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Highlights
Equine Therapy
Co-Occurring Disorders Treatment
Licensed for Both Addiction & Mental Health
Men Only
About Mountain Valley Recovery
Mountain Valley Recovery supports young-adult males struggling with addiction on their journey to long-term recovery. Their long-term residential men’s rehab, lasting 9-12 months, provides an immersive approach to overcoming addiction, set within the peaceful surroundings of Holden, Utah. With the guidance of licensed professionals, up to 15 residents at a time receive individualized, evidence-based clinical care, combined with experiential learning opportunities on their fully operational ranch. This program is ideal for individuals who have faced challenges with relapse or have not found success in shorter treatment programs.
Mountain Valley Recovery’s approach empowers clients to become self-reliant. There’s no simple formula, no shortcuts, or quick fixes. Recognizing the uniqueness of each client, the program is tailored to meet the specific goals and needs of each person. They achieve this by providing the latest evidence-based clinical care, enriched with real-life success stories and expertise from professionally licensed staff. Clients receive 1 hour of 1:1 counseling per week; their therapist specializes in substance use, mental abuse, and sex addiction. Group therapy uses cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), mindfulness-based therapies, and motivational interviewing to help clients practice healthier communication and relationship skills. Having “been there, done that,” their certified peer support specialists are integral to modeling and teaching others how to create and live life safe, sober, and healthy. Family and/or couples therapy is offered as an individualized service, and may not be appropriate for all clients.
In addition to therapy, clients focus on skill building, equine activities, and recreation therapy. This holistic approach helps individuals find fulfillment in sobriety and lays the foundation to make recovery a lifestyle. As clients learn new job skills in a vocational setting, care for the herd, explore the outdoors, and abide by a structured routine, they awaken new self-worth and confidence to reach their full potential.
Although the distractions of their former daily life are stripped away on the ranch, clients experience a “real life” program where they are expected to contribute in the house and on the ranch, and to seek employment. Clients can obtain jobs near the end of the program and begin building a financially independent lifestyle. Mountain Valley Recovery supports clients’ transitions out of treatment in order to significantly decrease the likelihood of relapse and help clients maintain a stable recovery path. They reinforce the coping strategies learned during treatment, and encourage regular participation in 12-Step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) for substantial ongoing support.
Clients at Mountain Valley discover a sense of belonging not just on the ranch but in the town, located 2 hours south of Salt Lake City. Many local volunteers support clients by providing job opportunities, hosting dinners, attending graduation, and giving encouragement. On Mountain Valley’s 80 peaceful acres, clients share a home away from home with large communal areas and a shared bedroom with bunk beds. They contribute to household chores and cooking. For fun, clients enjoy outings like skiing, bowling, four-wheeling, hiking, and cabin trips.
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Insurance Accepted
Provider's Policy:Mountain Valley Recovery accepts a wide range of health insurance plans to help you get the care and treatment you need. Verify your insurance and our admissions team will call you with more information. The center does not currently accept Medicaid.
By incorporating sports, art, music, and outdoor adventures, Mountain Valley helps clients reconnect with themselves and rediscover healthy, enjoyable hobbies. Each activity is chosen not just for fun, but to improve clients’ mental and physical health while building confidence and resilience in a supportive environment. Recreational therapists carefully assess each client’s needs, interests, and abilities to create personalized programs. Whether it’s through a nature hike, a team sport, or creative expression, clients develop new coping skills, reduce stress, and build positive relationships.
Mountain Valley’s vocational programs include auto mechanics, carpentry, welding, plumbing, farming, ranching, and more. They provide structure, purpose, and practical skills that help clients rebuild self-esteem, develop a sense of accomplishment, and discover new interests. By learning a trade or skill, clients can reduce the feelings of idleness that often lead to relapse, creating a positive outlet for their energy and focus. These programs also help clients regain a sense of independence and control over their future, and cultivate discipline, responsibility, and teamwork. Additionally, vocational training supports reintegration into society by equipping clients with marketable skills that can lead to stable employment.
At Mountain Valley Recovery, their equine-assisted program uses the powerful connection between humans and horses to support addiction recovery. By engaging in hands-on activities such as grooming, feeding, and communicating with horses, clients develop essential life skills like trust, empathy, and emotional regulation. Horses provide non-judgmental feedback, allowing clients to work through personal challenges in a safe and therapeutic environment. The program also includes colt training, where clients are given the responsibility of caring for and training young horses. This immersive experience instills a sense of accountability and purpose, as clients learn to navigate the needs of the colt while managing their own emotions. By building a bond with the horse, clients gain confidence and resilience, which are critical to overcoming addiction and rebuilding their lives.
