The Meadows Ranch (previously called Remuda) offers inpatient, residential, and partial hospitalization treatment for females with eating disorders. Treatment is separated by age; There is one program for pre-teen and adolescent girls as young as 7, and a separate program for adult women 18 and older. The Meadows Ranch also treats co-occurring disorders, including trauma, substance abuse, and depression.
It is a part of Meadows Behavioral Healthcare, which also offers residential and outpatient treatment for drug and alcohol addiction, trauma, behavioral health conditions and co-occurring disorders. All Meadows Network programs, including Meadows Ranch, are known for their “Brain Centers” which specialize in neurofeedback and other science-based treatments.
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They are now permanently closed due to challenges with enough interest & a business move to direct attention in their other treatment centers.
They now take ED patients to their other locations from what I have seen
This is correct. Their PHP and IOP in Scottsdale also see ED Pts
They’ve just reopened
Anyone know why this place closed down?
Is the Meadows Permanently closing? Their site says they are no longer taking admissions?
Just reopened
I had a family member who was in the Meadows Ranch recently. If all you are treating is anorexia or bulimia, they are decent. If you have ANYTHING else, such as trauma that caused the eating disorder in the first place, then I would recommend you avoid the Meadows Ranch at all costs. They will accept a wide variety of insurance but have repeatedly failed to notify patients when their insurance coverage is scheduled to end. I don’t know if this is to elicit sympathy or pleas from insurance companies, but they have done this repeatedly. My family member went there to treat trauma that was in part manifesting as an eating disorder and left with more trauma. They take the same approach to all eating disorders, regardless of what they are. Granted, we could all benefit from eating education, but they will still [focus on refeeding] and do little else. The facility is run down, and the equipment is not in the best state for repair. The Meadows own them but do not follow any of its teachings. Literally, the only thing they have in common with other meadow facilities is the name on the sign. It has taken me almost the same amount of money they charge for room and board to correct the damage they have done. Other than meal times, theres is very little for residents to do. The staff is concerned about those with body image issues (understandable), so any chance of exercise is minimal to nonexistent. The staff is focused on what they want to discuss and is very hostile about anything else. Because of concerns about body image, speech is very censored.
Any updated review??
Can anyone leave a current review? I am between Meadows Ranch or Laureate (open to other places as well, these are just the top two). I’ve been to several other facilities in the past and nothing has worked, so I’m trying to find a program that offers something I haven’t tried. I also really struggle with exercise addiction and am trying to find a place that incorporates movement and helps heal my relationship with exercise instead of just banning it all together.
Did you wind up there? If so, how’s it going?
Hey! Went to interés at the Meadows. It was an ok experience. I got a lot out of it but it was also odd due to the fact that they were closing and no longer admitting patients during my stay
I have not reviewed Laureate, but I had a family member who was in the Meadows Ranch recently. If all you are treating is anorexia or bulimia, they are decent. If you have ANYTHING else, such as trauma that caused the eating disorder in the first place, then I would recommend you avoid the Meadows Ranch at all cost. They will accept a wide variety of insurance, but have repeatidly failed to notify patients when their insurance coverage is scheduled to end. I don’t know if this is to elicit sympathy or pleas to insurance companies, but they have done this repeatidly. My family member went there to treat trauma that was in part manifesting as an eating disorder and left with more trauma. They take the same approach to all eating disorders, regardless of what they are. Granted, we could all benefit from eating education, but they will still [focus on refeeding] and do very little else. The facility is run down, the equipment is not in the best state of repair. The are owned by the Meadows now, but do not follow any of it’s teachings. Literally the only thing they have in common with other meadows facilities is the name on the sign. It has taken me almost the same amount of money they charge for room and board to try to correct the damage they have done.
Laureate does not allow much movement even in later stages… I don’t think it’s ideal for exercise addiction even though it’s an INCREDIBLE place for eating disorders in general.
research had shown that not facilitating rehabilitation and integration of healthy exercise behaviors, especially with an existing compulsion, leads to relapse at an increased rate. Mindful movement is necessary, normal, and healthy at later stages with patients medically cleared to do so.
The worst place, I would not recommend. Please read the 1 star comments, they are accurate. It is all about the money, not treatment. Our daughter went there with a decent weight and left 2 months later with a lot of weight lost. Our insurance stopped paying as there was no progress, she has actually lost quite a lot of weight. But we have been lied to the whe time about her weight, they have never told us she lost weight. Tried to keep.her there as long as they could keep collecting money from the insurance. Quite a few people have described their experience in those 1 star reviews, so I won’t be repeating all of that. But I would stay away from this place. They definitely have a nice website but it is all a lie. Our daughter came home in a much worse condition than how she was when she was going there.
does anyone have an updated review who has been there recently?
i just left yesterday, it is NOT a good facility. the stuff they did there is comparable to stuff that happens in the tti. please avoid if possible!!
Would you mind doing a full review? There hadn’t been one in a long time
* When were you there?
a few days ago
* What level(s) of care did you do (e.g., inpatient, residential, PHP, IOP)?
They only do residential or inpatient
* If applicable: Is it wheelchair accessible?
nope
* How many patients are there on average?
im not sure for adult houses but for adolescents its 12
* Does it treat both males and females? If so, is treatment separate or combined?
just afab**, and they dont support nonbinary and trans people.
* If applicable: Do they support the gender identities of transgender and nonbinary people?
they say they do, but thats a lie.
* How often do you see a medical doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist (therapist), nutritionist, etc?
medical doctor probably only once for the assessment unless you have something come up, psychiatrist depends if your inpatient or res, ip is 1 a day for a few minutes and res is once a week for 10 minutes. there is rlly only one dietician for all 3 houses, so you only get about 5 minutes with her for 1 a week. therapist is also once a week for about 50 minutes.
* What is the staff-to-patient ratio?
1:12 unless someone is on a 1:1
* What sort of therapies are used (e.g., DBT, CBT, EMDR, etc.)?
um they claim they do equine but you cant do it unless your phase 3 and up which takes weeks if not months
Describe the average day:
* What were meals like?
it was honestly a free for all. very little staff supervision during meals, the food was alright though.
* What sorts of food were available or served?
just basic stuff, chicken, fish, rice, potatoes brococoli etc
* Did they supplement? How did that system work?
Yes, you were supplemented (ensure plus) for what you didn’t finish
* What is the policy of not complying with meals?
you get tubed or sent to the hospital
* Are you able to eat vegetarian?
yes but then you can only have 2 dislikes instead of 3
* What privileges are allowed?
um honestly none, you cant even get your school computer so your left using their facility stuff.
* Does it work on a level system?
at sagebrush they have a phase system, there is 5 phases. they updated your phase every week- but u have to do assignments to move up
* How do you earn privileges?
completing meals
* What sort of groups do they have?
brain center (neurofeedback) its just videogames lol, process, dbt, cbt, body image, art, psychodrama
* What was your favorite group?
art
* What did you like the most?
some of the bhts
* What did you like the least?
the way they claim to be a no touch facility but then restrain patients.
* Would you recommend this program?
absolutely not. if you are searching for ed treatment with a gentle approach check out monte nido or clementine for adolescents
* What level of activity or exercise was allowed?
you had to earn it, and very minimal
* What did people do on weekends?
lots of school time
* Do you get to know your weight?
nope
* How fast is the weight gain process?
im not sure as i was only there for a week
* What was the average length of stay?
45-90 days
* What was the average age range?
14-17 at sagebrush
* How do visits/phone calls work?
you can make 2 phone calls a week for 5 or 10 minutes to only your parents
* What is the electronics policy (e.g., cell phones, iPods, Kindles, laptops, tablets)?
none
* For inpatient/residential: Are you able to go out on passes?
Nope
* For PHP/IOP: What support do they provide outside of programming hours?
N/a
* What kind of aftercare do they provide? Do they help you set up an outpatient treatment team?
no they just sent me on my way lol
* Are there any resources for people who come from out of state/country?
im not sure as i drive from socal
* If applicable: How is the program responding to COVID? (Less patients, virtual programming, no visitors, masks, social distancing, etc)
there is no protocal anymore for covid
* Other?
just please avoid here if possible
**admin note: for those who don’t know, AFAB stands for “assigned female at birth.” in the context of treatment, it means that all patients must have been born as biological females, regardless of what gender they presently identify as or how long they have identified as a different gender than female. (generally in adolescent treatment it means that patients consist of cisgender girls, nonbinary/agender kids born as biological females, and transgender boys)
Thank you for this!
what is tti?
The Troubled Teen Industry. You can look up Paris Hilton’s advocacy, as she is outspoken against the practices.
Troubled teen industry.
Do they tube patients? And what are their guidelines?
Does anyone know if it’s possible to admit directly to PHP here?
Yes you can! When doing the intake assessment, if php is an appropriate level of care, then you can start in php and either step up or down if/when needed.
Hi, does anyone know if you can be placed on a hold or a cert at this facility?
no, not in arizona
Has anyone been to the meadows ranch in AZ recently that could provide information? Thank you!
I would also love to hear of any recent experiences at the meadows.
Does the meadows ranch do feeding tubes for non-compliance with meals?
Hey I was there when they were still called Remuda Ranch in 2016 but yes they would do feeding tubes for non-compliance with meals. I think if you didn’t have a feeding tube and you refused a meal and supplement maybe twice they wouldn’t tube you but if you continue to do it they will. I want to note I was also in the adolescent unit where I was forced into treatment.
Hello,
I have a couple questions. I am interested in this program however the inability for cell phone access is not an option for me. Does anyone know of programs that are similar to the Meadows Ranch that do allow electronics (even only for a couple hours)? I can’t find any!
Also, what the privileges for going outside? For example, are you allowed to go outside for fresh air when ever you want or does this depend on what level of care you are in?
Thank you
Sierra Tucson
The reason for no cell phones simple You are there for treatment and this is not a vacation Ask yourself Do I want to live or would I rather have my phone to access my friends
Or do I actually need my phone to pay my bills, stay in touch with my dependents as a single parent, communicate with my medical providers, speak with work about FMLA status which requires ongoing updates with various people, keep in touch with my landlord, etc.? These are only some of the reasons I’ve needed access to my phone in treatment in the past, and none of them had anything to do with staying in touch with friends.
Creating a good support system is part of the recovery process. I think any good program should allow access to phones in a controlled setting, whether that is to pay bills or have a phone call with a friend. Obviously you can’t have folks on their phone all day, but that’s why there’s usually tech time built into the schedule at other places.
* When were you there?
1 month ago
* What level(s) of care did you do (e.g., inpatient, residential, PHP, IOP)?
