosophy which stands for “recovery and academics through nature, counseling and healing.” The structure is similar to that you’ll find in many alcohol and drug rehab programs and involves five steps. All boys start in the first, introductory level as “ranch hands” while they get their bearings. They then progress to “cattlemen,” at which point they work with therapists and teachers to identify their goals. Once students prove they’re capable of making wise, responsible decisions they advance to “ropers” and take part in more in depth therapy. The next step is “wranglers” where students work on mending fences with family members and others they’ve been at odds with in the past. Finally boys become “cowboys” and work on establishing their path forward.

Working through the steps requires earnest self reflection, responsibility and accountability. Before boys can graduate to the next level, they have to determine they are ready and prove their preparedness to staff and peers.

Many family members and former residents say that, while the program can be extremely challenging, it is effective. Many praise the staff and say they seem to genuinely care for the students.

Latest Reviews

Joy
1 month ago on Google
5
Our experience with Resolution Ranch was good. Anytime you have to research a place like this for you teenage--it's not a fun time of your life. You are looking for the best situation that he can possibly learn from. The staff there are very patient with the boys. They are stern and when they don't follow the rules, there are consequences--which is life. Better to learn consequences there than on the street. After talking to Scott, he will tell you if your son is a fit for their program. When we would visit with our grandson, the staff was always very courteous, and you could tell they were genuine concern for each of the boys.
Response from the owner1 week ago
Thank you Joy.
Nick Roberson
2 months ago on Google
5
I was at resolution ranch for about 6 months. During my time there was ups and downs, it s hard as a student and resident to truly appreciate the ranch and its lifestyle, but within days of leaving I quickly realized how good I had it there and how much I was going to miss it. It did wonders for me as it has so many others and I can t wait to watch and hear about more kids having their lives improved. My biggest thing that made me unsure was the fact of the obvious, your putting 20 troubled teens within an enclosed space who are upset,recovering and generally angry. There are and were problems and honestly sometimes it was severe, i myself was to a extent a bully, and got in a few physical altercations, BUT regardless of the fact that many of us disliked and even hated each-other, we had a general level of brotherhood. No one did the one thing that mightve made me truly lose my cool. This being messing with my garden, i was very proud of my garden and it was my coping skill, i tended to it multiple times a day, watered it twice a day, weeded it daily, checked for pests, tilled it every week it was my ranch livelyhood, i couldve woken up and only gardened the entire day and been happy doing it. And despite me having a few people who i hated or hated me, specifically one resident. No one messed with my garden and i didnt mess with anyone else's coping skill. And while im not a small guy i dont truly believe this was out of fear or worry. In all honesty the place isnt the best itself, the websites outdated and the place needs fixing. But i liked the ranch alot and kinda want to visit sometime.Also hey did my garden do well after i left? I miss my baby.-Nicholas Roberson
Response from the owner2 months ago
Thanks Nick! We miss you and pray for your continued success.
John Cortissoz
2 months ago on Google
5
This experience was a roller coaster. No kid is ever going to enjoy this place because the people and the program here challenges you to be a better person and to look past all your faults. It was not fun I can tell you that, but I know I would be in a much worse place if it wasn't for the Ranch. I'm not going to sit here and say it was perfect because it wasn't, the idea that the owners and the staff had was though. You go there because your parents have no other choice and that is because you as the kid makes them feel that way. The Ranch made me appreciate the good days and made me fix the bad ones. Taught me problem solving, staying positive, work ethic, and lots of respect. I made friends all ages and even got to see a side of people I never knew. It made me think about life in a whole different way. The Ranch made me stronger in so many ways and I hope it can help anyone needing it.
Rehab.com icon

Rehab Score

Question iconOur Methodology
Scoring is assigned by a proprietary system which helps surface key metrics that determine quality. The 10-point scale factors in categories such as operations, customer satisfaction, and trust metrics. Read Full MethodologyCaret icon
Gauge icon
8.2 / 10

Location

Other Forms of Payment

Private insurance refers to any kind of healthcare coverage that isn't from the state or federal government. This includes individual and family plans offered by an employer or purchased from the Insurance Marketplace. Every plan will have different requirements and out of pocket costs so be sure to get the full details before you start treatment.