The faith-based program at Mountain Valley Recovery integrates spiritual growth with clinical treatment, focusing on developing inner strength, hope, and purpose through faith, alongside traditional therapeutic practices. This values-based approach addresses both spiritual and emotional needs, fostering resilience through community and shared values. This program is ideal for those seeking to incorporate spirituality into their recovery, whether they have a religious background or are exploring faith as part of healing. The program includes spiritual practices like daily reflections, weekly Bible study, and church attendance.
Young Adults
Emerging adults ages 18-25 receive treatment catered to the unique challenges of early adulthood, like college, risky behaviors, and vocational struggles.
Alcohol
Using alcohol as a coping mechanism, or drinking excessively throughout the week, signals an alcohol use disorder.
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Anxiety
Anxiety is a common mental health condition that can include excessive worry, panic attacks, physical tension, and increased blood pressure.
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Depression
Symptoms of depression may include fatigue, a sense of numbness, and loss of interest in activities. This condition can range from mild to severe.
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Drug Addiction
Drug addiction is the excessive and repetitive use of substances, despite harmful consequences to a person's life, health, and relationships.
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Holistic
A non-medicinal, wellness-focused approach that aims to align the mind, body, and spirit for deep and lasting healing.
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Recreation Therapy
In recreation therapy, recovery can be joyful. Patients practice social skills and work through emotional triggers by engaging in fun activities.
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Trauma
Some traumatic events are so disturbing that they cause long-term mental health problems. Those ongoing issues can also be referred to as "trauma."
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Day Treatment
In a PHP, patients live at home but follow an intensive schedule of treatment. Most programs require you to be on-site for about 40 hours per week.
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Intensive Outpatient Program
In an IOP, patients live at home or a sober living, but attend treatment typically 9-15 hours a week. Most programs include talk therapy, support groups, and other methods.
Licensed Primary Mental Health
Some primary care providers offer mental health diagnosis and treatment. This can prevent patients from developing more serious conditions.
Private Therapy
In countries with universal healthcare, people can still choose to get private therapy. This makes it easier to find treatment tailored to your needs.
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Residential
In a residential rehab program, patients live onsite, with access to daily treatment and 24-hour care. An average stay is 30-90 days.
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Evidence-Based
A combination of scientifically rooted therapies and treatments make up evidence-based care, defined by their measured and proven results.
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Experiential
Expressive tools and therapies help patients process past situations, learn more about themselves, and find healing through action.
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Therapeutic Community
Therapeutic communities allow patients to contribute to the success and progress of their community, through healthy behaviors or even basic chores.
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Gender-Specific
Separate treatment for men or women can create strong peer connections and remove barriers related to trauma, shame, and gender-specific nuances.
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1-on-1 Counseling
Patient and therapist meet 1-on-1 to work through difficult emotions and behavioral challenges in a personal, private setting.
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Trauma-Specific Therapy
This form of talk therapy addresses any childhood trauma at the root of a patient's current diagnosis.
Mindfulness Therapy
This ancient practice can be mental, emotional, and even spiritual. In meditation, you focus your attention on the present moment without judgement.
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Adventure Therapy
This experiential approach uses the physical and emotional challenges of outdoor activities as tools for personal growth.
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Animal Therapy
Animals can inspire trust and self-worth. In this experiential therapy, guided interactions are used to improve social skills and emotion regulation.
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Art Therapy
Visual art invites patients to examine the emotions within their work, focusing on the process of creativity and its gentle therapeutic power.
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Equine Therapy
Guided interactions with trained horses, their handler, and a therapist can help patients improve their self-esteem, trust, empathy, and social skills.
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Experiential Therapy
With this approach, patients heal by doing. Therapists help patients process difficult emotions to speak, using guided activities like art or dance.
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Family Therapy
Family therapy addresses group dynamics within a family system, with a focus on improving communication and interrupting unhealthy relationship patterns.
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Life Skills
Teaching life skills like cooking, cleaning, clear communication, and even basic math provides a strong foundation for continued recovery.
Motivational Interviewing
Based on the idea that motivation to change comes from within, providers use a conversational framework to discover personalized methods for change.
Music Therapy
Singing, performing, and even listening to music can be therapeutic. Music therapy sessions are facilitated by certified counselors.
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Recreation Therapy
In recreation therapy, recovery can be joyful. Patients practice social skills and work through emotional triggers by engaging in fun activities.
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Relapse Prevention Counseling
Relapse prevention counselors teach patients to recognize the signs of relapse and reduce their risk.
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Stress Management
Patients learn specific stress management techniques, like breathing exercises and how to safely anticipate triggers.
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Group Therapy
Two or more people meet with a therapist together. Patients get valuable peer support, strengthen interpersonal skills, and improve self-awareness.
