Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch is a nonprofit residential treatment, education, and mental health organization based in Minot, North Dakota. Founded more than 70 years ago, the Ranch provides Christ-centered, trauma-informed care for children and adolescents facing emotional, behavioral, psychiatric, educational, and trauma-related challenges. Through residential treatment, outpatient services, specialized education, and therapeutic programs, the organization helps young people heal, grow, and build brighter futures.
The Ranch operates multiple campuses and treatment facilities throughout North Dakota and is recognized for its comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to care. Licensed therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, nurses, educators, and support staff work together to provide individualized treatment plans designed to meet the unique needs of each child and family.
About This Program
Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch provides a continuum of care that includes residential psychiatric treatment, trauma-responsive education, outpatient mental health services, and therapeutic activities. The organization focuses on helping children and adolescents who have experienced significant trauma, mental health challenges, behavioral difficulties, or educational barriers.
The Ranch utilizes a trauma-informed model that emphasizes understanding each child’s experiences and strengths rather than focusing solely on symptoms. Treatment plans are individualized and may include therapy, psychiatric services, family support, life-skills development, education, wellness activities, and spiritual care.
Services Offered
- Residential psychiatric treatment
- Trauma-informed mental health care
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Family therapy
- Psychiatric services
- Psychological services
- Occupational therapy
- Outpatient mental health care
- Trauma-responsive education
- Spiritual life programs
- Equine-assisted activities and horse programs
- Life-skills development
- Behavioral support services
- Family support and counseling
Who They Serve
Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch may be good for:
- Children ages 10–17
- Adolescents with trauma histories
- Youth experiencing behavioral challenges
- Youth with emotional or mental health concerns
- Children with educational difficulties
- Families seeking residential treatment services
- Youth requiring psychiatric support
- Children who benefit from trauma-informed care
- Individuals interested in therapeutic equine experiences as part of treatment
- Families seeking comprehensive behavioral health services
Facility and Setting
Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch is headquartered in Minot, North Dakota, with additional treatment locations in Fargo and Bismarck. The campuses are designed to provide safe, structured, and nurturing environments where children can focus on healing, learning, and personal growth.
The organization combines clinical treatment, educational services, recreational opportunities, and therapeutic programming within a supportive community setting. Horses have been part of the Ranch’s therapeutic environment for many years, providing additional opportunities for emotional growth, relationship building, and confidence development.
What Makes Them Unique
Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch stands out for its long history of serving children and families throughout North Dakota. With more than seven decades of experience, the organization has developed a comprehensive model that integrates psychiatric treatment, education, therapy, and spiritual support into one coordinated system of care.
Another distinguishing feature is its multidisciplinary treatment approach. Each child benefits from a team of professionals that may include therapists, psychiatrists, nurses, educators, occupational therapists, and spiritual care providers. The Ranch also incorporates equine-assisted experiences and therapeutic horse programs that help children develop trust, confidence, and emotional regulation skills.