Aspen Education Group

Last updated
Aspen Education Group
Formation1997;27 years ago (1997)
PurposeTherapeutic Interventions
Headquarters Cerritos, California, U.S.
Region served
14 U.S. states and the United Kingdom
Parent organization
CRC Health Group
Website Aspeneducation.com

Aspen Education Group is an American company that provides controversial therapeutic interventions for adolescents and young adults, including wilderness therapy programs, residential treatment centers, therapeutic boarding schools, and weight loss programs, which have been accused of torture and abuse. Since November 2006, Aspen Education Group, with corporate offices located in Cerritos, California has been a division of Bain Capital's CRC Health.

Contents

History

Aspen Education Group, Inc. was formed in December 1997 as a spin-off of College Health Enterprises. In 1998, Aspen was reported to have annual revenues of $28 million. [1] That same year, the Sprout Group and Frazier Healthcare Ventures of Seattle purchased major interests in the company. [2] In 2002, Aspen obtained an investment of $15 million from Warburg Pincus and $48 million or more in loans from CapitalSource and Caltius Mezzanine. [2] For 2006, it projected revenue of $150 million. [1] In late 2006, Bain Capital acquired Aspen Education Group for $300 million. [3] [1] Private equity investors were attracted to the business because, unlike most educational companies, its revenue comes from payments by private individuals rather than from government sources. [2] In 2005, The New York Times reported that analysts estimated that companies like Aspen had profits between 10 and 20 percent of their revenues. [2]

In the 2009 timeframe Aspen closed six programs. In March 2011, Aspen announced its intention to close five programs and consolidate three others citing "reduced demand for therapeutic schools and programs in today's economy". The closed programs include Bromley Brook School, New Leaf Academy of Oregon, NorthStar Center, Aspen Ranch and SunHawk Adolescent Recovery Center. In addition the program at Aspen Achievement Academy merged into Outback Therapeutic Expeditions. Youth Care of Utah merged into Island View Residential Treatment Center, and Passages to Recovery moved to the SUWS Adolescent Program to expand the services offered there. [4] In July 2013, Aspen announced that five of its programs (Academy at Swift River, Stone Mountain School, Talisman Academy, Adirondack Leadership Expeditions, and SUWS Adolescent & Youth Programs of Idaho) would close later that summer. [5]

Programs

Active

Active programs are listed in the table below, sortable by name, type or location. Most programs are members of the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSAP); several have additional affiliations, such as the National Association of Therapeutic Wilderness Camping. [6] [7] [8]

Therapy Programs
NameTypeLocationDescription
Talisman CampsWilderness therapy North Carolina Summer Camps for Teens with nonverbal learning disorder and autism spectrum disorders. [9]
Turn-About RanchResidential treatment Escalante, Utah Short-term coeducational therapy program, with a Christian-based philosophy, licensed as a residential treatment center and located on a working cattle ranch. Enrolls ages 13 to 18. [10]
Youth Care of UtahResidential treatment Draper, Utah Residential treatment center with enrollment limited to 45 students ages 12–18. Provides mental health and chemical dependency diagnosis. Academic services include the opportunity to do online classes with BYU if qualified. Must enter at least 90 days before 18th birthday.

