(Courtesy of the Ranch at Bethel) The Ranch at Bethel, a holistic residential treatment center for young Jewish women, situated on 18 acres of land, opened its doors this week.

After 10 years of Rabbi Zechariah Wallerstein helping young women who are victims of all kinds of trauma, he opened the Ranch at Bethel. The Ranch is the only holistic residential treatment center for mental health for Jewish women in the United States treating depression, anxiety, self-mutilation, eating disorders and low self-esteem. It serves as a haven for its residents to recover and heal in a safe, nurturing environment with a comprehensive program of transformative rebuilding of their lives.

A major focus of The Ranch is equine and agricultural therapy. Horses have a highly developed sense of perception, making them especially adept at reading and responding to clients in a therapeutic setting. Research studies support the use of equine therapy as more effective than traditional therapies. The healing process begins when clients learn to relate first to horses, then to their therapists and others. Evidence shows equine therapy provides a wide array of psychotherapeutic benefits. The same holds true with agricultural therapy, which is the practice of engaging in plant or gardening activities to improve body, mind and spirit. Research confirms that healthful benefits accrue when people connect with nature and plants by interacting with them.

Rabbi Wallerstein says, “With the opening of The Ranch, we are shifting the paradigm for mental health care in our communities. The Ranch provides the highest-quality care, to bring sustainable healing to teens and young women who are struggling. It is from a foundation of compassion and spirituality that we provide a truly unparalleled level of care.”

To learn more about The Ranch and opportunities for dedications, please contact [email protected].