They only have residential or inpatient but they call one of their house php, but you are still required to stay in their house
* If applicable: Is it wheelchair accessible?
Absolutely not
* How many patients are there on average?
Max of 12 in 2 of the houses and max of 8 in the “hospital” house. The two houses interact daily for groups
* Does it treat both males and females? If so, is treatment separate or combined?
Just female and does not do well with pronouns and nonbinary people
* If applicable: Do they support the gender identities of transgender and nonbinary people?
They say they do but staff was awful with pronouns
* How often do you see a medical doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist (therapist), nutritionist, etc?
Medical doctor, only in the beginning, maybe if something comes up, psychiatrist once a week for like a 15 min check in, therapist, once a week, and they had recently added 3 process groups a weeks with your therapist’s case load, dietician, which I was there, there was only one dietician so I saw her like 10 min a week and that was it
* What is the staff-to-patient ratio?
1:6
* What sort of therapies are used (e.g., DBT, CBT, EMDR, etc.)?
Dbt, cbt, (claim emdr), equine
Describe the average day:
* What were meals like?
3 days a week for breakfast we had grab and go which meant we packed our food the night before for breakfast, lunch was made by patients and in the php house patients made all the meals, but meals are 30min, snacks 15 must sit for the whole time
* What sorts of food were available or served?
Lots of variety, the menu is on a four week rotation
* Did they supplement? How did that system work?
Yes, you were supplemented (resource) for what you didn’t finish, and you had to sit for five minutes
* What is the policy of not complying with meals?
Possibly moved to hospital house, and stay extended past 45 days
* Are you able to eat vegetarian?
Yes but then you are not allowed dislikes
* What privileges are allowed?
Very few privileges, they take phones, anything mildly triggering is ended with someone saying zebra, but you could earn walking to group(big campus), horseback riding
* Does it work on a level system?
Kind of, there’s three houses, the hospital house called ocotillo the middle residential, mariposa and the final php house Cherokee, you want to be in Cherokee because you can buddy flush, and you go on outing, whereas ocotillo is super strict.
* How do you earn privileges?
Complying with your meal plan and not engaging in self harm
* What sort of groups do they have?
Dbt, process groups with your therapists case load, psychodrama, neurofeedback, nutrition, body image, experiential, equine, yoga, acupuncture
* What was your favorite group?
Body image
* What did you like the most?
The horses, only being 45 days, the campus, brain center
* What did you like the least?
Only seeing therapist once a week, lots of the schedule is filled in with disguised free time, so some days only one group all day.
* Would you recommend this program?
I think it can be helpful for someone who needs a lot of structure, but maybe not for someone further along in recovery, as I was doing better I found their ways to be triggering.
* What level of activity or exercise was allowed?
Had to earn it, and very minimal
* What did people do on weekends?
If you were in Cherokee then an outing if not a lot of sitting around
* Do you get to know your weight?
No but they tell you if you’re gaining/losing weight if you ask
* How fast is the weight gain process?
Slow in the beginning but they really push you to the max meal plan as fast as possible if weight gain is necessary.
* What was the average length of stay?
You have to do 45 days between Mariposa and Cherokee, ocotillo doesn’t count toward your 45 days
* What was the average age range?
All over the place, 18 year olds up to 60 and everything in between
* How do visits/phone calls work?
The phones are available most of the time after your 3 day black out in the beginning. The phones would go out during every storm or gust of wind. A few times a week, and then you can’t really contact anyone
* What is the electronics policy (e.g., cell phones, iPods, Kindles, laptops, tablets)?
None, if you need to order something or need you phone, you have to be with your therapist.
* For inpatient/residential: Are you able to go out on passes?
No
* For PHP/IOP: What support do they provide outside of programming hours?
N/a
* What kind of aftercare do they provide? Do they help you set up an outpatient treatment team?
They have a lady for all the after care stuff who did everything
* Are there any resources for people who come from out of state/country?
They will pick you up and take you to the airport
* If applicable: How is the program responding to COVID? (Less patients, virtual programming, no visitors, masks, social distancing, etc)
Must have a negative Covid test during admissions
* Other?
Program is only 45 days, therapists were mostly brand new just graduated from school, seemed to be having a staffing issue all around,
Do they do feeding tubes for non-compliance with meals?
They mostly send out for non compliance. They will tube feed to help with weight gain.
Thank you
Hi there, Looking at the meadows for my daughter. they say you see the therapist twice a week, but it sounds more like once after reading your review. DO you think thats because they were understaffed? How many times a week do you actually do equine therapy and brain center? Can you request more? Did it seem like a good place for a person with trauma history?
They were working on a new structure where you saw a therapist once a week and did group counseling with your therapist’s case load 3 times a week. Brain center was once a week when the house was full but twice a week when there were less people, and you get brain center individual twice a week. I found survivors group helpful for dealing with trauma but that is only 5 days. You get equine 2 times once ride once ground group. And you don’t get more I feel they were understaffed and that they did not have plans of providing more care like patients asked multiple times for. I think you can find better.
Thank you!
I am looking into the rtc or higher adult program at meadows ranch, any recent reviews of the program? Schedule of groups, daily schedule and overall experience. I don’t have trauma or addiction my primary issue is anorexia and over exercise which I’ve had since 17 and I am currently 43. Thanks I. Advance
Can anyone post a review of Meadows Ranch? I’m specifically curious about how they treat co-occurring trauma and eating disorders.
We have at least one recent one which I will restore. But essentially, if I remember correctly, the gist was that it is amazing for trauma, but if you have completely out of control ED symptoms the level of containment for that isn’t as high as at some other programs.
Has anyone been recently that could answer a few questions or do a review?
I was there Nov-Dec 2021
The Good:
– Trauma Informed approach
– They won’t force you to eat or take supplement, no tubes, etc. If you don’t want to do something they will just have you verbally confirm you are refusing, but there seems to be no repercussions unless it becomes overly frequent
– Serene property & freedom to sit outside most of the time
– Most of the therapists are great
– The horses, therapy dog, and wildlife (quail, roadrunner, bunnies)
– Brain center was relaxing
– I found their policy of not prescribing meds that could inflate/deflate appetite comforting
– Have Boost Breeze supplement as an option
– Most relaxing yoga class I’ve ever taken
– Good assortment of foods & cuisines, but weirdly spaced out (4 week rotating menu but seems like one full week was chicken & rice for dinner, all pasta seemed to be in the same week, etc.)
– Sound machines in all bedrooms
– Good assortment of ages & eating disorders treated
– Coffee if you finish breakfast & herbal tea if you finish evening snack
– Kitchen exposure daily if you make it to the final house otherwise 1-2x weekly.
– Therapy outside (in the winter at least)
– Private bathroom w/ squatty potty that can be used upstairs before bed/in the morning
The Neutral:
– Obsessed with Pia Mellody’s Co-Dependency model to the point of designing a 12-step program for Co-Dependency Anonymous (which is self led and no one even knows what this is to lead it)
– Masks are required for groups but they don’t tell you this beforehand or provide masks so make sure to bring your own stash
– No technology which was nice except for feeling like I was unprepared for the real world when leaving
– Multiple houses you move between which some liked, I found it to be unsettling
– Each therapist has different approach so your ability to try certain therapies is limited by this (ie. EMDR, trauma therapies, etc)
– Can read just about anything but your therapist approves all books beforehand
– So many nap opportunities
The Bad:
– Staff- Severe inconsistencies with how staff interpret rules/rule changes shift to shift (I found this extremely distracting in general but then after a few weeks it escalated to everyone losing all of their hygiene products even those that were technically allowed). Serious lack of care. Inappropriate food/diet talk and staff not completing meals at the table. Speed to get ANYTHING is ~1 week whether that is getting a med approved by a dr, having someone send an email to your team, get an answer to a question, etc. which is a long time when you’re only there 6 weeks. It seems like there is only one person qualified to do any small task so if anyone is on vacation you will wait for them to return (ie. packages being sorted, there was actually ~a month of not being allowed string for bracelet making because the string expert had a family emergency, dietitian & mealplan changes, therapist, etc). Gaslighting. No one seems to know what is or is not allowed so half the time mail is taken so they can check. Staff training in general.
– Meds/Nursing- nurse runs between houses which always results in everyone being late for breakfast, not getting meds on time, or not getting meds in general. There was actually a night where sleeping meds were passed at 1am while I was there, and many instances of meds being passed after ‘lights out’. If you have dermatology creams you likely won’t get them most days.
– Dislikes are only catered to if it’s easy for them. I had a mayo dislike and was served it all the time because egg salad, chicken salad, tuna salad, and coleslaw don’t count.
– Speed for medical issues/ OTC med approvals/ Follow Up testing scheduling is slow
– Substance Abuse treatment track is seriously lacking- only 1 group session a week has a therapist, all others are self led 12-step meetings which rarely occurred
– Bookstore is once a week so make sure to pack all toiletries needed.
– If you want to AMA they have a tendency of kicking you out ‘administratively’ instead
– contracts (safety, self-harm, behavior, etc)
– No real coping skills education while also being intolerant to mood/emotion disregulation
– Neurofeedback is 1 (2 if you’re lucky) 15 min session a week.
– 4 people to each bedroom.
– They tolerated a patient that took advantage of people a fraction of her age and stealing food from others, making people work out with her, and commenting on bodies for 45 days but had zero tolerance when people got upset that their things were taken in room searches (clothes, slippers, brushes, toiletries, etc) despite having already been approved and being fully allowed.
– I found it easy to use behaviors and also extremely common for someone to forget to supplement you for unfinished food.
– Most uncomfortable bed & pillow I’ve ever experienced, I had headaches from neck pain for over a month.
– Huge push for self advocacy but when you do find ways to advocate it falls on deaf ears over and over until you eventually decide to give up.
– No music. Someone got a radio but the batteries ran out and getting those replaced was never a priority for staff.
– Can’t bring any bedding/stuffed animals and can only purchase weighted blankets there (for $65) which can only be used upstairs in bed.
– Generally poor communication between staff/team/admin and patients
– They will not help treat or allow meds for ADHD
how long do they usually require people to stay?
45-60 days but if you start inpatient your days don’t count until you get to the residential level of care. The program is 45 days but there are optional family and/or survivors weeks you can add to get you to 60 days.
I was there over 5 years ago but wondering if there are any recent reviews?
If anyone could give a more recent review of the adolescent residential program that would be great, I have a bed there in a week but I don’t know much about it. I know that treatment only works if you put in the work but I just don’t want to go to another place that traumatizes me more than I’ve already been from other places. (and I don’t use the word traumatize lightly) I was also wondering if you get to go outside often and how their meal system works, since they don’t say to much about that on the website.