Closed

Closed/Former Programs
Program NameLocationDescriptionClosure
Academy at Swift River Cummington, Massachusetts Co-educational college preparatory therapeutic boarding school for adolescents aged 14–171⁄2. [10] unknown
Adirondack Leadership Expeditions Saranac Lake, New York A "character-development wilderness program for troubled teens". [9] An average stay of 45 days, using a dense forest environment for the hikes. [11] Closed in September 2013. [12]
Aspen Institute for Behavioral Assessment Syracuse, Utah Conducted assessments needed to develop intervention and treatment plans for troubled adolescents. [10] Became independently owned as ViewPoint Center in May 2014. [13]
Aspen Achievement Academy Southern UtahFor adolescents 13-17. Minimum stay is 35 days.In March 2011, Aspen announced that this program would be consolidated into Outback Therapeutic Expeditions. [4]
Aspen Ranch Loa, Utah For adolescents aged 13–171⁄2; utilized an equine therapy program. Length of stay ranged from 9–24 months.Closure plans announced in March 2011. [4]
Bromley Brook School Manchester Center, Vermont Boarding school for girls ages 14–18Closure announced in March 2011. [4]
Camp Huntington High Falls, New York Co-educational, residential, summer camps for children and young adults who have special needs such as autism spectrum disorder, pervasive developmental disorder, and cognitive impairment. [10] Closed in August 2021, site now owned by Camp Migdal as of July 2022.
Cedars Academy Bridgeville, Delaware Boarding school for boys and girls ages 11–18 specializing in Asperger syndrome and Nonverbal Learning Disorder. There are also 18- to 21-year-olds living off-campus in a young adult transitional programClosed August 2009. [14]
Copper Canyon Academy Rimrock, Arizona Girls only boarding school with a structured therapeutic environment for ages 13–17, acquired by Aspen Education in 2002.Closed April 2014. [15]
Excel Academy Conroe, Texas Coeducational boarding school for grades 9 to 12Closed November 2008
Four Circles Recovery Center Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina A wilderness-based treatment program for older teens and young adults ages 18–28 with substance abuse and co-occurring mental health disorders, combining traditional counseling, wilderness experiences and a 12-step program. [10] [9] Closed in 2018, website says that they are no longer accepting new patients. [16]
Island View Residential Treatment Center Syracuse, Utah Academic services and therapeutic programs for adolescents aged 13 to 18. The academic program at Island View is accredited with the Utah Department of Education, the California Department of Education and the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges. Must be admitted at least six months before 18th birthday.In 2014, this facility became independently owned and was renamed Elevations RTC.
Lone Star Expeditions Davy Crockett National Forest Wilderness intervention for youth ages 13–17 and their familiesClosed April 6, 2009 [17]
Mount Bachelor Academy Prineville, Oregon Co-educational, ages 13–18 experiencing emotional and behavioral disorders including: Minor Depressive Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Substance Abuse, and ADHD as well families struggling with adoption issues. Founded in 1987 by College Health Enterprises; around 1998 they spun off MBA and a handful of other facilities into the company that became Aspen Education Group.Following actions by the Oregon Department of Human Services, closure of the school was announced Monday, November 9, 2009. [18] In October 2010, the state of Oregon withdrew its orders and actions against MBA in return for recognition that DHS had a "reasonable" basis to investigate the charges. [19]
New Leaf Academy Hendersonville, North Carolina Private boarding school for girls ages 10 to 14 upon admissionNorth Carolina location closed June 2010. [20] [21] [22] Aspen announced that The Talisman School would open on its site in August 2010 to enroll youth with autism spectrum disorders. [22] Twenty-seven students remaining at New Leaf North Carolina were to be sent to New Leaf Oregon and to the Bromley Brook School. [22]
New Leaf Academy Bend, Oregon Private boarding school for girls ages 10 to 14 upon admissionIn March 2011, Aspen announced plans to close the Oregon location at the end of the 2010–2011 academic year. [4]
NorthStar Center Bend, Oregon Young-adult transitional-living program for ages 171⁄2 to 24 for treatment of substance abuse and addiction. Established in 1991, NorthStar operated independently until 1998, when it was acquired by the Aspen Education Group. [23] Closure announced in March 2011 [4]
Oakley School Oakley, Utah Co-educational college preparatory therapeutic boarding school. [10] Closed on June 30, 2017.
Outback Therapeutic Expeditions Lehi, Utah For ages 13–17 with academic credit available. [9] Aspen Achievement Academy merged into Outback Therapeutic Expeditions March 2011.Announced closure by letter on May 1, 2023, will close on June 15, 2023.
Passages to RecoverySouthern UtahA 35- to 50-day intensive outdoor drug and alcohol treatment program for young adults ages 18 and over.In March 2011, Aspen announced that it was consolidating this program into its SUWS program in Idaho. [4]
Pine Ridge Academy Draper, Utah Therapeutic boarding school and residential treatment center enrolling ages of 11 to 18Closed June 2009
SageWalk Redmond, Oregon For boys and girls ages 13–17 with emotional and behavioral problems. The minimum stay was 30 days, after which participants often transferred to a therapeutic boarding school or other long-term facility. The average was 60 days for the "Family Reunification Plan". [24] Operations suspended on public land pending the investigation of the August 2009 death of Sergey Blashchishena. [25]
Stone Mountain School Black Mountain, North Carolina Therapeutic boarding school for boys aged 11–16, specializing in ADHD and learning differences. [10] Program website makes reference to finding a cure by going back to the Tom Sawyer era. [26] The school operated under a Special Use permit issued by the U.S. Forest Service in the Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests. [27] The school was established in 1990.unknown
SUWS of the Carolinas North Carolina A "therapeutic wilderness program with a focus on clinical intervention and assessment" ages 13–17 and a wilderness treatment program for younger children, ages 10–13. [9] Closed May 15, 2023.
Talisman Academy North Carolina An academic program for grades 7-12 for students with nonverbal learning disorder and autism spectrum disorders. [10] Closed after the summer of 2013.
Talisman Transitions North Carolina An independent living program for young adults ages 18 to 24 with asperger syndrome, nonverbal learning disorder, high-functioning autism and similar autism spectrum disorders. [10] Closed after the summer of 2013.
SunHawk Academy of Utah Utah Residential treatment program and boarding school for teens aged 13–17Closure plans announced in March 2011. [4]
Wellspring Academies (formerly Academy of the Sierras) Reedley, California Year-round boarding schools for overweight or obese teens.Closed in July 2013. [28]
Wellspring Camp La Jolla La Jolla, California Co-ed outdoor program for ages 10–24 and for families.Closed in March 2017
Wellspring New York Adirondack Mountains Weight loss program for women ages 12–24.Closed on an unknown date. [29]
Wellspring Adventure Camp North Carolina Canton, North Carolina, Blue Ridge Mountains Co-ed program for ages 11–17Closed on an unknown date. [30]
Wellspring Adventure Lake Tahoe Incline Village, Nevada, Sierra Nevada College Co-ed outdoor program for ages 11–18.Closed on an unknown date. [29]
Wellspring Texas San Marcos, Texas Co-ed weight loss program for teens aged 12–17Closed on an unknown date. [29]
Wellspring Wisconsin Platteville, Wisconsin Co-ed weight loss program for teens aged 11–17.Closed on an unknown date. [29]
Wellspring Oregon Corvallis, Oregon, campus of Oregon State University Co-ed weight loss program for teens aged 11–18.Closed on an unknown date. [29]
Wellspring Georgia Rome, Georgia, campus of Berry College Co-ed weight loss program for teens aged 11–17.Closed on an unknown date. [29]
Wellspring DC Washington, D.C., campus of Foxcroft School Co-ed weight loss program for teens aged 11–24.Closed on an unknown date. [29]
Wellspring Pennsylvania Poconos in Pennsylvania Weight loss program for ages 11–24Closed on an unknown date. [29]
Wellspring HawaiiBig Island, Hawaii Co-ed weight loss program for teens aged 13–18.unknown
Wellspring Vancouver Vancouver, British Columbia Co-ed weight loss program for teens aged 12–18.unknown
Wellspring UK Devon, England, campus of Exeter University Co-ed weight loss program for teens aged 12–18.Appears to have closed after the summer of 2014. [31] [32]

