What to Expect at The Meadows Ranch

Travel Arrangements

Our patients usually fly into Sky Harbor airport in Phoenix. Upon arrival, you will be met at the gate by one of our drivers who will have your name and description. If you do not see the driver there, go to the security checkpoint and wait. If you do not see the driver within 15 minutes, please proceed to baggage claim.

Be encouraged, the driver will find you; it is difficult to predict Phoenix traffic. If you’ve retrieved your luggage and the driver has not connected with you, call 800-445-1900 and ask for Admissions. Once in Wickenburg, the driver will escort you directly to The Meadows Ranch, and you will meet with admitting staff.

First Days

The first few days at The Meadows Ranch are designed to help us learn more about your health and history, while simultaneously orienting you to the program. You will receive your patient handbook and learn about the evaluation process, program philosophy, and guidelines for living in the community. During this time, you will meet with a primary care provider for a history and physical; you will also meet with a psychiatric provider for evaluation. Psychological assessments will be administered to help us better structure your treatment plan. You will also meet with one of our registered dietitians to discuss your food plan. When all assessments are completed, you will begin participating in the program at the appropriate level of care.

Therapy

A primary therapist will be assigned to you before your arrival. Assignments are made according to your individual needs and issues. Your primary therapist will make every effort to meet you on the first day. Please understand, they are as eager to meet you as you are to meet them.

Weather

Is it hot in Arizona? In a word: yes, most of the time. The semi-official state joke is, “It’s a dry heat!” Humidity is usually very low. The summer months have daytime temperatures that routinely exceed 100 degrees, accompanied by cooler, more comfortable nights. Winter days are mild and sunny, with evening temperatures that fall in the chilly range. With that in mind, if you are admitting in the winter months, please bring cold weather clothing including gloves, a hat (that covers your ears), and a warm coat. Regardless of when you are coming to Arizona, don’t worry about the weather. Everything is fully air-conditioned and outdoor activities always take the weather into account.

What to Bring

Nutrition Plan

With over 25 years of experience in treating those with eating disorders, we possess an awareness of how difficult this part of the program may be for you. Rest assured that our staff has expertise in nutritional management and will be sensitive to your cares and concerns. Initially, a member of the nutrition staff will meet with you to do a comprehensive Nutrition Assessment. You will then work with a registered dietitian each week to establish nutrition goals. Our primary care providers, in conjunction with the registered dietitian and licensed nurse, will prescribe your initial food plan; the dietitian will then make changes as needed throughout your stay.

Telephones

We encourage patients to call their families to notify them of a safe arrival. Family members may contact the Nurses’ Station to check on your progress. To ensure privacy, the caller will be told “We do not confirm or deny a patient’s identity.” If a call comes in for you, a message will be taken, and you will be notified. You will have phone privileges according to program guidelines. Use of cell phones is not permitted during your stay. Cell phones will be stored in the designated valuables area and returned to you at discharge.

Family members or a referring therapist wishing to speak with your primary therapist should call 928-684-3913 or 800-445-1900 during normal business hours. The receptionist will forward those calls to your therapist. A receptionist answers the phone Monday through Friday from 7 am-8 pm (Mountain Standard Time). At all other times, The Meadows Ranch utilizes an automated system. If family members need to speak with staff at a time outside normal business hours, they should call 928-684-3913 or 800-445-1900 and follow the instructions given.

Mail

You may receive regular mail as well as UPS and Federal Express packages. Use the following address:

Your Name
The Meadows Ranch
3400 N. Sabin Brown Road
Wickenburg, AZ 85390

NOTE: We are not able to process returns of Amazon purchases sent to patients during treatment.

Smoking

Patients in the adult program are allowed to smoke in designated areas during specified times as indicated on the program schedule. Your treatment team will choose how many cigarettes you may have each day. Staff members will keep your cigarettes for you. You should plan to bring with you the number of cigarettes you will need throughout your anticipated length of stay. Use of smokeless tobacco (chew), cigars, pipes, or electronic cigarettes of any type are not permitted. Smoking is not allowed for those in the Adolescent Program.

Family Experience

Your Family Week will be scheduled according to your individual treatment needs, goals, and length of stay. Your family will be receiving a packet of information about Family Week and lodging options soon after your admission to the program.

To learn more about our treatment programs, innovative therapies, and what to expect from treatment at The Meadows Ranch, explore this website further or call 866-390-5100 to find out how we can help.