Self-pay involves paying for treatment out of your own pocket. You can use savings or credit, get a personal loan, or receive help from family and friends to fund your treatment. If you don't have insurance or your insurance plan doesn't cover a specific program, self-pay can help ensure you still get the care you need.

Financial aid can take many forms. Centers may have grants or scholarships available to clients who meet eligibility requirements. Programs that receive SAMHSA grants may have financial aid available for those who need treatment as well. Grants and scholarships can help you pai for treatment without having to repay.

Medicaid is a state based program that helps lower-income individuals and families pay for healthcare. Medicaid covers addiction treatment so those enrolled can use their coverage to pay for rehab. When a program accepts Medicaid the client often pays very little or nothing out of their own pocket.

Medicare is a federal program that provides health insurance for those 65 and older. It also serves people under 65 with chronic and disabling health challenges. To use Medicare for addiction treatment you need to find a program that accepts Medicare and is in network with your plan. Out of pocket costs and preauthorization requirements vary, so always check with your provider.

Addiction Treatments

Levels of Care

outpatient iconOutpatient
After completing some form of inpatient care, many clients transition or step down to an outpatient rehab, while some choose to transition from detox directly into outpatient care. High-intensity outpatient programming, including partial hospitalization (PHP) and intensive outpatient (IOP) is widely available for clients in early recovery, those leaving detox, and those at an elevated relapse risk. Clients in outpatient care generally engage in robust addiction counseling and recovery education, and some also receive medication assisted treatment (MAT).
inpatient iconInpatient
Residential treatment programs are those that offer housing and meals in addition to substance abuse treatment. Rehab facilities that offer residential treatment allow patients to focus solely on recovery, in an environment totally separate from their lives. Some rehab centers specialize in short-term residential treatment (a few days to a week or two), while others solely provide treatment on a long-term basis (several weeks to months). Some offer both, and tailor treatment to the patient's individual requirements.
aftercare iconAftercare Support
Rehab aftercare programs are based on a model of continuing care and the premise that recovery is a life-long process requiring ongoing client support. Many rehab aftercare services include outpatient care, but clients often continue to receive support after being discharged from formal treatment. Case managers and care teams typically collaborate with clients to design their long-term care plan, which may include peer coaching, career counseling, and 12 step program induction, among other services.

Treatments

The goal of treatment for alcoholism is abstinence. Those with poor social support, poor motivation, or psychiatric disorders tend to relapse within a few years of treatment. For these people, success is measured by longer periods of abstinence, reduced use of alcohol, better health, and improved social functioning. Recovery and Maintenance are usually based on 12 step programs and AA meetings.

During rehab in Texas, you'll deal with underlying issues that contribute to addiction. By addressing these challenges and learning healthy ways to cope with them, you'll develop strategies that help you live a drug-free lifestyle.

A combined mental health and substance abuse rehab has the staff and resources available to handle individuals with both mental health and substance abuse issues. It can be challenging to determine where a specific symptom stems from (a mental health issue or an issue related to substance abuse), so mental health and substance abuse professionals are helpful in detangling symptoms and keeping treatment on track.

Opioid rehabs specialize in supporting those recovering from opioid addiction. They treat those suffering from addiction to illegal opioids like heroin, as well as prescription drugs like oxycodone. These centers typically combine both physical as well as mental and emotional support to help stop addiction. Physical support often includes medical detox and subsequent medical support (including medication), and mental support includes in-depth therapy to address the underlying causes of addiction.