Controversies and criticisms

The Aspen Education Group in 2005 was the target of criticism related to the large revenues its programs generated, and the charge that the provider takes advantage of parents in desperate situations. [2] The Group has been closing programs since then, citing the difficulty in keeping enrollment numbers up, such as when the Oakley School announced on its website in May 2017 that it would be closing. [33]

Complaints of abuse and torture in Aspen programs

In April 2014, a mother claimed in court that her teenage daughter was taken from Texas by a human trafficker and locked up at a secret "private prison" in Utah, where she was made to perform "mindless tasks of blind obedience". [34] The complaint states that "[o]nce confined, no contact with the outside world is allowed, except with the persons transferring custody to the prison. Contact with family members or friends is not allowed, and even contact with the family member or agency that transferred full and complete custody to the prison is monitored, and the inmate knows that any disparaging remark or complaint about the prison will be punished by a loss of all privileges earned, meaning having to start at the bottom all over again to rise from level to level by successfully completing mindless tasks of blind obedience." [34]

In January 2014, Aspen Education Group was accused of "slavery", "abuse", and "false imprisonment" in a lawsuit by the family of a teenage girl who claims she was berated on television by Dr. Phil [35] and then sent to a residential treatment center owned by Aspen where she was falsely imprisoned, filed a civil complaint in federal court. [36] The girl and her mother appeared on the "Dr. Phil" show in February 2013. In the episode, the teen admitted to having sex with adult men she met online, which the family called "bizarre and dangerous conduct" in their lawsuit. [37] To help the family, Dr. Phil then paid for the daughter to enroll at Aspen's Island View Residential Treatment Center. In their suit, the family calls the facility a "private prison" where their daughter was deprived her of freedom, privacy, education, and subjected to "involuntary servitude, and unjust unusual punishments." [38] In one incident, the daughter apparently refused to obey staff members who told her to get off of her bed. When staff members tried to pull her off, her right arm "was badly and perhaps irreparably broken, and its main nerve severely damaged", the lawsuit states. [39] The family also claims the teenage girl's constitutional rights were violated and she was falsely imprisoned, as well as alleging conspiracy and fraud.

In 2012, a mother sued Aspen Education Group alleging that her daughter was "tortured" at Turn About Ranch, Aspen's residential treatment center in Escalante, Utah. The complaint alleged that staff at the residential treatment center subjected the 15-year-old girl to hours of stress positions, threats of suffocation, exposure to animal abuse and regular public humiliation. [40] On December 11, 2013, the case was dismissed under the two-year statute of limitations that applies for claims involving a health care provider. [41]

On August 1, 2011, the girl and her father filed suit against CRC Health Group, Aspen, the school and employees. [42] The plaintiffs claimed the defendants were negligent, careless and reckless in their hiring, training and supervision of the teacher, their care, supervision and treatment of the girl, and in their failure to properly investigate and report the misconduct allegations. [42] The father asserted the boarding school breached its contract with him by failing to provide a safe educational environment and proper treatment, and failing to properly investigate and disclose the teacher's sexual misconduct. The plaintiffs further asserted Aspen and the other defendants were vicariously liable for the actions and negligence of their employees. [42] The plaintiffs also asserted Aspen's and the school's failure to provide a proper education to the girl, a disabled person under federal law, violated the Americans with Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C.S. $ S 12181 et seq. [42] The plaintiffs asserted an assault claim against the teacher as well. The father and daughter sought compensatory and punitive damages, attorney's fees, and costs of suit. [42] A settlement was reached with Aspen and the other parties, and the case was dismissed on June 25, 2012. [42]

