About Burning Tree Ranch: Our One-of-a-Kind Addiction Treatment Facility in Kaufman, TX

A Legacy of Excellence Since 1999

Burning Tree Ranch is a highly sophisticated, progress-based long-term residential treatment and aftercare program located in North Texas on a beautiful, 2,000-acre ranch.

We are the Nation’s only authentic long-term treatment program, designed specifically to treat difficult, advanced stages of addiction and chronic relapse that has not been mended in other, shorter-term treatment episodes.

Our Program: Highly Intensive, Individualized Treatment for Chronic Relapse

Chronic relapsers often find themselves caught in a frustrating cycle of brief periods of sobriety followed by devastating relapses, despite their best efforts and sincere desire to overcome addiction.

Operating outside the limitations of a traditional 30, 60 or 90-day format, Burning Tree adheres to progress-based metrics that inform the clinical treatment team of the unique mental, emotional and spiritual needs of the individual.

As of today, we are the only treatment center in the United States that combines time-intensive residential treatment with a therapeutically coordinated aftercare program focused singularly on the treatment of chronic relapsers.

Our Mission and the Promise We Make to Families

Our mission is to help the chronic relapser create a life of excellence beyond sobriety.
Our promise to families is to deliver life-changing clinical interventions to those who have been unable to find freedom from the cycle of chronic relapse.
Our promise to clients is to invest completely in their recovery to help them uplift all areas of their lives: physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

Founding the Mission: History of the Ranch

Burning Tree Ranch was founded in 1999 by pioneer, philanthropist, and recovered alcoholic, David Elliott.

From humble beginnings, Burning Tree Ranch has evolved into what it is today. Our legacy is one of compassion, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to serving the most difficult and complex cases of addiction.

Today, with over 30 years clean and sober, David Elliott serves as the President and Founder of Burning Tree Ranch.

It’s not just about quitting drugs or alcohol. This is about establishing a life worth living.”

~ David Elliott

Meet Our Ranch Team: Sophisticated & Compassionate Treatment

Our Ranch Team includes experienced medical professionals, licensed therapists, certified counselors, and support staff, all of whom possess specialized training in treating chronic addiction in a dual-diagnosis setting.

We diagnose and treat the entire spectrum of DSM-5 mental health disorders that often co-occur with addiction in the chronic relapser.

United by our shared passion for making a difference in individual lives, we are dedicated to helping lift our clients out of the haze of addiction. We do this by delivering world-class clinical interventions centered around an advanced therapeutic curriculum, integrating principles of addiction medicine, evidence-based therapies, and in-depth trauma work designed to help free the chronically addicted person from the cycle of relapse.

Brook McKenzie, Chief Operating Officer — Brook McKenzie, LCDC, COO

Meghan Bohlman, Clinical Director — Meghan Bohlman, LPC, LCDC, Clinical Director

Dr. Leslie H. Secrest | Medical Director/Psychiatrist — Dr. Leslie H. Secrest, Medical Director, Psychiatrist

Peter Piraino, LCSW, LCDC, CEO — Peter Piraino, LMSW, LCDC, CEO

The Ranch Dogs: A Furry, Therapeutic Tradition

Since the very first client in 1999, Burning Tree Ranch has been home to a wide variety of playful, caring creatures.

The therapeutic benefits of animal companionship are well-documented, and our ranch dogs are an important part of everyday life at the Ranch. Our clients have the opportunity to care for, feed, and bond with the dogs during their time with us.

“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than it loves itself.”

~ Josh Billings

Highly Rated and Reviewed

Stories of Healing: Testimonials from Alumni and Families

We know the Burning Tree program is effective for difficult, advanced cases of addiction. We also know what we’re asking families to undertake is far from simple or easy.

The transformative results of the Burning Tree experience are best illustrated through the stories of our families who have undergone the journey firsthand.

"Burning Tree was exactly what I needed and without a doubt saved my life. It was different than all of the other treatment centers I had previously been to. I truly felt that ALL of the staff really cared about me succeeding in achieving long term sobriety. I have nothing but positive things to say about Burning Tree. Highly recommend!"

"Burning Tree Ranch is one of the best programs in the country for a certain client type. Those with multiple failed attempts at recovery can find the structure and accountability necessary to effect lasting change in their lives. I’ve had great success with clients attending BTR and will always support this fine and unique institution."

"Burning tree absolutely saved my life. I was stuck in heroin addiction for 10 years and this was the only place that was able to separate me from drugs long enough to get me to see real truth and develop a connection with a higher power. It can be tough, but it worked for me and I will always be grateful to all the staff and clients. Staff is top notch!"

BURNING TREE IN THE NEWS

Press Coverage & Publication Features

Burning Tree is a world-renown organization that is regularly featured in various publications and media outlets. Our leadership has been interviewed and featured to answer questions and relay expertise on the topics related to substance abuse, addiction, mental health, and chronic relapse.

Resources for Families

Articles for Understanding & Navigating Addiction & Mental Health Treatment

In addition to the support and guidance provided by our team at Burning Tree Ranch, we provide numerous resources with the express goal of helping families navigate the treatment journey.

Our resources include expert articles, personal stories, information about treatment options, and more. All articles have been professionally reviewed by our team and are designed to support, educate, and empower families with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the journey towards recovery and well-being.