Does anyone have a recent review?
when were you there?
how often do you meet with the medical doctor, your individual therapist, the nutritionist?
was it all group based/ any individual sessions? do they involve family?
what were meals like..
what kind of food/brands?
how was it served (serve yourself buffet style, plated for you)
was there a chef? like some places you make your own breakfast and snacks and then a chef does lunch and dinner
how were the meals decided? Did you choose is there a menu you have to choose from?
Was an exchange system used?
did they supplement?
is there a level system?
did you feel like you were treated well/listened to?
is there phone/computer rules? Can I do online classes?
when were you there? I was there Nov&Dec 2021 in the adult program
how often do you meet with the medical doctor, your individual therapist, the nutritionist? Therapist 2x/week, Dietitian 1x/week, psych and medical were more as-needed. I saw psych 1x/week usually and the medical dr only when I had medical issues.
was it all group based/ any individual sessions? do they involve family? lots of groups, but individual sessions were really the most helpful aspect. You can have family sessions or do intense family weeks but not mandatory, they will nudge you towards them if they feel it is important for your recovery.
what were meals like.. depended on the group of patients tbh. I had a lot of completely silent meals and a lot of loud game filled meals. Meals were 30 min and snacks were 15.
what kind of food/brands? They do all foods fit so it was a little bit of everything but generally sandwiches, salads, and wraps for lunch and chicken & rice, stir fry, pasta, burritos, for dinner.
how was it served (serve yourself buffet style, plated for you). Mostly plated, for holidays they would do buffet style for exposure and occasionally during restaurant challenges it would be buffet.
was there a chef? like some places you make your own breakfast and snacks and then a chef does lunch and dinner. There is a kitchen team that makes food for all of their facilities (they own most of Wickenburg) but you do get to make your own breakfast 1-2x a week.
how were the meals decided? Did you choose is there a menu you have to choose from? Everyone eats the same thing, you get 3 dislikes that they will work around. They have a 4 week rotating menu.
Was an exchange system used? yes that was how meals were plated person to person
did they supplement? yes they supplement based on exchanges remaining but supplements aren’t forced, you just have to sit with it for 5 minutes.
is there a level system? Kind of in the background.. There are activity privileges that are ‘earned’ and then 2 (3 with inpatient) adult houses so you get more freedom and kitchen exposure as you move into the second house.
did you feel like you were treated well/listened to? Not listened to at all. If you need something or want to talk with or meet with a provider it honestly was frustrating the amount of times you’d ask someone working to send an email before they actually would. Lot’s of broken promises in regards to getting someone to hear concerns of patients, lot’s of rule inconsistencies between staff members. It felt like they couldn’t maintain enough staff and were constantly hiring people but new staff weren’t trained and were generally not great, there was a new nurse talking about keto with a patient, new staff members not completing their food at meals, etc.
is there phone/computer rules? Can I do online classes? No technology at all, phones are taken, they do have computers you can get permission to use for like 1 hour a week.
Spring 2021
I just left this place a few weeks ago. This place is literally heaven, it is like a retreat center. I have been to other units too. I was in ERC, and Rogers, and Westcheter inpatient for stabilization.
This place really helped me a ton. Meadows is just a dream come to life – every other hospital should learn from them. We have the ability to make our food, they also have a chef. I did not get supplements. It did not feel like a strict jail like other places, and I personally felt so cared for and well treated and listened to. They refed me, they helped me. They were there every step of the way. There is laundry that you can do when you want, there are super cozy green and orange chairs and many places to hang out. There is a mining mountain that you can see from one of the hills, since we are near an old mining town. I was inpatient and never bored, and then residential was even more amazing but both were just incredible. I got to go on the horse and pet the horses and see them, they were so therapeutic.
The people who were with me were upstanding people from good backgrounds and I was nervous about it being drug addicts but they were just like me and really understanding. Meals are so collaborative. They work with you. I have GI issues that got in the way – they worked with me during refeeding and were supportive when it got hard for me. I never felt forced or jailed. I read the review here by someone who felt very restricted but that was not my experience at all. Everyone was cherished here by staff who just wanted to help them. If you are upset, they talk to you about it. They don’t trap you.
I was excited about the therapy. There was lots of group work, individual work, and they can help with family things if you want – but mostly they focus on the underlying issues. It is more a therapy place then a refeeding focus. Campus is so free and beautiful – it is amazing to feel the wind on your face, be outdoors, face the mountains. Not trapped inside a unit for months during the refeeding. If you have any opportunity to get to this oasis you HAVE GOTTA GO HERE it helped me become a better person. Plus we had DBT in sessions and Pia Mellodys model was life changing. I got my old life back and yes- they use massage, nature therapy, EFT. I didnt have EMDR but maybe others did. They do a lot of somatic experiencing using body and mind and yoga, art, activities, mindfulness, meditation, acupuncture for those who want.
I was nervous also about the bathroom stuff in the beginning but they weren’t strict on that for me, many of them didn’t make it a big deal and let me do it the way that I wanted, so it didn’t end up being a fear in the end. They listened to my concerns they really care in every way and it is just really just amazing, it reminded me of being back in summer camp back in California. I have so much to say about this place and highly recommend it.
What were meals like? Types of foods? Exchange system? What level did you make your own food? How much does the chef do? The website says something about metabolic testing, did you do that?
How often are the massages and what type of massage was used?
Sample meals/ snacks?
Outings?
Laptop/ phone use/ free time?
How many groups/ day? Were they required? How much free time?
Privacy? Time alone?
1. Do they allow electronics? I work remotely, could I have my laptop?
2. Can you have Visitors?
3. What is food like? Can you choose your meals/snacks?
4. Is there any physical activity allowed/offered?
5. Do you have a roommate/what are bedrooms like?
I received The Meadows schedule for inpatient and it appears from the schedule that there’s a lot of downtime. Can someone whose been to their inpatient tell me if they were bored in the inpatient level?
Hi I was inpatient for 2 months before my insurance dropped me in 2016. We had a lot of free time mostly on the weekends (I was on the adolescent unit) and we did school as well but for me I didn’t have school as it was summer when I went. I would say that at times I would get bored but for the most part I had so many things to do (my personal favorites were making bracelets and listening to the radio). If you go it all depends on the girls/woman you are housing with lucky for me I got along well with the others so we really didn’t have that much time of being bored. During free time we were allowed to play volley ball, go swimming, sit outside and read, do assignments to level up, and watching TV (on the weekends). I will warn you though it more than likely isn’t like it was when I went for example I went when it was still called Remuda Ranch. I heard a lot has changed but it really depends on the time you go, the staff you are with, and the other patients you are with to determine if you have a good experience or not.
Do u treat ptsd and over eating disorder
Thanks Abby!
Do you know if it’s similar with adult inpatient?
Hey sorry for such a late response but the adult unit from what I heard was a lot different than the adolescents because when I was there it was only one house for adolescents (now they have another house I believe for adolescents). They had at least 3 houses for adults 1 which was on the other campus near the mcdonalds in Wickenburg. I think adults had good amounts of free time as well but I am not certain if they were allowed electronics or not. I wish I was more help but I just genuinely don’t know the schedule for the adults.
Hey Tammy when I was there I actually think they had one patient on the adult unit for binge eating. They do treat PTSD but I never admitted that I had trauma because I was too young to realize. They help a lot of people with trauma related issues but you need to be 100% honest with them
Hey, I was there until December 2021 and they still only have one adolescent house. I don’t know a ton about the adolescent program though as I was in the adult. They do not allow any electronics though, the houses each have a tv and some, or all, have a radio. You can get scheduled time with your phone or a computer if you have a good enough reason (school, need to order stuff on Amazon, if you have kids, etc). They are definitely better for trauma than they are eating disorders. I think a lot of people benefit from their program, but I had a hard time as it was easy to get away with behaviors and while I was there they seemed to be bringing in a lot of newer staff and it generally wasn’t working out incredibly well from a staff and training standpoint. But there is a large variety of eating disorders treated (Arfid, binge eating, diabulimia (which they were terrible at monitoring sugar levels and often Checking way too late)) which I found incredibly helpful to minimize competitive thoughts. Their program is built from a trauma perspective so I think even if you don’t disclose they assume you have underlying trauma. They even had a group called “trauma lecture” while I was there. They are definitely best suited for childhood trauma though as they focus heavily on codependency (Pia Melody) and the survivors week that you can opt in/out of is geared towards childhood trauma and family roles.
Could you do a full review?? I was there when it was still remuda but may have to go back.
I did one of the reviews at the top, but if you have specific questions I’m happy to answer. Things probably haven’t changed drastically since it was Remuda tbh, there are still pages in the binders they give and signs/paper notices on the wall that say Remuda so it seems like it’s all the same rules/policies lol. With Covid they don’t do restaurant outings, it’s all take-in, but if you make it to Cherokee (third house) they do a weekly field trip (nature reserves usually).
Hi, thanks for the review! I have a question, do they offer any type of somatic/bodywork (either with an individual therapist or as an add-on)? Thanks! 🙂
I didn’t realize that was yours. Sorry! Do they not do tubes? And I think I read that they moved one of the adult houses somewhere else is that true?
I’m not sure about tubes tbh there are three houses (Ocotillo (inpatient), Mariposa (residential), Cherokee (residential but operates like php)). I was never in the inpatient house, but I never heard of anyone getting tubed, even when they really needed it, but I think they are so trauma informed they wouldn’t force it so it could be that the person was refusing, in which case they will try to encourage you to go to a hospital level of care. I do know they take lower weights so I think it’s possible that they can tube if you agree to it.
As for the houses, I don’t believe anything has moved. There are currently the 3 adult houses and 1 adolescent. I did hear they are planning to build another house or two to further expand and potentially have a male house, at which point some of the houses/patients will move around. I didn’t see construction while there so this seems like it won’t be anytime soon that these changes occur though.
What types of skills do they teach or what do they do to help patients when they have things like trauma responses or panic attacks? For example, somatic techniques, sensory techniques, distress tolerance, neurofeedback, bodywork, breathwork, distraction, redirection, meditation, etc
They do groups on DBT & ACT, there’s neurofeedback but it’s usually just 15 minutes a week (twice if you’re lucky), some therapists do somatic work, some do emdr, the DBT group starts with meditation, and then if you were having panic attacks during treatment the nurse or behavior techs (BHT) would be there and would support you based on what you tell them you need (space, fresh air, frozen Orange, distraction/redirection, talk it out, etc). To be honest most BHTs work 1-2 days in a specific house a week so you’ll likely get a different response based on who is working. There is also an art therapy weekly, equine & equine group therapy, processing group, there are a few groups that tend to just be what seems to be relevant themes among patients at that given time (maybe extra processing, talking about child roles in the family, trauma, etc). There’s also an intensive survivors week and family week you can opt in/out of. Hope that helps! Definitely a decent place for trauma, but I’d say they could use some work on making it harder to use behaviors.
