Gould Farm

"Much better model than the alternative, Spring Lake Ranch. I attended both for some time, and found the staff at Gould Farm saw me for both who I am, and who I could be. A very kind, thoughtful, empowering culture, and not always but in general, wonderful people to be around."

"The collection of 5 star reviews all left at the very same time 3 months ago by people who have never stayed at the farm, or were there years ago, might speak for itself! The farm sits on a heavenly and serene landscape but, unfortunately, the majority of staff who are in place to see residents through their mental health issues and/or addiction are not as effective as they could be or should be; overbearing when they needn't be, and aggressively at times, and very hands-off exactly when they shouldn't be. The farm's main focus seems to be their finances (understandable with so many staff to pay and feed!) so they tend to focus on, and hold on as tightly as possible to, residents who are the greatest financial assets with anyone on "scholarship" seen as less important and getting far less positive attention, some even treated as problematic. At its inception, Gould Farm set off with such good and pure intentions and, with some fine-tuning, redirected focus and reassessment, has the potential for greatness again someday."

"As a child of parents who worked at Gould Farm in the 1970s-1980s, I can attest to its trusting, fun, and purposeful community setting. I never distinguished between staff and guests because we were all just neighbors, friends, community members. The more I experience the world, the more I appreciate my childhood at Gould Farm!"

"I found that the environment Gould farm creates on a daily basis is always inclusive and welcoming to everyone, and that’s probably one of the biggest appeals there and it makes it really feel like a home. I’ve only ever had positive interactions with staff, guests, and families and it just warms my heart to witness a place that so many kind people can benefit from. Not to mention, the scenery around the farm is absolutely stunning, with healthy nature all around, it really adds to the healing environment that Gould farm creates."

"I had the pleasure of working at Gould Farm for 5yrs and it is the work I’ve been most proud of in my professional career. Gould Farm works to heal the whole person in a unique setting that focuses on the whole body health of each person. Everyone is assigned a team of mental health professionals who personalize their experience based on that person’s diagnosis and needs). As part of their journey “Guests” (the term used in lieu of patients) live and work side by side with staff and their families; sharing goals, and practicing life skills through a work program. People are given the chance to see what an integral part their work plays in community, and to learn what value they provide. I love that Gould Farm offers weekly opportunities for folks to get to know each other and care for their bodies, as well as their minds, through things like soccer games, guided walks, meditation, yoga, etc., as well as trips to church services. Gould Farm is a the oldest therapeutic mental health community in the United States, and the reason it has been able to stay relevant over its 100+ years is the fluid nature of the community. Gould Farm should be the standard for mental health in the U.S., not the exception! During my experience working at the Farm I came to see and believe how daily teamwork, and being part of something bigger, really nourishes both the the body and soul in a way traditional therapy cannot."