Gould Farm - Monterey

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.

It is weird to say this, but this is the best place in the world

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.