I’m seriously considering the Meadows Ranch. Can you someone whose been there recently let me know how the program is? Do you currently recommend this program??
The meadows changed my life. Staff are warm and compassionate. They care about you and work with you. Spirituality or religious values are encouraged to be a source of strength if that is what is meaningful for a person. The scenery is beautiful it was like entering a retreat setting. The staff were warm it was like a family. The other patients were great. Many of the staff had similar histories and one talked about her experience and how she overcame it. Learning about Pia Mellody and the influence of family roles and society pressures helped me feel strong about myself. We used drama and horses and yoga and so many relaxing activities for therapy. This place gave me back my life I can’t recommend them highly enough.
Thank you so much Tarisa for your review! When were you there? Can you possibly do a review with the questions
Hi Tarisa- can you review the adult inpatient process if you were in that program? how did they handle refeeding? also if you moved levels could you give a detailed review?
when were you there?
how often do you meet with the medical doctor, your individual therapist, the nutritionist?
what therapies do they use most (DBT, CBT, IFS, EMDR, somatic experiencing, nature therapy, massage, acupuncture, reiki….?)
what types of groups were there?
was it all group based/ any individual sessions? do they involve family?
what were meals like..
what kind of food/brands?
how was it served (serve yourself buffet style, plated for you)
was there a chef? like some places you make your own breakfast and snacks and then a chef does lunch and dinner
how were the meals decided
exchange system used?
did they supplement?
is there a level system?
did you feel like you were treated well/listened to?
is there phone/computer rules?
did a lot of people come from different states?
php housing available? prices? laundry?
I have been to the meadows ranch twice and I highly recommend the program. They have incredible therapy groups and the horses add another element to the treatment. You can earn cooking privileges and patients will be able to cook in the kitchen to practice portioning once a day. The inpatient house holds 6 people and the RTC and PHP houses hold 12 people each. I have been in multiple ED programs around the country and I HIGHLY RECOMMEND the Meadows. They also do neurofeedback which can be really helpful several times a week. The psychs are well informed on ED treatment and the head therapist **** is very kind. They also do a bunch of psych testing upon arrival that can tell you a lot about yourself. They also do family week, which was a life changing opportunity for my family and I to reconnect. Definitely worth a shot to try this program if you’re looking for RTC treatment. They changed my life and I was ED free for 2 YEARS!!
*names removed by Admin per site policy
Dana, thank you so much for responding to my post with your detailed review.
Dana- can you review the adult inpatient process if you were in that program? how did they handle refeeding? also if you moved levels could you give a detailed review?
when were you there?
how often do you meet with the medical doctor, your individual therapist, the nutritionist?
what therapies do they use most (DBT, CBT, IFS, EMDR, somatic experiencing, nature therapy, massage, acupuncture, reiki….?)
what types of groups were there?
was it all group based/ any individual sessions? do they involve family?
what were meals like..
what kind of food/brands?
how was it served (serve yourself buffet style, plated for you)
was there a chef? like some places you make your own breakfast and snacks and then a chef does lunch and dinner
how were the meals decided
exchange system used?
did they supplement?
is there a level system?
did you feel like you were treated well/listened to?
is there phone/computer rules?
did a lot of people come from different states?
php housing available? prices? laundry?
Hello S –
These are great questions! The meadows is amazing. Highly recommend doing a stabilization program before going to the inpatient if you are able. That can allow you to spend more time in residence and less time in the inpatient. Both inpatient and residence were great and there was not a ton of Free time. During free time they have many activities. When I went I did both programs. I went first to a program that focused on refeeding. This helped me get medically ready to go to the meadows and do much better work at the meadows. When I got to the meadows, I was already in a better and stronger space. I really liked the program at the meadows. The neurofeedback room was cool. They have these different machines (like couches/chairs with equipment for monitoring breathing) and they were very soothing. I love the art activities and omggg the horses are AMAZING. The therapist who deals with horses is amazing and the clinicians are very well informed and know the model. If you have trauma or any dysfunctional family background they are very good at dealing with that and they implement Pia Mellody’s model which looks at the role of family in the development of our lives and the role of parents and family in the eating disorder and how to heal. Lots of insight and amazing therapy. It is a really great place – plus the roommates was amazing. I was nervous at first but ended up being the people that came were sooooo kind and nice. I made such good friends.
Thanks Tarisa!! Sounds great. How long does one need to be in inpatient before moving to their residential?
Which stabilization program would you recommend? Thanks, you are so super nice and helpful. Please continue if you don’t mind!
Were you in adolescent treatment?
I was at The Meadows Ranch in the beginning of 2020 with hopes of them finally being the place to help me. I was told they are great with trauma and eating disorders. I learned pretty quickly that they are in fact good with trauma as long as nothing else gets in the way. For me, it was my eating disorder. I had to restore some weight and was having plenty of GI issues. They were not willing to work with me and treating me like an actual criminal when all I was trying to do was get better. If you are going for trauma help and are confident that the eating disorder is a thing of the past or are really firm in your recovery and have no problem completing one hundred percent for every meal then by all means, this might be the place for you. However, if you need help with the ED in any way, I highly recommend that you look into different options. I felt extremely unsafe there as they took away my rights to use the LANDLINE phone to speak with my parents and put me on bedrest with only a hospital gown. They also told the other patients that I am a harm to others and put a security guard outside my door. Then one day out of the blue, on a Saturday never mind they decided to kick me out. They aren’t supposed to discharge on the weekend because the regular staff isn’t there so its the weekend doctor making that decision. They sent me away with no place to go and told me to go to the homeless shelter. I asked to call my mom and they told me my mom doesn’t want to speak with me which my mom confirmed was not the case. They had security take me to the airport and told airport security that they need to take me to the door of the plane because I am a danger to others in the airport, to which airport security denied and told me I am fine to go on my own. Going to treatment to deal with trauma should not be a traumatic experience on its own!!!!!! I was treated like a criminal and was discharged with no safety plan and without my medications which led me into major withdrawal. I landed in the hospital two days later and finally got some much needed medical care but my experience there left me worse off than when I admitted. After I left I heard from the support staff that they were horrified at how I was treated when I was there and that made me feel a bit less crazy and less like the dangerous person they made me believe I was. I did speak with another girl who was there for their trauma retreat program and she had a great experience but when it comes to eating disorders they are clueless and irresponsible. They also claim to have equine therapy which just means that they have horses on site that you can look at and sometimes touch them if your lucky.
I think the major flaw in their program is that they are not at all individualized so if you dont fit into their cookie cutter mold they’ll just throw you out or label you dangerous. If you are looking for a program that can actually help you with your ED look into laureate in Tulsa OK.
Do you treat people who over eat and teach to cook..also deal with trauma
I have been to Remuda/meadows ranch two times and I would definitely recommend it. Of course, like anywhere else it can change drastically as the staff changes (which seems to be very frequently). They are based on exchanges which is not my favorite but the dietitians are willing to work with you to make your meal plan as realistic for your home life as possible. I am not an addict or alcoholic but I appreciated the routine and structure of the 12 step groups that were patient led. Psychotherapy was definitely the most impactful group and I feel like I really grew a lot personally doing equine.
I went to the meadows from October 2019-January 2020.
There are four houses on campus, one inpatients house, then residential, then step-down house and then the adolescent house.
I can only speak of the adult houses because that’s where I stayed. Ocitillo is the inpatient house, there are six beds I believe, it’s very strict. You are not allowed to walk to any groups, you rarely do go outside either- this house is meant to be short term. Medical stabilization, and acute pychiatric stabilization as well as detox. The groups are pretty consistent from Ocitillo and Maripose where you spend most of your stay. The last Cherokee is usually where you go before leaving or when you need less support. You can move through each house both back and forth. Sometimes, a patient would be admitted into Mariposa and then a week later they would be moved inpatient. Another important thing to know, is you must stay for at least 45 days. If you don’t, they sign you out as AMA.
As for the days the schedule went like this, im the summer however you get up a lot earlier because of how hot it gets.
5:30-6:30 ( Wake up, wieghts, vitals, meds, get dressed and get downstairs)
6:30-7:30( Meal Prep)
7:30-8:00( Breakfast)
8:15-9:00( Group 1)
9:00-9:15- AM Snack
9:30-10:00 Group
10;00-11:00 Group
11:00-11:45 Meal prep group
12:00-12:30 Lunch
1:00 Group ( usually equine or brain center)
2:00 – 3:00 free time/group
3:15 PM Snack
3:00-4:00 free time/group
4:15- meal prep
6:00 dinner
7:30 HS Snack
10:00 bed time
You meet with you therapist twice a week, dietican twice and psychiatrist once a week. You have equine twice a week, and neurofeedback 2-3 times a week. Other groups include psychodrama, process group, DBT, ACT, challenge meals, deitiary group, rec, art,
In the last house you can go on outings. No phones or computers allowed. I honestly would reccomend this program, it really is good. Honestly, the peers and BHTs or what make the biggest difference. I think it’s a program that works if you work it. I’ve seen people stay for exactly 45 days and others stay for months.
How do they treat co-occurring PTSD? Especially if it is severe with flashbacks/dissociation?
What do you do for equine? Neurofeedback? What kind of activity is allowed?
Jessica- can you review the adult inpatient process if you were in that program? how did they handle refeeding? also..
how often do you meet with the medical doctor, your individual therapist, the nutritionist?
did they use any EFT, EMDR, somatic experiencing, nature therapy, massage, acupuncture, reiki….?
was it all group based/ any individual sessions? do they involve family?
what were meals like..
what kind of food/brands?
how was it served (serve yourself buffet style, plated for you)
was there a chef? like some places you make your own breakfast and snacks and then a chef does lunch and dinner
how were the meals decided
exchange system used?
did they supplement?
is there a level system?
did you feel like you were treated well/listened to?
php housing available? prices? laundry?
Curious if anyone has been to Meadows in the last year? seems like a lot has changed
Yes I was there in February, horrible experience. If you are going to treatment dying to recover with no reservations whatsoever then maybe it is the place for you but they treated me like a criminal for needing more help than they were able to offer. They completely missed my medical issues which sent me into a worse place after I got home, landed in the hospital 2 days after they kicked me out.
