Coping Together at The Ranch

Coping Together is a nonprofit mental health organization based at The Ranch in Frankfort, Illinois. Its mission is to make healing accessible and affordable by creating therapeutic spaces where individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) can thrive. Through partnerships with licensed clinical providers and community support, Coping Together removes barriers to care by covering the costs of therapy animals, maintaining trauma-informed environments, and offering zero-rent facilities thanks to in-kind contributions. This unique model allows the organization to focus its resources directly on client wellness and community impact.

At The Ranch, Coping Together provides specialized services tailored to individuals with IDD, emphasizing emotional wellness, independence, and social-emotional development. Clients benefit from evidence-based therapies such as counseling, applied behavior analysis (ABA), and animal-assisted interventions, including equine and canine therapy. These supports not only help participants build coping skills and reduce stress but also foster meaningful community connection and improved quality of life. By combining clinical expertise with the healing power of animals, Coping Together creates safe, supportive spaces where children, adolescents, and adults can grow, build life skills, and achieve greater independence.

Located on a private 20-acre property, Coping Together offers a retreat-like setting designed to support growth and healing. Our recreational room provides a welcoming space for group sessions and activities, while our heated barn allows therapeutic programs to continue year-round, no matter the season.

We’ve built a safe, trauma-informed environment where individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities can thrive. All of our spaces are designed with accessibility in mind, ensuring every participant can fully engage in the activities that support their emotional wellness, social skills, and independence. With therapy dogs and horses on-site, clients also benefit from the unique power of animal-assisted interventions, which help reduce anxiety, build trust, and encourage connection.

Families and caregivers are welcomed as part of the process, and our programs—from counseling sessions to community outings—are created to extend progress beyond the therapy setting. At Coping Together, we believe healing happens best when clinical expertise and compassionate environments come together to foster lasting growth and meaningful community connection.

“Compassionate Therapy & Enriching Programs for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities”

• Day Program & Community Outings
• Engaging daily activities designed to build independence, social skills, and confidence.
• Structured outings that encourage real-world experiences and meaningful community connection.
• Individual & Group Counseling Services
• Evidence-based therapy tailored for individuals with IDD.
• Licensed counselors provide trauma-informed care that supports emotional wellness, coping skills, and personal growth.
• Equine & Animal-Assisted Therapy
• Unique opportunities to connect with therapy horses and dogs.
• Animal-assisted interventions that reduce anxiety, build trust, and foster social-emotional development.