Programs

adult-program thumbnail image
Adult Program
Adult rehab programs include therapies tailored to each client's specific needs, goals, and recovery progress. They are tailored to the specific challenges adult clients may face, including family and work pressures and commitments. From inpatient and residential treatment to various levels of outpatient services, there are many options available. Some facilities also help adults work through co-occurring conditions, like anxiety, that can accompany addiction.

Clinical Services

Creativity is inherently healing, and can help those in recovery express thoughts or feelings they might not otherwise be able to. Creative arts therapy can include music, poetry/writing, painting, sculpting, dance, theater, sandplay, and more. Unlike traditional art, the final product matters far less than the experience of creation and expression itself.

Equine therapy, aka equine-assisted therapy (EAT), is a form of experiential therapy that involves interactions and activities with horses. It does not necessarily involve riding horses, but all activities related to horses, such as feeding, grooming, haltering and leading them. A mental health professional frequently oversees the activities (often in conjunction with a horse professional), and helps patients process their thoughts, feelings, and behavior patterns during and/or after the interaction.

Research clearly demonstrates that recovery is far more successful and sustainable when loved ones like family members participate in rehab and substance abuse treatment. Genetic factors may be at play when it comes to drug and alcohol addiction, as well as mental health issues. Family dynamics often play a critical role in addiction triggers, and if properly educated, family members can be a strong source of support when it comes to rehabilitation.

Fitness therapy blends exercise with psychotherapy for a fun, inspiring, and effective way of treating addiction and other issues. By incorporating movement into counseling sessions, clients become more empowered, motivated, and goal-oriented, all while strengthening their bodies and becoming more flexible. Fitness Therapy is usually used to complement a course of treatment (inpatient or outpatient) to make it even more successful. Increasing the connection between a patient’s mind and body helps both with healing as well as in creating new, healthy habits.

Group therapy is any therapeutic work that happens in a group (not one-on-one). There are a number of different group therapy modalities, including support groups, experiential therapy, psycho-education, and more. Group therapy involves treatment as well as processing interaction between group members.

In individual therapy, a patient meets one-on-one with a trained psychologist or counselor. Therapy is a pivotal part of effective substance abuse treatment, as it often covers root causes of addiction, including challenges faced by the patient in their social, family, and work/school life.

Life skills trainings involve all the skills a person must have in order to function successfully in the world. These include time management, career guidance, money management, and effective communication. Truly successful addiction recovery is based on the ability to not only live substance-free, but to thrive. Life skills teaches the practical necessities of functioning in society, which sets clients up for success in life, and therefore sobriety.

Amenities

  • private iconPrivate Setting
  • hiking iconHiking
  • weight iconGym

Staff

Scott McGarrahan

Founder

Neal Staab, LCCA

Administrator

Chris Langley, MA, LMFT-S, LCCA

Program Director&Clinical Director

Liana White

Equine Program Director

Roy Jett

Director of Admissions/NA Coordinator

Contact Information

Phone icon (254) 718-3364
Building icon

2274 C R 203 LP
Cameron, TX 76520

Fact checked and written by:
Kate Daniel
Edited by:
Kerry Nenn, BSW

Reviews of Resolution Ranch Academy

3.2/5 (55 reviews)
0
Staff
0
Amenities
0
Meals
0
Value
0
Cleanliness
5
27
4
2
3
3
2
2
1
21

Reviews

Overall Experience
Date Submitted
Reviewer

Google Reviews

3.2 (55 reviews)
Courtney Shea
2 weeks ago
1

Joy
1 month ago
5

Our experience with Resolution Ranch was good. Anytime you have to research a place like this for you teenage--it's not a fun time of your life. You are looking for the best situation that he can possibly learn from. The staff there are very patient with the boys. They are stern and when they don't follow the rules, there are consequences--which is life. Better to learn consequences there than on the street. After talking to Scott, he will tell you if your son is a fit for their program. When we would visit with our grandson, the staff was always very courteous, and you could tell they were genuine concern for each of the boys.