Can I ask what made your stay bad?
IS THIS PLACE NOW CALLED MEADOWS RANCH???
I think it might be. A few years a it was bought by the Meadows
Yes. They rebranded as The Meadows Ranch.
I went there January 2015- March 2015. I was there for 46 days. They recommend 45-90 days but it varied widely. They had a total of 12 beds. There were three rooms with 4 beds each. There are two campuses and when I arrived they had recently moved all adolescents to one campus. They had inpatient, residential, and php in the same house and the only difference between them was how often you had vitals/got weighed and if you could go on outings. During the day there was 1-2 BHTs (behavior health techs) and a nurse at all times. There were two therapists that mainly dealt with adolescents but one of them left while I was there. There was one RD for adolescents. The main therapist was great but left shortly after I left. The really good BHTs were fired or left shortly after I left. Upper management was not the best and tended to be condensing towards us. Some of the BHTs were amazing and supportive but there were one or two that were terrible and rude. The meals were Alright. They allowed vegetarianism as long as it wasn’t for ED reasons and one girl was vegan because of health issues. You got three dislikes. Meal plans varied but for the most part followed the same thing. We all had 3 meals and 3 snacks and ate the same things for the most part except for morning snack which we chose. They supplemented with resources or breeze (boost products) if you didn’t finish or needed to gain weight. They only tubed if u were severely underweight/underweight and non compliant. The nurses were all very nice but the head nurse was not very good at listening. They had a tendency to not listen to our complaints about our physical health. I had a staph infection that they refused to treat until I ended up in the er because of it. The groups were okay. Everyday we had DBT, process group and school. Monday we had tai chi, Tuesday was art and ropes course, Wednesday was nutrition experiential, depending on what group you were in equine was Wednesday or Thursday, Friday was free art and privilege ride. You could participate in these unless you had been severely non compliant (planning and participating in 5 girls running away together, multiple food and supplement refusal, self harming, refusing to sleep in your own bed, pulling out your tube, ect). We also had body image and nutrition and other things that I’m forgetting throughout the week. You met with your therapist a few times or week or whenever you needed to. You met with your dietitian once a week and psychiatrist once a week. Cellphones were not allowed but you could have an iPod as long as it didn’t have WiFi, a camera, and your therapist approves it. We could make 10 minutes phone calls each night after dinner until lights out. Visiting hours were on Sunday from 1-5 pm. During family week (a week of intensive family sessions, education for the parents ect) you could go on passes for a few hours if your therapist approved it. They were strict on somethings but not others it just depended on if they liked you or not. They were not the best with working with insurance and would often not tell families that insurance stopped paying or would continue Charging people months after everything had been paid (they kept insisting my family owed them 30k when we had already paid for it). They also released a few girls records to other places without permission. (The girls then sued and won). Overall I did not have a good experience and am worse off now. It was very easy to get away with behaviors and they did not pay much attention to physical health if basic blood work was fine. However I did meet some amazing people who I still maintain contact with. Supposedly this used to be an amazing place but before I got there it had gone through a change of hands of who owned it and ran it.
I was there in August 2016, a lot of the Techs were wonderful. However I did have one tech who absolutely refused to accept that I was gay (my exgirlfriend is a large part of my ed) and constantly told me that I’d find a good guy one day. There was one therapist there that put the rest completely to shame, she was fantastic.
I was there for bulimia with anorexic tendencies and my therapist (after almost a month) thought I had BED. The clinical director was very childish and constantly twisted people’s words. Their financial department is appalling they never sent the payment agreement that I signed to my insurance. They also sent me home before I was ready citing insurance. I called my insurance and I still had coverage left.
They have residential and php in a residential setting so when you go home you’re forced to go straight to IOP which can be detrimental to some people.
9/10 I would not recommend I left worse and feeling very defeated.
I was at RLP for 3 1/2 weeks prior to leaving against medical advice in Aug-Sept 2014.
I am very saddened to see that many other people had experiences just as bad as mine, however, it helps me to realize that it was flaw in the program….not me.
When were you there: Aug-Sept 2014.
What were the meals like: very disorganized because the patients were cooking for 12 people with 12 different meal plans, different dislikes, food allergies, all on top of disordered eating and anxiety of 12 women. I have two food allergies that I made very clear when I talked with the dietician upon admission….msg, and casseine which is the protein in milk. When I wasn’t 100% compliant, they poured a dairy based supplement down me causing me to become more I’ll which was the reason I couldn’t swallow. The day before I left, I found out they had a non-dairy based supplement that I could have had all along if I had known it was available.
I have never cooked for 12 people nor will I ever. While they were trying to give us real life experience, it would have been more beneficial for me to learn how to cook for one or two while not being anxious.
The games at the meal table drove me insane. I wouldn’t mind them occasionally, but I needed to learn how to have a conversation that doesn’t revolve around food at the dinner table. Conversation can also be distraction but it was never used.
Schedule: 6:00 am-9:00 pm no access to rooms. No groups after 4:30ish. For me, I have chronic health issues and rest in the middle of the day is pertinent to my well being. I am also used to going to bed between 8:00-8:30, but by the time I got to my room, my 3 other roommates and I argued over who got the shower first. The groups would have been good if the patients had been dedicated to learning Abd participating in the groups. My therapist was decent. But I wasn’t allowed to have a dear friend who I haven’t seen since college come visit and she lived 15 min away. My family is from another state do she would have been the only visitor I could have. I found out that other patients had friends and boyfriends come and visit and they were not compliant. I was compliant and was not allowed to have visitors and was told “family only.” When my family or friends would try to call, they could never get through because there were 12 of us trying to share one phone line. Because we were always on the phone, the cordless was always dead therefore there was never privacy for my phone calls.
I don’t feel it necessary to repeat a lot if the same info.
What I feel is pertinent for m to share about my experience is that they jacked with my seizure medication, and my normal medication schedule. I have been very structured taking my seizure meds at the exact same times every day for nearly 20 years. They didn’t discuss increasing my seizure med to an above the limit dosage with my neurologist back at home. I ended up having multiple seizures as a result. After my third trip to the ER by ambulance, they agreed to put me back on An old med but mr neuro told me never to start at the full dose…to titrate up even if I had been off of it only for a cpl of weeks. They tried to get me to start off on the full dose. I had to advise the medical dr that is never appropriate. Also, during one of my seizures, I fell off the couch and ended up face down on the floor. Instead of the staff being trained on how to conduct a safe role, one of the patients who is an RN guided the safe roll to get me on my back.
The last day I was there, I asked the staff person for my meds which had to be taken at a certain time. She completely ignored me. When I finally went back to get get, she slammed the med window in my face. The stress of that triggered yet another seizure and I fell off the couch again. When I spoke to the cleaning lady, she informed me that I was left on the floor for over an hour and that the staff person knew I was unresponsive because she asked me if I was going to eat breakfast. It was at that point, I decided to leave. I had gotten no therapuetic value whatsoever out of the program because of the adjustments to my medical medications without my treatment teams consent.
I chose Ramuda because of my love for animals and I thought the equine therapy would be very healing for me. But I was continuously denied equine because of my seizures. But I would have never started having seizures if they hadn’t jacked with my meds. I also didn’t get the benefits of somatic therapy because of it.
At one point they would not leave me unattended because of the severity of my seizures. That also meant no shower unless a staff person was present or I had a shower chair which they of course didn’t have. It took 4 days for them to make time for me to have someone present for a 5 min shower.
I feel that all of my human rights were neglected…
Oh! I was there late November 2014 to early February!
Remuda ranch was traumatizing. Staff were lax, several girls awoled. And for a place that said they were proficient in trauma, well!!!! I was friends with some of the clients there who suffered from severe ptsd. When they disassociated the clients (me and others in the adolescent program) were left to guard them and try to bring them out of it. When I was inpatient, I saw a therapist maybe twice in twenty days. And it was extremely unhelpful. RR traumatized me. PLEASE, PLEASE do not send your child there!!!! Girls hid their mess and snorted them, staff talked about genitalia, self harm was rampant, a girl passed out for two minutes straight and they merely gave her pedialyte and took her vitals then proclaimed her fine. She purged every day with no repercussions. Staff let her in the bathroom when the hour was up even though they knew she would purge. Staff yelled. I would never recommend this place. Yes, the horses were nice, yes, it was nice and hot there and the clients had fun together. But did anyone receive true help and guidance, did anyone leave there in a better place? I can only speak for myself, but when I arrived at inpatient and the step down program, the girls there told me it was where you come not to recover, but to get worse.
I was in adolescent inpatient on the rio site. I was there from March-May 2015, and this was my third treatment center. I would NEVER recommend this place. It was an absolute joke and waste of time and money. It was so disorganized and the staff besides maybe two were horrible and didn’t do anything. All we did was eat and sit around and watch tv. We had therapists going in and out and groups were a joke. I admit I am one to speak my mind and approached a family therapist about how she was practically verbally abusing a young girl and was told to shut up and sit my ass down, then she proceeded to tell me she despised working with me and said she cannot wait for me to leave. Totally uncalled for. When I asked to call patient advocacy was denied. Then asked to talk to the director and didn’t get to speak to her until a week and half, then nothing was done. This was a horrible treatment center both the staff and treatment. All they do is weight restore you, then let you go.
I was asked to specify why I feel the way I do about Remuda Ranch and why one should not go there, no matter what. I will try to keep calm about the subject while explaining it because it is a difficult topic to discuss. But to sum it up in four words: Remuda ruined my life. That even could be an understatement. I went in very sick in the inpatient level of care and when I say I have never seen such a lax place about those who need intensive care, I mean it. Now, did I take full advantage of my time there at Remuda and comply 100% giving it my all? Of course not and I will be the first to admit it. However, while you are in inpatient treatment, you should be watched and not able to run for miles to the nearest town. (I was a horrible patient at times), you should not be able to climb on the roof (even if it is to see the beautiful starts), you should not be told “you’re wasting everyone’s time. Why are you even here, there are people who could use your bed”, and best of all, you should not be on 13 medications while skipping meals with no
Repercussions, causing you to literally a go out of your mind. Finally, and we are only on inpatient still, you should never be so drugged up to where you attempt to kill yourself and are found 1.5 hours later to have it brushed off that night but then sent to the psych ward THE NEXT NIGHT. There is no proper step down, no guidance, if you don’t like male therapist you are in trouble, you can easily run away because of the amount of freedom you’re given and as an addict, getting alcohol to wash my medication down with was ideal… But very dangerous. Because the staff does not do their job with check ups it is easy to “make a run”.