In 2010, a mother and her son sued Aspen alleging that while the son was a student at a boarding school owned by Aspen, Cedars Academy, he was sexually assaulted and threatened by a fellow student. [43] [44] The same year, an action was brought against Aspen by a former student at a program owned by Aspen alleging that in July 2006, while in Utah, she engaged in an inappropriate sexual relationship with a former shift-supervisor at Aspen Ranch. [45] [46]

In 2009, neglect led to the death of a teen at the SageWalk wilderness program owned by Aspen. 16-year-old Sergey Blashchishen died of heatstroke on his very first school hike. [47] One summer morning, the boy suited up in an 80-pound backpack; by afternoon, the heat had topped 80 degrees, and he was soon staggering, drifting off the trail, and complaining of dizziness and exhaustion. [48] Staffers thought he was faking his symptoms and failed to call 911 until his pulse had stopped; that death is the focus of a negligent homicide investigation. [49]

Also in 2009, the state of Oregon shut down two teen programs run by Aspen. State investigators found nine cases of abuse and neglect at Mount Bachelor Academy, including incidents of "sexualized role play", in which teenage girls were allegedly forced to give lap dances during therapy sessions. [50] Because Mount Bachelor and its director threatened costly lawsuits, Oregon's Department of Human Services softened the language of the report. [51] [52] Aspen claims the allegations were false.

This led to a lawsuit being filed in 2011, by 17 former students of Mount Bachelor Academy who alleged claims for intentional and negligent infliction of emotional distress, battery, breach of contract and negligence arising out of their treatment at the therapeutic boarding school. [51] [53] Aspen Education Group is among the defendants in the litigation. [51] The plaintiffs seek a total of $26.0 million in the abuse lawsuit. [51]

Two more suits were filed in November 2011 and January 2013, respectively, by 14 former and 13 former students, respectively, also alleging abuse. [54] A total of $23 million in relief in the second suit and a total of $19.5 million in relief in the third suit. Aspen, also among the defendants in these two suits, intends to vigorously defend the pending lawsuits. [51]

In 2008, a 16-year-old girl enrolled at the Bromley Brook School became involved in a sexual relationship with teacher Steven Peters. [55] The 40-year-old teacher subsequently pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation of a minor. [56]

In 2004, a 14-year-old boy died at Aspen's Lone State Expeditions wilderness program. During the program, Matthew Meyer and his group hiked several miles in 90-degree weather. [57] A combination of excessive heat, a constrictive uniform, and Matthew's obesity caused his body to overheat. [57] He suffered a condition called hyperthermia, which is the most severe form of heatstroke and requires immediate medical attention. His mother, Crystal Manganaro, says "his body was literally burning up from the inside". [57] [58] But instead of taking the boy's situation seriously, program staffers admitted in a deposition they thought Matthew was joking. His complaints of numbness in his legs were ignored. [57] They told him he was having an anxiety attack when he experienced shortness of breath. [57] Then they dumped water on him after he vomited and collapsed on the ground. [59] Matthew Meyer died an hour later at the hospital. [57] Because camp administrators would not tell the boy's mother what happened to her son, it took three and a half years of investigation and litigation to reveal the truth. [59] [60] In 2006, a wrongful death lawsuit was brought against Aspen Education Group over the incident. [57] Aspen later settled the case out of court. [57]

Cost

With the cost of Aspen programs ranging from $200-$500 per day (amounting to $73,000 - $182,000 annually), and length of stays averaging from one month to two years, monetary concerns tend to arise for those funding treatment. [61]

Deceptive marketing practices

Educational consultant Tom Croke has criticized Aspen for its marketing practices and for closing programs without sufficient regard for the harm done to students whose promised services were being disrupted. [62] [63] In a blog posting first published in May 2010, he expressed "grave reservations" about referring clients to Aspen programs in view of the company's loss of key staff and its record of abruptly closing programs. He noted, however, that in its 2011 program closures, Aspen had "been somewhat more careful about transitioning the affected residents of the facilities being closed", and that he was continuing to consider Aspen programs for some clients. [21] Yet in April 2014, he provided an updated review on Aspen and again expressed on his website that he "cannot be confident that their facilities will not compromise the best interests of patients/ clients in order to increase earnings." [64] His website cautioned "families not to enroll in their sons and daughters in the longer term former Aspen Schools and programs without adding a contractual provision that gives the family financial recourse in case of closing before the needs of their son or daughter have been met." [64] As for schools and programs that are no longer owned by Aspen, he included that [f]amilies should not hold the Aspen name against those schools and programs." [64]

The Wellspring diet has been criticized by some lay observers. [65] [66] Wellspring is no longer Aspen owned. It has been sold to an organization known as "RiverMend." [67]

Treatment research lacks good science and questionable effectiveness in Aspen Education Group's programmes

Two reports are widely cited in Aspen program marketing and promotional materials: Report of Findings from a Multi-Center Study of Youth Outcomes in Private Residential Treatment (Aug 2006) and A Multi-Center, Longitudinal Study of Youth Outcomes in Private Residential Treatment Programs (April 2007; not publicly available, summary of select findings available via marketing materials). [68] A conflict of interest exists, because Aspen funded the studies and owns the programs in them. [69]

Several Aspen Educational Group programs have been featured in the media:

Related Research Articles

Hidden Lake Academy was a therapeutic boarding school in Dahlonega, Georgia, United States, in operation from 1994 until 2011. In 2006, it was the subject of legal action over accreditation. The school filed bankruptcy in 2009 and shut down in 2011.