Response from the owner1 month ago
Thank you Joy.
Nick Roberson
2 months ago
5

I was at resolution ranch for about 6 months. During my time there was ups and downs, it s hard as a student and resident to truly appreciate the ranch and its lifestyle, but within days of leaving I quickly realized how good I had it there and how much I was going to miss it. It did wonders for me as it has so many others and I can t wait to watch and hear about more kids having their lives improved. My biggest thing that made me unsure was the fact of the obvious, your putting 20 troubled teens within an enclosed space who are upset,recovering and generally angry. There are and were problems and honestly sometimes it was severe, i myself was to a extent a bully, and got in a few physical altercations, BUT regardless of the fact that many of us disliked and even hated each-other, we had a general level of brotherhood. No one did the one thing that mightve made me truly lose my cool. This being messing with my garden, i was very proud of my garden and it was my coping skill, i tended to it multiple times a day, watered it twice a day, weeded it daily, checked for pests, tilled it every week it was my ranch livelyhood, i couldve woken up and only gardened the entire day and been happy doing it. And despite me having a few people who i hated or hated me, specifically one resident. No one messed with my garden and i didnt mess with anyone else's coping skill. And while im not a small guy i dont truly believe this was out of fear or worry. In all honesty the place isnt the best itself, the websites outdated and the place needs fixing. But i liked the ranch alot and kinda want to visit sometime.Also hey did my garden do well after i left? I miss my baby.-Nicholas Roberson

Response from the owner3 months ago
Thanks Nick! We miss you and pray for your continued success.
John Cortissoz
2 months ago
5

This experience was a roller coaster. No kid is ever going to enjoy this place because the people and the program here challenges you to be a better person and to look past all your faults. It was not fun I can tell you that, but I know I would be in a much worse place if it wasn't for the Ranch. I'm not going to sit here and say it was perfect because it wasn't, the idea that the owners and the staff had was though. You go there because your parents have no other choice and that is because you as the kid makes them feel that way. The Ranch made me appreciate the good days and made me fix the bad ones. Taught me problem solving, staying positive, work ethic, and lots of respect. I made friends all ages and even got to see a side of people I never knew. It made me think about life in a whole different way. The Ranch made me stronger in so many ways and I hope it can help anyone needing it.

Thomas Lancaster
3 months ago
5

Hello my names Thomas Lancaster, Resolution Ranch May sound "scary" but I couldn't be less scared for what I got out of this program, I learned respect and all forms of doing right. Before resolution ranch I was a troublemaker, always being disrespectful and abusing substances, and honestly when I arrived I told myself that the ranch wouldn't help but it did, more than y'all can even imagine, I was at the ranch for about 1 year and 1 month and it changed me in so many ways: now I'm an all A student, know the meaning of respect, and trust. for everyone who is saying this place doesn't help, it's because y'all don't let it help, you need to believe and not just be lazy and let the help "come to you" you must believe to change. And that is where you will start seeing the change! Thank you RRA!!-Thomas Lancaster

Response from the owner3 months ago
Some people can t handle adversity, they let it overwhelm them. Thomas, you have learned to embrace adversity, and that will take you where you deserve to be. We are very proud of you.
Jacob Hartley
3 months ago
1