And trust me, in my ‘right mind’ with the proper medications as I am on now, I would never ever do what I did. But instead I came home at a way lower weight, addicted to 13 medicines that I’m still trying to wing off of (with the help of a good psych), and a traumatic experience being told repeatedly how much I mess up, how ungrateful I am, and how there isn’t any hope. Staff was bad. Food was bad. Treatment was bad. I am urging you, please DO NOT go there and do not send someone you love there.
Lindsay.ch puts it really well. My experience was much like hers. I was at Remuda Ranch from March to May 2015.
The program was highly disorganized and they were severely understaffed. At one point we had just one therapist for both houses, a total of 24 girls to one therapist and obviously none of us got therapy. They are very unprofessionally and violated hippa with me several times. A therapist in the beginning which eventually quit, she called my parents without my consent. One of he therapists there did absolutely nothing. If you’d see her in passing she would look the other way and avoid you as fast as possible! When I was getting ready to discharge the therapist wouldn’t do anything to help me with discharge stuff so they had to pull an adolescent therapist to help me and she was wonderful! This program is a joke! They were once a good program but now they are absolutely terrible. For my first three weeks I never saw a dietitian. Her sessions for me were just in passing and saying how are you? Good? Ok. Sounds good bye. For three weeks I never saw a therapist. This one girl tried o kill herself and they let her stay and did nothing because all the staff loved her. My last three weeks there we did absolutely nothing and just layed around sleeping or watching tv because we had no therapist to do groups. It was a joke. When I was about to leave and go to the airport the driver forgot to pick me up!
my first therapist was emotionally and verbally abusive. She was very unprofessional and at one time she even said I don’t see the point of working with you. I don’t know what to do with you. There’s no point in you being here. Some things she said to me were very un-ethical .its very easy to get away with behaviors. I was struggling and threw away food a lot and I told my dietitian I was struggling and doing that and she was like ok. She was ok and alright with me doing that. Something is wrong with that!
Michelle you are so right. This place was a nightmare. They pretty much destroyed me. Demanded I go the the Arizona Remuda for follow up or”the repercussions would be on me.”
It was always about the money. I am so glad they shut down before they could damage anyone else. I am fine now WITHOUT their help. It took counseling at my home town to undo the feelings of worthlessness they gave me. They claimed some kind of an outrageous success rate but every single person that was there when I was there ended up with serious problems that they didn’t have going into the program. No one was a success. Only now are alot of us pulling ourselves together. I wouldn’t send my dog there!
Review of RLP from 2014 (it used to be in Chandler but it’s now in Wickenburg on the old Del Sol campus):
When were you there (and level of care):
I’ve been multiple times, but the most recent stay was Sept- Oct 2014, residential program, Adult
How many patients on average?
There were two adult houses, Mariposa and Cherokee and each had beds for 12 patients. When I was there they were both pretty full, so averaging 20 – 24 adult patients.
Does it treat both males and females? If so, is treatment separate or combined.
Only women.
How often do you see a medical doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist (therapist), nutritionist, etc?
It was pretty hard to see the doctor. She was almost never around. Psychiatrist is as needed. Most patients do one individual and one family session per week, but I didn’t do family so I did two individual sessions. You meet with your dietitian once per week.
What is the staff ratio to patients?
They were severely understaffed when I was there. They had a high turnover rate (they were also under new management) with a number of staff leaving while I was there. I think there were supposed to be two BHTs and a nurse present at all times, but that never happened. We had one nurse between all three houses (2 adult / 1 adolescent) towards the end. Hopefully that’s better now.
What sort of therapies are used? (DBT, CBT, EMDR) etc?
The main therapy they do is DBT and have a number of groups on it. There was a trauma therapist for a period of time (she later left for another job but hopefully they have another) who did EMDR and somatic stuff as needed.
Describe the average day:
6:30ish Wakeup
7:15 Breakfast
8:15 Nutrition
9:00 DBT Skills
10:00 Snack
10:30 Art therapy
12:15 Lunch
1:00 Process Group
3:00 Snack
3:30 Cognitive Restructuring
5:30 Dinner
7:00 Therapy Assignments (Free time basically)
8:00 Snack
8:30 Goals group
9:00 Free time / Bedrooms unlocked
10:00 Lights out
What were meals like?
Patients are assigned meal prep groups and rotate out which group makes the meals. There is a BHT in the kitchen to help, but it sometimes got sketchy with eating disordered patients cooking.They didn’t always have the ingredients we needed on hand so we had to improvise a lot. Meal prep was stressful and that shouldn’t have been something we needed to worry about. They were trying to give us real world practice for cooking, which was good in theory, but there were lots of people who’s anxiety got out of control while making meals. Meals were almost never on time because of this. Sometimes the staff didn’t know the portions either so we were left to do our best to figure out how much each person was supposed to have.
What sorts of food were available or served?
It was a four week rotation of meals.
Breakfast: cereal, parfaits, toast
Lunch: wraps, salads, tacos, sandwiches
Dinner: fish / chicken with rice / quinoa, salads
Did they supplement? How did that system work?
(see answer below)
What is the policy of not complying with meals?
The staff documented how much you did or didn’t eat when you were on the first level (Mariposa), but there weren’t really consequences for not finishing. You were sometimes offered supplement, but sometimes not.
Are you able to be a vegetarian?
Yes, but your dietitian will make you prove why you are one because it’s assumed to be eating disordered. Also, there is only one option for meals, so if you’re a vegetarian, they have to make substitutions and the patients on meal prep forgot me sometimes and I’d end up with a random veggie burger that didn’t fit with the meal at all.
What privileges are allowed?
Moving to the Cherokee house was what they encouraged the patients to work towards. You weren’t constantly monitored, you had bedrooms opened all day and you could go on an outing once a week (if they remembered to have transportation).
Does it work on a level system?
No, but Mariposa is basically Level 1 and Cherokee Level 2.
How do you earn privileges?
Not engaging in behaviors and showing that you’re making progress.
What sort of groups do they have?
Nutrition, DBT, Art, Meadows Lecture (they’re owned by the Meadows treatment center so they follow their curriculum), Body Image, Rec, Substance Recovery, Equine, 12 step, Boundaries, Relapse Prevention, Community Meetings, Process groups
What was your favorite group?
I enjoyed the Meadows lecture, Body Image and Boundaries the most. But honestly, I loved all of the groups there. They were really helpful.
What did you like the most?
The groups, the women I was there with, and the therapists there are all amazing. I also loved being in the desert. The setting was really healing. And being around horses 🙂
What did you like the least?
The disorganization of the program. It was really unstructured and understaffed, unlike times I’ve been there in the past. (So hopefully that will change!) I got away with a lot of behaviors there (as did many other patients) because there was no accountability with meals and staff never knew what they were doing. A lot of staff had no training in eating disorder stuff whatsoever. They left patients place when transporting them off campus and forgot about them. While some of the staff are great, there were a couple staff who made really inappropriate comments about food and weight to patients. There was one who escalated a situation with a suicidal patient and barely got reprimanded for what she did. She later had an blow up in front of patients and threw something and even after reporting her behavior, she continued to work directly with patients with seemingly no consequences. Our concerns about that staff member were dismissed because “she had been there a long time.”That felt really unsafe to me. Numerous staff quit while I was there and there was one nurse between all of the patients.
Would you recommend this program?
Not right now. In the past I would have, and if they fix the issues with management and staffing, I would change my mind. Because the groups are solid. The therapists and most of the treatment professionals there are solid and you can potentially get a lot out of the program. But as of last fall (again, hoping that it has changed since) the chaotic meals where no one knew what they were doing, the unprofessional actions of staff (and understaffing), and general lack of structure made it an unhelpful program. It has the potential to be amazing though.
What level of activity or exercise was allowed?
Your dietitian will approve you for exercise if you’re ready. You’re allowed to go to the “gym” (unsupervised) for 30 minutes or walk around campus for 30 minutes. If you do behaviors or overuse exercise or walk around too much, it will be taken away. You can also get put on transport (driven around the campus on golf carts) if they feel like you need that.
What did people do on weekends?
In free time: watch movies, sometimes go on outings if you’re in Cherokee, swim (if they unlock the pool).There are still groups on the weekends and one of the therapists comes up. You have a rec activity and a body movement group.
Do you get to know your weight?
It depends on what your dietitian thinks. My dietitian gave me my weight range and I already knew my weight when I came in.
How fast is the weight gain process?
I wasn’t on weight gain this last time. They don’t use tubes at RLP but they do use supplement (Ensure I think) for weight restoration.
What was the average length of stay?
Around a month, but it can vary depending on the person and on insurance. The most at RLP this last time was around 3 months I think.
What was the average age range?
It can vary. Usually 20-somethings, but women of all ages come in.
How do visits/phone calls work?
There is one cordless phone in each house that patients are allowed to use & you can give the number to your family & friends. It’s hard with 12 women all wanting to use one phone though. You can ask your therapist about visitors.
Are you able to go out on passes?
Talk with your therapist. Usually it’s for family, but you an go out on passes if your team approves.
What kind of aftercare do they provide? Do they help you set up an OP treatment team?
This is probably the biggest flaw in Remuda’s system in my opinion. They only offered (while I was there at least) inpatient and residential. It was up to you to come up with a plan for aftercare once you discharged. There were a number of women who left with any plan or appointments for going home. Most people I was there with went straight to outpatient. Remuda used to have an aftercare coordinator who called every few months to check in, but they don’t do that anymore. I called when I got home when my aftercare plans fell through and they basically told me, “Good luck.” You can’t have contact with your treatment team upon discharge, which can be hard. They can talk to your new team, but it can take a while for them to communicate.
Are there any resources for people who come from out of state/country?
Most of the people I met there were from out of state.
Other?
Oh, Remuda. I have so many memories from Wickenburg (I was there 3 times as a teenager). I think RLP is adjusting to being on a new campus because the one in Chandler was a lot more put together in terms of structure. Hopefully things will settle in more and with better staffing it will become a program that I can support. If you do end up going, there are still amazing things you can get from it. I will always be grateful for the things i learned at Remuda.
Any recent reviews?? Might be going here his week
I am also looking for updated info. Thinking of sending my 21yr old daughter soon
People have been asking for an updated review, so I will try my best to provide as much as I can!
When were you there (and level of care): February 6th-April 12th, 2014
How many patients on average? When I first arrived to inpatient in February there were about 19 of us, the max is 24. by the end of the inpatient stay it was down to 9. Once I was at RLP (transitional living program) there were 24 at the beginning, then once I left Remuda Ranch the RLP program only had about 15 total. People are constantly coming in and out. One week it could be full and the next if could be almost empty. It all depends.