Pornography Addiction
A person with a porn addiction is emotionally dependent on pornography to the point that it interferes with their daily life and relationships.
ADHD, ADD
ADHD is a common mental health condition caused by dopamine imbalance. Common symptoms include inattention, hyperactivitiy, and impulsivity.
Anger
Although anger itself isn't a disorder, it can get out of hand. If this feeling interferes with your relationships and daily functioning, treatment can help.
Anxiety
Anxiety is a common mental health condition that can include excessive worry, panic attacks, physical tension, and increased blood pressure.
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Bipolar
This mental health condition is characterized by extreme mood swings between depression, mania, and remission.
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Codependency
Codependency is a pattern of emotional dependence and controlling behavior. It's most common among people with addicted loved ones.
Depression
Symptoms of depression may include fatigue, a sense of numbness, and loss of interest in activities. This condition can range from mild to severe.
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Gaming
Compulsive gaming is most often a problem for children and teens. The disorder can affect physical health, sleep, and the ability to focus at school.
Internet Addiction
Internet addiction is common among children teens. This compulsive disorder can damage relationships, school performance, sleep habits, and physical health.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
PTSD is a long-term mental health issue caused by a disturbing event or events. Symptoms include anxiety, dissociation, flashbacks, and intrusive thoughts.
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Self-Harm
The act of intentionally harming oneself, also called self-injury, is associated with mental health issues like depression.
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Sex Addiction
Compulsively seeking out sex can easily become a problem. This addiction is detrimental to relationships, physical health, and self-esteem.
Stress
Stress is a natural reaction to challenges, and it can even help you adapt. However, chronic stress can cause physical and mental health issues.
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Trauma
Some traumatic events are so disturbing that they cause long-term mental health problems. Those ongoing issues can also be referred to as "trauma."
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Alcohol
Using alcohol as a coping mechanism, or drinking excessively throughout the week, signals an alcohol use disorder.
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Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are prescribed to treat anxiety and sleep issues. They are highly habit forming, and their abuse can cause mood changes and poor judgement.
Chronic Relapse
Consistent relapse occurs repeatedly, after partial recovery from addiction. This condition requires long-term treatment.
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Co-Occurring Disorders
A person with multiple mental health diagnoses, such as addiction and depression, has co-occurring disorders also called dual diagnosis.
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Cocaine
Cocaine is a stimulant with euphoric effects. Agitation, muscle ticks, psychosis, and heart issues are common symptoms of cocaine abuse.
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Drug Addiction
Drug addiction is the excessive and repetitive use of substances, despite harmful consequences to a person's life, health, and relationships.
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Ecstasy
Ecstasy is a stimulant that causes intense euphoria and heightened awareness. Abuse of this drug can trigger depression, insomnia, and memory problems.
Heroin
Heroin is a highly addictive and illegal opioid. It can cause insomnia, collapsed veins, heart issues, and additional mental health issues.
Psychedelics
Hallucinogenic drugs—like LSD—cause euphoria and increased sensory experiences. When abused, they can lead to depression and psychosis.
Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine, or meth, increases energy, agitation, and paranoia. Long-term use can result in severe physical and mental health issues.
Opioids
Opioids produce pain-relief and euphoria, which can lead to addiction. This class of drugs includes prescribed medication and the illegal drug heroin.
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Prescription Drugs
It's possible to abuse any drug, even prescribed ones. If you crave a medication, or regularly take it more than directed, you may have an addiction.
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Smoking Cessation
Quitting smoking—i.e., ceasing to smoke—means giving up smoking nicotine and tobacco products. This process has very important health benefits.
Synthetic Drugs
Synthetic drugs are made in a lab, unlike plant-based drugs like mushrooms. Most synthetic drugs are either stimulants or synthetic cannabinoids.
Pet Friendly
For greater comfort and healing, pet-friendly treatment centers welcome dogs and animal companions to stay with their owners while they attend treatment.
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Religion-Based Track
Patients can join faith-based recovery tracks to approach recovery with others in their faith, healing in a like-minded group with similar goals.
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First Responders Program
Paramedics, police officers, firefighters, and others join in a specific First Responders program, usually focused on trauma, grief, and work-life balance.
Justin Nielson
Executive Director
Kellie Christensen
Program Director
Kristi Heisterman
Clinical Director
CMHC, CSAT, CMAT
M. Raun Child
Clinical Director, Physician Assistant
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After two rehabs and multiple counseling programs, we wanted to give up on the road to recovery for our son. We knew he needed a place that would not only offer counseling but one that would help him restore his self-esteem and integrity. Mountain Valley Recovery and the Christensens were the answer to our prayers. He worked on the ranch learning skills such as building, welding, driving heavy machinery. Our son is currently in welding school and striving to be a successful citizen. We are forever grateful.
Christi
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