My name is Jacob, and I spent 7.5 months in 2020 at Resolution Ranch. I graduated the program, but I wouldn t wish this experience on my worst enemy. This place primarily aims to extract money from desperate families, preying on emotionally stunted or troubled teens. I was sent there for authority issues and drug abuse, similar to many peers. Upper management, particularly Chris Langley, Roy Jett, and David Stubbs, lied to families about their child's progress and manipulated communications, exaggerating our issues to keep parents convinced that their children needed to stay longer. They extended residents' stays through cruel punishment and verbal abuse, all to keep families paying exorbitant "tuition" in hopes of helping their child. Resolution Ranch exacerbated existing issues and created new ones, damaging mental health and well-being. The environment felt like a military compound, dehumanizing residents with strict commands and "tenets." We had to ask permission for basic actions, whether standing, sitting, or using the restroom. The leveling system was especially problematic; it determined everything from the order of meals to showering, fostering an atmosphere of bullying where higher-level residents abused newcomers. The system of level work heavily favored those with natural academic gifts, leaving many residents who struggled academically feeling inadequate and trapped. I graduated quickly as an honors student, but many peers remained stuck for 10 months or longer, and some residents stayed for multiple years due to this flawed approach. Punishments were severe and included a practice called "work detail," which involved excessive manual labor and mandated silence. Residents were required to wear green work jackets as a constant reminder of their punishment and were forced into silence for the entirety of their work detail assignment, which could last for days and even weeks. Any infractions led to harsh collective punishments, where we were frequently made to sit in silent group circles for hours due to the outbursts of a few. Staff members frequently restrained kids violently, and I witnessed one staff member body slamming a 12-year-old, 90-pound child, further traumatizing vulnerable residents. This created an environment of fear and anxiety, with everyone constantly on edge about being punished for minor infractions based on staff's unstable emotional whims. The food was horrifying. Portions were extremely small and lacked nutritional value. Complaints were met with verbal abuse from staff, who insisted we were ungrateful for the little we received. I lost nearly 40 pounds, despite being a healthy weight at 6'1", 160 pounds. After graduating, I returned to school but struggled with anxiety and nightmares about being sent back. My relationship with my mother was severely impacted, as she believed the program's lies about my behavior. When I finally shared my experiences, she broke down in tears, realizing the depth of my suffering. Despite everything, I achieved sobriety from hard substances a year after graduation, no thanks to Resolution Ranch or their program, and I am now in college studying computer science with a 4.0 GPA. The majority of my friends from the program fell back into old habits, and one tragically committed suicide after a 2.5-year stay. I urge you to seek other avenues and work to understand your child's issues and the part that you play in them. Please don t make the same mistake my mother did. Read and research the countless GlassDoor and google reviews and come to understand the horrid environment this facility creates for disadvantaged and troubled youths.

Lara Everett
4 months ago
5

Kind. Patient and helpful

Response from the owner4 months ago
Thank you for the feed back Lara!
Jodi Carroll
4 months ago
5

Resolution Ranch offers an informed and multifaceted approach to academic and life skills training to optimize relationships and life success. You will find the staff to be both personable and professional. It is worth the time to get a tour and hear first-hand of their commitment and successes with young men in their developmental journey.

Lilly Nguyen
5 months ago
1

Response from the owner5 months ago
Dear Lilly Nguyen, Thank you for sharing your feedback. We are sorry to hear about your experience, although we couldn't locate any record of your visit or interaction with our services. It seems there may have been a misunderstanding. If you have any specific concerns or questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to us directly. We strive to provide excellent service to all our customers and would appreciate the opportunity to address any issues you may have encountered. Best regards, Scott Founder Resolution Ranch Academy
Adam Dencklau
7 months ago
5