Does it treat both males and females? If so, is treatment separate or combined. It is for females only. It does have an adolescent program and an adult program. I was on the adult unit.
How often do you see a medical doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist (therapist), nutritionist, etc? At inpatient you met with your dietician 1-2x a week, psychiatrist every single morning, medical doctor as needed, and therapist 1-2x a week. At RLP you met with your dietician, psychiatrist, and therapist all 1-2x a week depending on what you need.
What is the staff ratio to patients? At inpatient you ALWAYS had BHT (behavioral health tech or basically a nurse) around you 24/7. They went to groups with you, ate with you, and basically did everything with you. There were probably 5-7 BHT on staff at a time. The BHT’s at inpatient were all so amazing and so sweet. Miss Rachel is SWEETHEART. Elsa and Shannon were also some of my favorites! Most of them are recovering from some sort of addiction as well, so they actually can understand and relate which was so helpful. At RLP the BHT’s were hit or miss. Some were really great while others really didn’t understand eating disorders which made for a lot of frustration, but I just avoided those BHTs. There were about 2-3 BHTs on staff for RLP. This became a problem sometimes because if someone was on 24/7 watch for behaviors or something we were not able to be taken to CVS because the BHT couldn’t leave. For the most part the staff was really great. I didn’t include the therapist, so there was them for any type of additional support that was needed.
What sort of therapies are used? (DBT, CBT, EMDR) etc? Remuda used CBT and when needed a patient could do EMDR as there were therapist trained to do so. I did not participate in EMDR, however many of my housemates did and they said it helped them a lot. EMDR is REALLY draining though and is a lot of hard work for patients.
Describe the average day:
Inpatient
-Wake up at 5:00 by BHTs for weights and vitals
-5:45 leave bunkhouse and head up to main lodge
-6:00-6:45 Meet with psychiatrist, finish getting ready, take meds
-6:45-7:15 Breakfast
-7:15-7:30 Meal Processing
-7:45-8:45 Goals group and ABA (anorexics and bulimics anonymous)
-9:00-10:00 Group/therapy
-Snack at 10:15.
-10:30-11:45 Group/therapy.
-12:00 Lunch Meds
-12:15-12:45 Lunch
-12:45-1:00 Meal Processing
-1:15-2:45 Group/therapy
-Snack at 3:15
-3:30-4:45 Group/therapy
-5:00 Dinner Meds
-Free time before dinner
-Dinner at 5:30.
-Meal Processing 6:00-6:15
-Free time until night snack
-Night snack 8:00
-Night Meds 8:45
-Rooms open to get ready for bed at 9.
-Lights out by 10.
The schedule for RLP is WAY different as you do a lot on your own. It also varies from day to day. You get a print out of the weekly schedule when you arrive.
What were meals like? At inpatient you sat in the dining room that had 4 round tables. Depending on how many patients there are, you had on average about 5-8 girls at your table. You also sat with a BHT to be the table monitor. You sat down to the spot that has been preplanned by the seating chart by the BHTs. You also ate with your placemat at was made for you by the patients when you arrived. I still have mine 🙂 We played a lot of table games as food talk was not allowed. My favorite game was Contact. Everyone was good about not talking about food, the only hard part was eating with people who tried using food rituals, this was triggering at times. At RLP you ate with your housemates without a BHT, so you got freedom to practice eating in a normalish setting to help adjust you back to real life.
What sorts of food were available or served?They varied, they were on a 30 day schedule. For breakfast you saw a lot of toast, eggs, english muffins, fresh fruit. Fridays were always “Parfait Friday”. Lots of yogurt and cottage cheese. For lunch it was a lot of sandwiches…like I think it was a sandwich more than half the time during the week! We had chinese on Saturday nights (scary!!!). Actually, it wasn’t as bad as I thought. They serve really healthy foods, so it is easy for it to “make sense” in your ED head. They also give you a meal ticket at the end of each meal when you completed your food to show you the break down of exchanges so you can visually see what was on your plate as to a grain, protein, fruit, veg..etc.
Did they supplement? How did that system work? If you need to gain weight they will add supplements and your meal plan will be adjusted. They have multiple different meal plans, all depending on your height, age, weight, and etc. Everyone usually starts out on refeeding or gentle then moves to faith, enlightenment, and wonder. It all just depends on what your body needs.
What is the policy of not complying with meals? At inpatient when you completed your meals you got a meal ticket that you could turn in after the meal for a hot drink. Coffee (only caffeinated in the morning), hot chocolate, or tea) Otherwise if you did not finish 100% you did not get the hot beverage. This was a huge motivator because you didn’t want to be the only one who didn’t get the hot drink! If you didn’t finish your BHT will look at your plate and decide how much to supplement you with. You then had to sit with the supplement for 5 minutes. If you still didn’t take the supplement, then it was put in your chart. Not sure what happened if you continued to refuse supplements from not finishing.
Are you able to be a vegetarian? Kind of. You had to discuss this with the Dietician. She had an eating disorder when she was younger…so she understands a lot and is so easy to talk to. There were a few girls that were vegetarian while I was there, but you had to really convince them that you were vegetarian BEFORE your ED was present. They do allow you to have 3 dislikes though, so what I did was have beef and pork put on my dislikes. You get a lot chicken for meals then. They really don’t even serve that much beef and pork to begin with because so many people have those on their dislikes. Also, if you are not a big milk drinker I would suggest putting that on your dislike because otherwise you will get it all the time. You still have to have it if you’re having cereal, but this way you don’t have to drink it. So instead of drinking milk, you will get a lot of yogurt or cottage cheese (protein). I enjoy yogurt and cottage cheese so it was a good switch for me!
What privelages are allowed? At the end of my stay at inpatient, they started up the privelage table. This was for the girls that were about to discharge or go to RLP to start practicing eating without a BHT.
Does it work on a level system? red, yellow, green. Red you can’t do anything, yellow you can do everything but equine, and green you can do everything available. Depending on what your weight is doing you might be put on transport meaning you can’t walk anywhere but have to ride in the “people mover†(aka golf cart). Everyone is transported to groups, but once you are on green you can walk back to the main lodge. Also, you have to be green to do Ti Chi or however you spell it!
What sort of groups do they have? primary group (things get really deep and emotional in this group), body image, equine, art therapy, core skills, etc. There were so many different groups! Even more groups at RLP and that is where I thought I learned a lot more. I also think I learned more at RLP because by that time my brain was functioning a lot more. I don’t remember much from RIO (inpatient unit) because I was still really sick.
What was your favorite group? I learned a lot in Collen and Julynn’s from RLP groups mainly about core skills. There was also body image at RLP once a week (should be more) that was helpful. I think my favorite was always primary group (process group) because people were able to be honest about how they were doing and we had really deep conversations and were able to ask for and give feedback. (You will learn the feedback loop! haha)
What did you like the most? THE WOMEN. These women I stayed with from the beginning to the end will forever be in my heart. I still talk to about 5 of them who I had my entire journey with at RR and they are my best friends. I was able to establish amazing relationships with people after years of isolating myself.
What did you like the least? That the ropes course was not open during the time I was at the Ranch! It opened as soon as I went over to RLP and patients at RLP don’t get to use the ropes course! It was a bummer.
Would you recommend this program? YES WITH ALL OF MY HEART.
What level of activity or exercise was allowed? NONE. haha. At inpatient you could be at a healthy weight and there was still no exercise. At RLP the most exercise I ever saw was someone was allowed 30 minutes 3x a week. However you do get to walk around the campus, so its kind of easy to just walk around and not be sedentary.
What did people do on weekends? At inpatient we had a few groups, some were not mandatory so you could sit outside and journal, hang out in the art room, or write letters. It was was pretty chill. People took naps, watched movies, basically were really lazy. At RLP the weekends were for outings. Saturday mornings we menu planned for the next week and got to create the houses grocery list. Then that afternoon we got to go on our weekend outing to either a mall or town to do shopping. After I left I know they went to the zoo for one afternoon. These outings are a lot of fun and really help with transitioning back into the real world as it is hard at first especially if you were inpatient for awhile. To be allowed on the outings you have to have participated in a restaurant challenge that is offered once a week for lunch. You have to go on the restaurant challenge because you are on your own for the afternoon outing, meaning you have to eat with your housemates at a restaurant without anyone monitoring or anything. My first outing was to Precott, a beautiful little town where I ate with 2 of roommates and had the best afternoon! I never had felt so free. This was so encouraging, and really gave me hope for a better life.
Do you get to know your weight? Sometimes. Your team/dietician will decide whether or not you can know your weight. I still have not been told my weight since January because I am still not ready to know it.
How fast is the weight gain process? 1-3 lbs a week. I gained probably about 25 lbs over 3 months.
What was the average length of stay? 30-45 days inpatient but that can really vary. Some girls were there for 4 days and went to RLP, some were there for 4 months. At RLP they like to keep you for 30 days, most stay 6-9 weeks though.
What was the average age range? This varies so much. When I was at inpatient there was only one 18 yr old, a few 20-24 yr olds, about seven 30-50 year olds. There was also a 70 year old too. It just varies. If I had to say average it would probably be 22-30
How do visits/phone calls work? At inpatient there were designated times for phone calls, usually just not when we had meals or group. It was no problem finding time to make calls. At RLP there was a house phone that you could use at anytime you wanted.
Are you able to go out on passes? Not during inpatient. However you can have visitors, but this is pretty uncommon because most people are from all over the country. When I was there, there was also some people from Canada.
What kind of aftercare do they provide? Do they help you set up an OP treatment team? They make you fill out a discharge plan with all of your OP team before you leave.
Are there any resources for people who come from out of state/country? People come from out the country and all over the country.
Other?
If you have questions, let me know!
Thank you for updating this site. It is hard to filter through so many comments and great to read a more recent one as we are debating sending our daughter here.
Cheri
Did you end up sending your daughter???
I am not sure why my comments are not showing up on this site. This place is a franchise with a very cookie cutter way of following exactly the same treatment, without variation, no matter what you need. These people torn up my family and my daughter ended up in worse condition, Stay away from them
i try to keep up with comments asap, sometimes my schedule sets me back, i apologize
Does anyone have info on the mail program there? When I was at Ridgeview in Georgia in 2008 I at least was able to give family and friends an address to send me mail before I was admitted- but I don’t see anything on the RR website (the Wickenburg, AZ location).. 🙁
This is what send mail to, with the person’s name and unit they’re on: 1 E Apache St. Wickenburg, AZ 85390
At least, that’s what it was when I was there – but that was 6 years ago.