Wellspring Academies was a pair of therapeutic boarding schools for overweight and obese children, teens, and young adults, both operated by Wellspring, a division of Aspen Education Group. It is said to be the first weight loss boarding school in the United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wilderness therapy</span> Type of therapy for teens in the United States

Wilderness therapy, also known as outdoor behavioral healthcare, is a treatment option for behavioral disorders, substance abuse, and mental health issues in adolescents. Patients spend time living outdoors with peers. Reports of abuse, deaths, and lack of research into efficacy have led to controversy, and there is no solid proof of its effectiveness in treating such behavioral disorders, substance abuse, and mental health issues in adolescents.

In the United States, a teen escort company, also called a youth transport firm or secure transport company, is a business that specializes in transporting teenagers from their homes to various facilities in the troubled teen industry. Such businesses typically employ a form of legal kidnapping, abducting sleeping teenagers and forcing them into a vehicle. Teen escort companies in the United States are subject to little or no government regulation and commonly result in permanent trauma.

Aspen Achievement Academy was a wilderness therapy program for adolescents, based in Loa, Utah.

The National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSAP) is a United States trade organization of therapeutic schools, residential treatment programs, wilderness programs, outdoor therapeutic programs, young adult programs, and home-based residential programs for adolescents and young adults with emotional and behavioral difficulties. It was formed in January 1999 by the founders of six programs within the "troubled teen industry," and its board of directors consists of program owners and educational consultants. As of 2021, all but one of those founding six programs have been shut down in the ensuing years for a variety of reasons, including child abuse, neglect, licensing violations, and successful class action lawsuits.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Allynwood Academy</span> Private high school in Hancock, New York, United States

Allynwood Academy, formerly the Family Foundation School, was a private, co-educational, college preparatory, therapeutic boarding school located in Hancock, New York. The school was in operation from 1984 through 2014, when it closed due to declining enrollment amid a raft of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse allegations made by alumni in a grassroots "truth campaign." At least ten lawsuits have been brought by former students since 2019, in which plaintiffs claimed that strip searches, hard labor, isolation rooms, physical restraint, and sexual assault were rampant at the school in the 1990s and 2000s. Three of the lawsuits were settled in October 2021 for undisclosed sums. A front-page New York Times article in 2018 reported a pattern of at least one hundred deaths by overdose and suicide among alumni, the vast majority before age 40.

Oakley School was a coeducational therapeutic boarding school located in Oakley, Utah, enrolling students of high school age. The school announced its closure in May 2017. The school was established in 1998 as a transitional placement for students who had been released from the Island View residential treatment center. It was acquired by Aspen Education Group in 2004, along with Island View. Since August 2013, it has been "partnered with" InnerChange, LLC.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">CEDU</span> American private boarding school company

CEDU Educational Services, Inc., known simply as CEDU, was a company founded in 1967 by Mel Wasserman and associated with the troubled teen industry. The company owned and operated several therapeutic boarding schools licensed as group homes, wilderness therapy programs, and behavior modification programs in California and Idaho. The company's schools have faced numerous allegations of abuse. CEDU went out of business in 2005, amid lawsuits and state regulatory crackdowns.

A therapeutic boarding school is a residential school offering therapy for students with emotional or behavioral issues. The National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs listed 140 schools and programs as of 2005. Many therapeutic boarding schools in the United States have been connected to the abusive troubled teen industry.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">West Ridge Academy</span> Private school

West Ridge Academy, is a youth residential treatment center based in West Jordan, Utah, USA. It seeks to provide clinical services, education, and other programs for teens, both girls and boys, that are identified as at-risk. Until 2005, the Utah Boys Ranch was male-only. In early 2005, it opened new, separate facilities for girls and changed its name to West Ridge Academy. It is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation under the name Children and Youth Services, Inc. The academy states that it provides "quality clinical services, education, and experiences which promote spiritual awareness, personal accountability and change of heart." The facility has received criticism for past abusive practices toward residents, including facing lawsuits in 2008, 2010, and 2012 by former students. In 2016, the application to transition West Ridge Academy into a charter school, named Eagle Summit Academy, was approved by the Utah Board of Education after including caveats to keep public and private funding separate in the school's budgets and to ensure the safety of the new charter school's students.