When I came to the Ranch, I was very lost in my beliefs and I had crushed my relationship with my parents to what I thought was the point of no return and my family started to crumble as a whole This was until I realized it was possible to make the changes needed to create a new reformed relationship with my family and that I was given a second chance for what I though I had forever destroyed. At first, it was very hard to accept that I was at the Ranch and your child being at the Ranch will most likely be the most difficult task your child will ever face, but change is never easy, it will always take work, and that s what Resolution Ranch Academy taught me. I apologized to my parents for everything in the past and they forgave me, I changed my attitude and character from what was a negative and dangerous evil soul into a person of joy, peace, love, kindness, and just a much healthier and kind-hearted person, developing into the man I needed to be. The staff are very nice, and I have seen them do a great job at attempting to help these kids, because it was easy. It was becoming very difficult to deal with the kids so always keep that in mind to stay focused on yourself and the changes you need to make. The school is very great and I actually finished in a very fast period of time which I never thought was possible a high school graduate at 17. Being at the Ranch was the hardest thing that I ever had to do in my life, and I am a firm believer that it will continue to be the hardest thing I have ever done in my life, but if you dedicate all you have within yourself to the process, the change is inevitable. And for the parents, this will 100% without a doubt be the hardest decision that you will possibly ever have to make, so if you re not 10,000% sold on it and you have the slightest bit of doubt, don t proceed in sending tour child to the Ranch, but however, if you realize that there are no options left for saving your child and his future, then the choice is to be made. I learned a lot of things like respect, setting goals, routine building, consistency, and having a loving soul, learning to care for and love each and every soul at this place, but nothing comes close to the 2 main lessons I leanred: 1. Trust God Always 2: Always be the individual who works the hardest out of anybody in the room, because life is a game of toughness and hard-work. I was at the Ranch for 5.5 months, and I have now been back home for a bit over 2 months, and my entire life has changed and transformed before everyone elses eyes, as well as mine. I have never been doing so good in my life after the lessons I learned that I had stated above. I hate that this had to be the decision, but it was the only decision that could save me, and I can never thank the Ranch enough for the transformation they had the privilege to distill in me. God Bless!

Response from the owner5 months ago
Adam, thank you for the kind words. We are all so proud of you.
M
7 months ago
1

I was pulled out by my parents when they heard what I was going through. CPS had to come to my house to write a formal report. One thing I recount is a staff member in charge tried to send my parents home when they drove 2 hours to come see me for visitation. His reason? He accused me of purging to get out of work. The truth is I was so over worked in the sun that I threw up from heat sickness. I demanded that the program director check the video tapes to see that the staff member was lying and they refused. They didn't even reprimand this staff member.A decade later I am now happily married and a home owner. This was NOT thanks to resolution ranch. In fact my wife had to have so much patience for my PTSD due to this place and processed it with me for years, on top of rigorous round the clock therapy for an additional few years.

Jonathan Goldman
8 months ago
3

Good school. Decent therapy. Decent staff. (DSPs and shift supervisor on top in my opinion because they have to deal with us all day). Would I recommend this place for your child? Not at first. First your child need to deal with his inner demons before tolerating other annoying kids. In my opinion

Overall Experience
Date Submitted
No reviews matching the selected filter!
Get Help Now
Question iconWho Answers?
Phone icon 800-784-1361
Left arrow iconBack

Write a review for Resolution Ranch Academy

Sharing your insights and experiences can help others learn more about this rehab center.

Title of Your Review
This is a required field
Your Review

Reviews comments must comply with our Review Policy Content Standards. Please do not use names (job titles / positions are acceptable) of any individual or identifying features, abusive remarks, or allegations of negligence or criminal activity.

A minimum of 200 characters and max of 2,000 characters required.
This is a required field
How would you rate the facility on the following?*
Overall Experience
Must select a star rating
Accomodations & Amenities
Must select a star rating
Meals & Nutrition
N/A
Must select a star rating
Treatment Effectiveness
Must select a star rating
Admissions Process
Must select a star rating
Staff & Friendliness
Must select a star rating
Cleanliness
Must select a star rating
Value for Cost
Must select a star rating
What is your connection to this facility?
This is a required field
Your First Name*
This is a required field
Your Last Name*
This is a required field
Your Phone Number
This is a required field
Your Email*
This is a required field
This is a required field
Spinner icon Submitting your review...
Thumbs up icon Your review was successfully submitted.

Nearby Featured Providers

Cypress Creek Hospital
Houston, TX (281) 586-7600

Cypress Creek Hospital

Cypress Creek Hospital is a fully accredited 96-bed acute care facility prov... read more.
Hickory Trail Hospital
Desoto, TX (972) 298-7323

Hickory Trail Hospital

Hickory Trail Hospital provides inpatient and day treatment for children, ad... read more.
Get Help Today Phone icon 800-823-7153
Question iconWho Answers?