I just just there this winter/spring. Tina is correct with the address. Oh 1 east apache steet…..how I miss you so much!
Abby – what is Remuda Ranch like now? I was surprised to read that Ward Keller is no longer involved. I was there in the early 90’s, but didn’t have a very good experience – my therapist was brand-new and discharged me after only 6 weeks, even though my insurance would have paid for 3 months! I am now a therapist myself and would like to refer my clients, but am hesitant after reading so much negative stuff. I would appreciate hearing about your experience and if you feel that you got the help you needed. Thanks, Nancy
Has anyone been to Remuda since it was taken over by The Meadows in 2012? I’m curious if it is better then the previous owner who had it after Ward Keller.
I was there in 2011 before it was bought out, and the summer of 2013 after it was bought out, and the program majorly went downhill.
I was just at Remuda from February 6th, 2014-April 12, 2014. Let me know if I can be of any assistance!
if you could do an updated review, everyone would appreciate it! i hope your journey of recovery is going well!
Abby,
I would LOVE LOVE LOVE it if you would do a full review of your experience using the questions on the FAQ section!!
When were you there (and level of care):
How many patients on average?
Does it treat both males and females? If so, is treatment separate or combined.
How often do you see a medical doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist (therapist), nutritionist, etc?
What is the staff ratio to patients?
What sort of therapies are used? (DBT, CBT, EMDR) etc?
Describe the average day:
What were meals like?
What sorts of food were available or served?
Did they supplement? How did that system work?
What is the policy of not complying with meals?
Are you able to be a vegetarian?
What privelages are allowed?
Does it work on a level system?
How do you earn privelages?
What sort of groups do they have?
What was your favorite group?
What did you like the most?
What did you like the least?
Would you recommend this program?
What level of activity or exercise was allowed?
What did people do on weekends?
Do you get to know your weight?
How fast is the weight gain process?
What was the average length of stay?
What was the average age range?
How do visits/phone calls work?
Are you able to go out on passes?
What kind of aftercare do they provide? Do they help you set up an OP treatment team?
Are there any resources for people who come from out of state/country?
Other?
I was completely appalled by this program. Never would I recommend it or would I EVER send my daughter there if I had one. The program had no accountability and if you didn’t want to eat, there were no repercussions . They do not tube anymore and have no problem telling people that they are “not fit” for the tube. The staff there is okay now, nothing great but nothing too bad. They are inconsistent so if that’s an issue with you, I would not recommend going there. Basically , I was there for four months and came back home at a lower weight than when I went in. I don’t care how “non-compliant” you are- inpatient and residential should never allow that. They therapy was pointless because you met with your therapist maybe once a week. Food was bad. No options so if you’re picky, aside from your eating disorder, do not go. Well, do not go for any reason!!! Save your time and money!!
I would really like to know if the program worked for anyone? If the program helped even with all the changes that happened?
I was at the Ranch from February 2013 to April 2013, almost 3 months. The length of most stays is now about a month, but then again it depends on how much weight restoration you need/behaviors..and insurance cutting off. Some girls were discharged after just a few weeks, some after months..
Umm a lot is different now than the old reviews on here, but I’ve heard it’s even more different since I’ve been gone because it was bought out by a sister company in Wickenberg..
anyway, I was there this year 2013 until the end of April:
day starts around 5:45am, BHTs wake you up to do vitals, get up and get dressed/shower/brush your teeth if you have time haha, it’s super rushed in the morning in the bunkhouses. 1-4 girls per bunkhouse. go up to main lodge by 6:45am, meds, finish getting ready for the day, breakfast at 7:30am, Goals group, Morning snack @ 10:30am (protein and a fruit=cheese stick and most times you get to pick a fresh fruit, sometimes canned tho), Group 11-12pm, Noon meds, Lunch at 12:30pm-1pm, down time then a Group, Afternoon snack @ 3:30pm (protein and grain for most but depends on your dietitician)
, group, dinner meds, Dinner @ 6pm, a little free time, Group Wrap-Up, Night snack, night meds then down to the bunkhouses when everyone’s through getting meds and nurses are done doing nothing..
a lost of the nurses are just okay, some are rude, accusatory, and make the environment horrible, but others, Mrs. R, are true gems and so kind and caring, always there for you, make the day/evening somewhat enjoyable and treat you like an adult not a child..always there to take to,
but just remember anything you say or do can be used against you by BHTs/Nurse staff!
I would go again or recommend this facility to anyone who really wants to recover.
So I recently went to Remuda Ranch. From what I understand the program changed dramatically. I wanted to post an updated review just to fill the gaps and correct any discrepancies.
When were you there? September 2013
What were the days like? Wake up any where between 5:15 am and 6am depending when the staff get to your room for vitals/weight. This determines just how much time you have to get ready considering everyone walks up to the main building at about 6:10 am. You can continue getting dress in the common area. Granted there is one mirror for about 20 some odd women to share that is no where near an outlet! Breakfast is at 6:45am, lunch at about 12:30ish, dinner at about 5:30. Snack is at 10 am, 3:30pm, and 8pm. ( my times may be off by a few mins or so but it’s just about right). Meals took a while to actually be initiated. They were served table by table and each patient was called up one by one. Between meals were about two or so groups. The groups were mostly active like equine (horse therapy…horse back riding/ grooming), rock climbing, tai chi, and the ropes course. However if you were not medically stable you were not allowed to participate. S for the most part you sat around and watched from a golf cart known as “the people mover.” You spent little to no time in your room. You lived out of cubbies. Maybe even 3 or 4 cubbies! By about 9pm you finally got to go down to the rooms and go to bed. By the way just for informational purposes the rooms were basically 2 to a room or 4 to a room. Each room had a bathroom. That was the day.
What sorts of foods were available?
I would say there was a lot of variety during the actual meals. I don’t want to list a whole grocery store, but just know that pretty much the things served were things one would expect of a home cooked meal as well as some curve balls in terms of entrees one may have heard of but never has tried. The food was well prepared I must say. In terms of snacks it was a bit limited. There was a lot of yogurt, nutting rain bars, frosted mini wheats, cheese, crackers, supplements, and fruits. From what I understand in the past patients were allowed to choose from 2 or 3 entrees for a meal but that is no longer the case. You give the dietician 3 dislikes and that is it besides food intolerances and allergies. Patients are all served the same food during meal times aside from the difference in the amount being served based on their nutritional needs.
Did they supplement?
Yes. They use resource for the most part and resource breeze juice if you have some sort of intolerance to the shake. They also have a house supplement that they make themselves, but they only use it for weight restoration not for meal refusal. They have a reputation for being tube happy which I would say they are but only one person there had an Ng tube at the time. They are definitely pro tube but will not force it on you. They strongly encourage it to speed up weight restoration or if they are fearful of referring complications.
What privileges were available? Was there a level system?
There weren’t really privileges per say. You received hospital bands upon admission and they were color coded green yellow and red like a stop light based on medical stability and it determined your activity level. If you were red you couldn’t do any active things, yellow…very limited, and green ..you could participate in everything. That meant rock climbing, equine, ropes, and tai chi…as well as walking to and from groups! Red band patients were carted around in golf carts from building to building!
What was your favorite group?
None…honestly pretty much a waste if you aren’t healthy enough to participate
What did you like most?
The staff were amazing. They had two therapists who were moth male, but so kind and so sensitive and down to earth. The dietician was awesome too! The medical dr and psychiatrist and nursing staff just about all the workers were great!
What did you like least?
The actual program. It didn’t feel structured enough or effective. It was like it avoided the eating disorder. There was no processing after meals, no community meetings ( until begged for), staff barely monitored for behaviors…just totally out of order! It was unreal…like a dream world that avoided the eating disorder or at least tried to by having you pet horses or watch others pet them.
Would I recommend this program?
It depends on how sick the person is. If they are too ill I would say no but if they are in the infantile stages of an eating disorder yes or really really certain and motivated for recovery yes. But if getting better is very hard and you need a lot of support no I would recommend it.
What do you do on weekends?
Pretty much the same as weekdays minus the groups. You lay around and sleep in the main community room, watch movies, write the real world, go out side, swimming, talk on the phone
Do you get phone calls/ visits?
You can ask for a phone to plug in during non group times. It’s very simple! It’s free. They have family days ( I think two days) once a month. They have a program where there is like a therapeutic adventure per se for you and your family to explore your eating disorder and how it effects the family dynamic. They learn you learn. I believe there are visiting hours on weekends.
Weight gain????
Weight gain is very gentle here to say the least. They are terrified of refeeding! You Stratton extremely low meal plans like for toddlers! After a few days and good lab work they gradually move you up little by little. They add exchanges in to your meal plan. They have different meal plans with whacky names. Faith, true wonder, and some other craziness! They a eventually add supplements to snacks if needed. If they feel an Ng tube is a good route to go they can supplement your meal plan with that as well. If they feel your weight is increasing too rapidly or you are at risk medically they will reduce your meal plan.
Length of stay? Aftercare?
It is truly up to the insurance! Some girls stay 3 days so 30. For the most part once you are medically stable and your weight is restoring if that is what is needed then it is recommended that you step down to their RLP program.
can you send me your email? I would like to ask you some questions???
I was wondering if Remuda’s anxiety program was still open? Is it in a separate location/ building than from the ED patients or is it composed of ED patients who also have some anxiety? Has anyone been through their anxiety program? Was it helpful? Did everyone also have eating disorders? Thanks!
I went to Remuda in ’08 and then again at the beginning of this year. My first stay was three months IP and my second was 30 days IP and then 30 days at the life program. When I went the first time, I was 16 and I loved it. It was such a great program and family week helped me so much! Also, the Christian aspect was a life saver for me. It was like I had a second family there full of fun times, support, and healing. The ’08 program was TOP NOTCH. Then, I relapsed years later and decided to go back because of the success I had the first time, however, I was soo disappointed. I wanted to leave and everyday was miserable. They took away family week and a lot of things that made Remuda so great. The program is pretty awful now and I no longer recommend it at all. NOTE TO REMUDA: I suggest you look into how the program once was (look at some old pictures, ways they used to do things) because that program was the reason for Remuda’s success! The new program will completely fail if changes are not made soon. I hope Remuda turns back into the place it once was.
Katie, I’d love to hear more about your experience in IP last summer. I am looking at potentially going this summer. Trying to decide between RR, Rosewood Ranch, and ERC in Denver. I would love to know more about what the program is like now, vs. what it was like in the past. If you would be willing to email me, I would really appreciate it!
TY!