Wellspring Camps were a group of children's weight loss camps located in La Jolla, California, and Melbourne, Florida. The camps focused on changing behavior and eating patterns to create long-term healthy lifestyles for participants. Wellspring Camps are not currently operating.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mount Bachelor Academy</span> Private therapeutic boarding school in Prineville, Crook County, Oregon, United States

Mount Bachelor Academy was an Oregon private co-educational therapeutic boarding school providing help to families of adolescents experiencing emotional and behavioral disorders including, minor Depressive Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Substance abuse, and ADHD as well as help for teenagers and families struggling with adoption issues. The typical student was between 14 and 18 years of age. The average length of stay was 14 to 16 months.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">NorthStar Center</span>

NorthStar Center was a young adult therapeutic transition and relapse prevention program, located in Bend, Oregon, owned and operated by Aspen Education Group for young adults ages 171⁄2 to 24 for treatment of substance abuse and addiction. In March 2011, Aspen announced that it would cease program operations in August 2011 as part of a restructuring of the company.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Diamond Ranch Academy</span> Therapeutic boarding school in Utah, US

Diamond Ranch Academy was a therapeutic boarding school just outside the town of Hurricane, Utah, United States. It admitted adolescents, 12–18, with various issues, including anger management issues and major depressive disorder. Diamond Ranch Academy was founded in Idaho Falls in 1999 by Rob Dias and later moved to southern Utah, where it occupied a 200-acre (81 ha) ranch. It closed in August 2023 after a decision by Utah officials not to renew the school's license.

Sedona Sky Academy is a private therapeutic boarding school for adolescent girls, in Lake Montezuma, Arizona, United States. Sedona Sky Academy is located on the previous site of Copper Canyon Academy, which was established by Tammy Behrmann and her brother Darren Prince in 1998. They sold it to Aspen Education Group in 2002. In 2006, Aspen was acquired by CRC Health Group, Inc.

Elevations RTC is a residential treatment center in Syracuse, Utah, for teens ages 13–18. The facility was formerly known as Island View Residential Treatment Center until 2014, when it was acquired by Syracuse RTC, LLC, which does business as Elevations RTC. The Elevations campus is shared with Seven Stars and ViewPoint Center.

Logan River Academy is a private boarding school serving students in grades 7-12 located in Logan, Utah, United States.

CRC Health Group is a subsidiary of Bain Capital that considers itself to be the "leading provider of treatment and educational programs for adults and youth" in the United States. Daniel Newby and Dr. Barry Karlin founded the company in 1995 when they purchased The Camp Recovery Center in Scotts Valley, California. CRC Health Group is headquartered in Cupertino, California. Now CRC Health Group is the largest provider of specialized behavioral health services in the country.

The troubled teen industry is a broad range of youth residential programs aimed at struggling teenagers. The term encompasses various facilities and programs, including youth residential treatment centers, wilderness programs, boot camps, and therapeutic boarding schools.

