STUDENT PROFILE

Our treatment program is intended for 12-18 year old males and females who may be experiencing a wide range of emotional, behavioral and educational problems.  These problems have reached at a level of acuteness where 24-hour supervision, a structured living environment, special education services and an intensive therapeutic milieu are appropriate. 

The central issue in our student profile is whether the treatment program offered by Rancho Valmora will be appropriate in addressing a student’s problems.  We reach this answer on a case-by-case basis after discussing the treatment and educational needs of the student with the family and referring consultant (if any) and after reviewing the student’s admission packet. We carefully review psychosocial history, problem behaviors, strengths, diagnoses, psychological and educational records and assessments, and other information to determine whether we are the appropriate placement for each student. 

The essential question we must ask and answer is whether our group-oriented treatment milieu is appropriate for the student based on the information we have available at the time of admission.  To answer this question we must determine whether the student has the ability and temperament to function, communicate and change within a group-oriented environment.  The answer to this question depends on the range and acuity of problems and diagnoses, strengths, and intelligence.

Typical emotional and behavioral problems include an inability to establish and maintain positive relationships, low self-esteem or self-worth, acting out and defiant behaviors, poor relationships with family members, affiliation with negative peer groups, legal issues, substance and alcohol abuse, and mood-associated behaviors. 

Common diagnoses include mood disorders (e.g., dysthymia, depression and bipolar disorders), behavioral or externalizing disorders such as attention deficit and/or hyperactivity disorders, oppositional defiant and conduct disorders, substance/alcohol related disorders, attachment disorder, anxiety disorders, personality disorders and eating disorders.  Students also typically have experienced setbacks and problems in school and may have been placed in a special education program.