References

  1. 1 2 3 "In Another Mega Deal, CRC Acquires Aspen Education - Treatment Magazine". Treatmentmagazine.com. Archived from the original on 6 April 2015. Retrieved 20 January 2015.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 Story, Louise (August 17, 2005). "A Business Built on the Troubles of Teenagers". The New York Times . Archived from the original on 25 March 2023. Retrieved 26 March 2023.
  3. ↑ "Therapeutic Schools - Treatment Magazine". Treatmentmagazine.com. Archived from the original on 20 January 2015. Retrieved 20 January 2015.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 "Aspen Education Group To Restructure Programs". Strugglingteens.com. Archived from the original on 20 January 2015. Retrieved 20 January 2015.
  5. ↑ "Aspen Education Group Closes Five Programs". Strugglingteens.com. 2013-07-10. Archived from the original on 2014-02-20. Retrieved 2014-02-07.
  6. ↑ "Affiliations". Adirondack Leadership. Archived from the original on 2012-03-03. Retrieved March 3, 2012.
  7. ↑ "Holistic Rehab Program l Mental Physical Spiritual Emotional - Four Circles". Fourcircles.crchealth.com. Archived from the original on 20 January 2015. Retrieved 20 January 2015.
  8. ↑ "Therapeutic Wilderness Camp for Troubled Teens: Tailored Treatment - Teen Treatment Program in NC". Suwscarolinas.com. Archived from the original on 2 March 2012. Retrieved 20 January 2015.
  9. 1 2 3 4 5 Aspen Education Group - Wilderness Programs Archived 2012-02-19 at the Wayback Machine , accessed March 3, 2012
  10. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 "Residential Schools". Aspeneducation.com. Archived from the original on 26 April 2016. Retrieved 20 January 2015.
  11. ↑ Archived January 28, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
  12. ↑ "Outdoor program for troubled teens closing". Adirondack Daily Enterprise. July 17, 2013. Archived from the original on 2015-10-30. Retrieved 2015-11-29.
  13. ↑ "New Status and New Program On Syracuse Campus". Woodbury Reports, Inc. May 5, 2014. Archived from the original on June 18, 2015.
  14. ↑ "Cedars Academy Closes". Strugglingteens.com. Archived from the original on 9 November 2014. Retrieved 20 January 2015.
  15. ↑ "Our Doors Have Closed". CCA Site. April 7, 2014. Archived from the original on August 24, 2011.
  16. ↑ "Four Circles Recovery Center". Archived from the original on 25 November 2018. Retrieved 24 November 2018.
  17. ↑ "Aspen Education Group Returns To Its Roots". Strugglingteens.com. Archived from the original on 20 January 2015. Retrieved 20 January 2015.
  18. ↑ Gordon Oliver (November 9, 2009). "Mount Bachelor Academy in Prineville to close by Dec. 9". The Oregonian. Archived from the original on November 18, 2009. Retrieved December 14, 2009.
  19. ↑ Lerten, Barney (October 2, 2010). "DHS, Mount Bachelor Academy Settle Case". KTVZ. Archived from the original on October 4, 2010. Retrieved 2010-10-02.
  20. ↑ FamilyLight, Leaf Academy -- North Carolina, Family Light blog, accessed July 14, 2010
  21. 1 2 Croke, Tom (May 2010). "Enough, Already! -- Aspen Again". www.familylight.com. Retrieved 2023-03-29.
  22. 1 2 3 . Marketwire.com http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Aspen-Education-Group-Announces-Program-Conversion-Will-Open-Talisman-School-August-1261137.htmAspenEducationGroupAnnouncesProgram . Retrieved 20 January 2015.{{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  23. ↑ "Error404". Archived from the original on March 13, 2012. Retrieved October 2, 2010.
  24. ↑ Archived January 28, 2007, at the Wayback Machine
  25. ↑ "Mom Mourns Son After Camp Death". Archived from the original on September 5, 2009. Retrieved April 6, 2009.
  26. ↑ "Life Changing Therapeutic Programs for Troubled Teens - Aspen Education Group". Stonemountainschool.com. Archived from the original on 2012-02-27. Retrieved 2014-02-07.
  27. ↑ "Life Changing Therapeutic Programs for Troubled Teens - Aspen Education Group". Stonemountainschool.com. Archived from the original on 2012-03-12. Retrieved 2014-02-07.
  28. ↑ "Wellspring Academy to close". ABC 30 Action News: KFSN-TV Fresno. July 13, 2013. Archived from the original on December 8, 2015. Retrieved November 29, 2015.
  29. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 "Wellspring Weight Loss Camp Locations". Wellspring Camps. n.d.
  30. ↑ "Wellspring Weight Loss Camp Locations". Wellspring Camps.
  31. ↑ "Wellspring UK Facebook Page". Facebook. Archived from the original on 2022-05-22. Retrieved 2016-05-08.
  32. ↑ "Wellspring UK Inquiry Form". Wellspring UK. Archived from the original on 2016-06-01. Retrieved 2016-05-08.
  33. ↑ "The Oakley SchoolHome". www.oakley-school.com. Archived from the original on 2017-06-02. Retrieved 2017-06-18.
  34. 1 2 Bonner, Jonny (2014-04-07). "Mom Calls Rehab Place a Private Prison". Archived from the original on 26 April 2014. Retrieved 26 April 2014.
  35. ↑ "Dr. Phil.com - Shows - Young, Online and Out of Control". Drphil.com. 25 February 2013. Archived from the original on 9 November 2014. Retrieved 20 January 2015.
  36. ↑ "Gov.uscourts.utd.91862".
  37. ↑ "Dr Phil Teen Sierra Meets Older Men Online & Says She Witnessed Murder". Recapo. 2013-02-25. Archived from the original on 2014-02-22. Retrieved 2014-02-04.
  38. ↑ Pat Reavy (29 January 2014). "Family sues Dr. Phil, Utah treatment center". DeseretNews.com. Archived from the original on 24 February 2014. Retrieved 4 February 2014.
  39. ↑ Lacey Donohue. "Lawsuit Accuses Dr. Phil of Ridiculing, Exploiting Sex-Seeking Teen". Defamer. Gawker Media. Archived from the original on 2014-02-01.
  40. ↑ "In The Supreme Court of Utah" (PDF). Courthousenews.com. Archived (PDF) from the original on 23 September 2015. Retrieved 20 January 2015.
  41. ↑ "In The United States Court for the District of Utah" (PDF). Courthousenews.com. Archived from the original (PDF) on 23 February 2014. Retrieved 20 January 2015.
  42. 1 2 3 4 5 6 J.M. v. CRC Health, Inc.=,2012Jury Verdicts LEXIS22072(D.N.J.2012-07-24).
  43. ↑ Doe v. Cedars Acad., LLC, 2010WL5825343 (Del. Super. Ct.Oct. 27, 2010).
  44. ↑ "Cedars Academy". Fornits.com. Archived from the original on 2014-11-09. Retrieved 20 January 2015.
  45. ↑ Morgan S. v. Superior Court of California Los Angeles,2010CA App. Ct. Briefs LEXIS6531.
  46. ↑ "Aspen Ranch". Fornits.com. Archived from the original on 2014-11-28. Retrieved 20 January 2015.
  47. ↑ "Online Memorials - Everlasting Memories - Mournwatch.com". Mournwatch.com. Archived from the original on 2014-02-23.
  48. ↑ "TelepicturesTV". Archived from the original on 2014-02-21. Retrieved 2014-02-06.
  49. ↑ "Community Alliance for the Ethical Treatment of Youth (CAFETY)". Facebook. Archived from the original on 2014-02-21.
  50. ↑ "Really Special Education: State Investigation Confirms "Lap Dance Therapy" Allegations - Maia Szalavitz". The Huffington Post. 2010-03-18. Archived from the original on 2014-01-08. Retrieved 2014-02-04.
  51. 1 2 3 4 5 "Form 10-Q". Sec.gov. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 20 January 2015.
  52. ↑ "Settlement Agreement and Release" (PDF). Theinvestigativefund.org. Archived (PDF) from the original on 18 January 2016. Retrieved 20 January 2015.
  53. ↑ "17 people now claim they were mistreated at 'tough love' Mount Bachelor Academy - oregonlive.com". 26 July 2021. Archived from the original on 26 July 2021. Retrieved 26 March 2023.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  54. ↑ "IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF MULTNOMAH" (PDF). Newmedianw.com. Archived from the original (PDF) on 9 November 2014. Retrieved 20 January 2015.
  55. ↑ "Vermont Today - Vermont News, Vermont photos, Vermont business, Vermont Events". Vermonttoday.com. Archived from the original on 9 November 2014. Retrieved 20 January 2015.
  56. ↑ "Guilty Plea For Frm. Teacher in Sex Charges". Corrections.com. Archived from the original on 9 November 2014. Retrieved 20 January 2015.
  57. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Fernandes, Gina (2009-06-22). "Can Wilderness Camps Kill Your Kid?". momlogic. Archived from the original on 2014-02-21. Retrieved 4 February 2014.
  58. ↑ "Crystal Manganaro - (1 of 2) - Capitol Hill Briefing - ASTART and CAFETY". YouTube. 20 December 2009. Archived from the original on 2021-12-13.
  59. 1 2 Manganaro, Crystal (February 2009). "Lack of Training, Compassion and Effort Led to My Son's Death". Alliance for the Safe, Therapeutic & Appropriate Use of Residential Treatment.
  60. ↑ "Lack of Training, Compassion and Effort Led to My Son's Death" (PDF). Astartforteens.org. Archived (PDF) from the original on 4 March 2014. Retrieved 20 January 2015.
  61. ↑ Hardy, Clinton (2011). "Adolescent Treatment Coercion" (PDF). Journal of Therapeutic Schools and Programs. 5. Archived (PDF) from the original on 22 February 2014. Retrieved 9 February 2014.
  62. ↑ "Aspen Marketing". FamilyLight. June 1, 2010. Archived from the original on February 7, 2012. Retrieved November 14, 2011.
  63. ↑ "Aspen Education Group Wellspring Weight Loss Programming". FamilyLight. Archived from the original on 2011-09-18. Retrieved 2011-11-14.
  64. 1 2 3 "CRC Health / Aspen (Formerly Aspen Education) — Introduction". familylight.com. Archived from the original on 2014-07-14. Retrieved 2014-06-10.
  65. ↑ Bernhard, Blythe; et al. (December 3, 2006). "Losing weight in a boarding-school setting". Chicago Tribune.
  66. ↑ Moore, Jimmi. "Extreme Low-Fat Farm Abusing Obese Kids" . Retrieved 2023-03-29.
  67. ↑ "Index Letter W". familylight.com. Archived from the original on 2014-11-22. Retrieved 2014-06-10.
  68. ↑ "Report of Findings from a Multi-Center Study of Youth Outcomes in Private Residential Treatment" (PDF). Strugglingteens.com. Archived (PDF) from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 20 January 2015.
  69. ↑ "Beware of misleading reports - ASTART for Teens". Astartforteens.org. Archived from the original on 20 December 2014. Retrieved 20 January 2015.
  70. ↑ "SAVED by Brat Camp Sunday Mirror - Find Articles". www.findarticles.com. Archived from the original on 23 February 2007. Retrieved 13 January 2022.
  71. ↑ "I know what you ate last summer". Throng. Archived from the original on 17 March 2012. Retrieved 20 January 2015.
  72. ↑ ""Britain's Youngest Boozers" Documentary to Feature Therapeutic Options from Aspen Education Group". SUWS of the Carolinas. Archived from the original on July 16, 2011.
  73. ↑ "Turning British brats into Utah saints". The Guardian . 15 February 2023. Archived from the original on 4 March 2023. Retrieved 26 March 2023.
  74. ↑ "Dr. Phil's list of treatment programs". Drphil.com. Archived from the original on 2014-02-22. Retrieved 2014-02-07.
  75. ↑ "results of search for Aspen Education on Dr. Phil's site". Drphil.com. Archived from the original on 2014-02-22. Retrieved 2014-02-07.
  76. ↑ "Teen's Addiction Leads Family To Unique Wilderness Therapy Program". Medical News Today. 2006-08-01. Archived from the original on 2009-05-05. Retrieved 2014-02-07.
  77. ↑ "'It's What I've Been Waiting 30 Years For:' Survivors Of Abuse In Troubled Teen Facilities March On Provo Canyon School". KUER. 2020-10-11. Archived from the original on 2020-10-14. Retrieved 2020-10-13.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.