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Mountain Youth Academy

332 Hospital Road Mountain City, TN 37683
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Mountain Youth Academy TN 37683

About Mountain Youth Academy

They welcome kids from military parents and they’re TRICARE certified. They also accept private insurance and Medicaid.

The facility has specialized treatment tracks for kids with intellectual disabilities. All kids experience trauma in different ways. The trauma that leaves lasting effects isn’t always a big violent incident, sexual abuse, or a disaster. Kids experience trauma on multiple levels, some of which aren’t always obvious.

The center aims to identify what factors are causing a child to fall into patterns of unpredictable or acting out behavior, self-blame behaviors, or substance use. They use cognitive behavioral therapy that is trauma based to help nurture and develop better social behaviors. They also use group and individual therapy, family therapy, neurofeedback, and sensory modulation. They also have an animal husbandry program where you can learn to raise and handle animals.

The academy uses its own Behavioral Management System, or BMS. BMS is a point system where kids earn points. The points are then used to buy things like clothing, headphones, toys, and more. The kids are in the residential program from six to nine months.

Some former parents of clients felt the program worked well for their children. However, some parents and some former clients had safety concerns and report poor and even potentially dangerous treatment from the staff.

Facility Overview

Bed icon 112
Number of Available Beds
Calendar icon 91+
Avg Length of Stay in Days

Similar Rehab Centers

Latest Reviews

Raven Shyane Finley
3 weeks ago on Google
5
No parent ever wants to have to go through admitting their child to a residential treatment program. Especially one hours away. Today may be the first day, but when I say Willie Wolfe was absolutely amazing, kind, honest, understanding, non judgemental from the first phone call a week ago all the way through the admissions process. The people we interacted with was amazing and got it. The NP got it. He was so knowledgeable and understood what we have been saying for a while now. For the first time in the 2 years we have been trying to get our son help that I didnt feel like I was being judged and criticized or like I was exaggerating my child's behavior or like I am crazy. For the first time, I feel validated as a concerned parent who wants her 8 yr old to be ok. For the first time, I feel heard. The facility is clean and amazing and SAFE! As a parent in this situation and leaving their child several hours away, I feel as good as I possibly can right now.
Response from the owner2 weeks ago
Thank you for taking the time to share your kind words with us! Compliments such as these are held very dear to our hearts. We’re currently working on a staff recognition campaign and would like to share your kind words with our community. If we may include your anonymous feedback, please fill out the following form by visiting https://ebgw.short.gy/MountainYouthAcademy. Thank you again for sharing your thoughtful comments with us.
ryan harris
1 month ago on Google
4
I came here about half a year ago because I was in dcs custody, I didn't like it at first but the staff were cool and the other kids were... interesting, I had fun times there and made some friends, and I was sad and happy to leave, and now I'm making a review to say that this was overall a great place and it helped me become better, 8/10 would recommend
Response from the owner2 weeks ago
Your feedback is important to us and we really appreciate you taking the time to share it with us. Thank you for the kind words and we hope you are doing well. Take care!
Ryelyn Miller
1 month ago on Google
1
The this treats kids they like are nothing do not recommend do not send your kids here @iloveyoumileyuoudeservedbetter
Response from the owner2 weeks ago
We appreciate that you took the time to review us. For us to be more helpful, we would like to learn additional details about what led to this review. Please visit https://mountainyouthacademy.net/contact-us/ and provide us with your contact information so we can reach out to you and work toward a resolution. We hope to hear from you soon.
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Rehab Score

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Scoring is assigned by a proprietary system which helps surface key metrics that determine quality. The 10-point scale factors in categories such as operations, customer satisfaction, and trust metrics. Read Full MethodologyCaret icon
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6.3 / 10

Accepted Insurance

Mountain Youth Academy works with several private insurance providers and also accepts private payments when possible, please contact to verify your specific insurance provider.

Other Forms of Payment

Medicaid is a state based program that helps lower-income individuals and families pay for healthcare. Medicaid covers addiction treatment so those enrolled can use their coverage to pay for rehab. When a program accepts Medicaid the client often pays very little or nothing out of their own pocket.

Private insurance refers to any kind of healthcare coverage that isn't from the state or federal government. This includes individual and family plans offered by an employer or purchased from the Insurance Marketplace. Every plan will have different requirements and out of pocket costs so be sure to get the full details before you start treatment.

Self-pay involves paying for treatment out of your own pocket. You can use savings or credit, get a personal loan, or receive help from family and friends to fund your treatment. If you don't have insurance or your insurance plan doesn't cover a specific program, self-pay can help ensure you still get the care you need.

Financial aid can take many forms. Centers may have grants or scholarships available to clients who meet eligibility requirements. Programs that receive SAMHSA grants may have financial aid available for those who need treatment as well. Grants and scholarships can help you pai for treatment without having to repay.

Medicare is a federal program that provides health insurance for those 65 and older. It also serves people under 65 with chronic and disabling health challenges. To use Medicare for addiction treatment you need to find a program that accepts Medicare and is in network with your plan. Out of pocket costs and preauthorization requirements vary, so always check with your provider.

Military members, veterans, and eligible dependents have access to specific insurance programs that help them get the care they need. TRICARE and VA insurance can help you access low cost or no cost addiction and mental health treatment. Programs that accept military insurance often have targeted treatment focused on the unique challenges military members, veterans, and their families face.

Private insurance refers to any kind of healthcare coverage that isn't from the state or federal government. This includes individual and family plans offered by an employer or purchased from the Insurance Marketplace. Every plan will have different requirements and out of pocket costs so be sure to get the full details before you start treatment.

Addiction Treatments

Levels of Care

inpatient iconInpatient

Residential treatment programs are those that offer housing and meals in addition to substance abuse treatment. Rehab facilities that offer residential treatment allow patients to focus solely on recovery, in an environment totally separate from their lives. Some rehab centers specialize in short-term residential treatment (a few days to a week or two), while others solely provide treatment on a long-term basis (several weeks to months). Some offer both, and tailor treatment to the patient's individual requirements.

Treatments

Many of those suffering from addiction also suffer from mental or emotional illnesses like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, or anxiety disorders. Rehab and other substance abuse facilities treating those with a dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorder administer psychiatric treatment to address the person's mental health issue in addition to drug and alcohol rehabilitation.

Mental health rehabs focus on helping individuals recover from mental illnesses like bipolar disorder, clinical depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, and more. Mental health professionals at these facilities are trained to understand and treat mental health issues, both in individual and group settings.

Substance abuse treatment in Tennessee is available in addiction treatment centers, where experienced addiction professionals can treat both substance use disorders. Typically, clinicians use a range of evidence-based therapies such as a biopsychosocial assessment, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and motivational interviewing to get a complete picture of your mental health, support systems, and motivation to change. Through an individualized treatment plan, you'll receive the support you need to achieve long-term sobriety through new skills and relapse prevention strategies.

Programs

lgbtq-program thumbnail image

LGBTQ Program

Recovery is most successful when clients feel accepted and validated by their peers and treatment providers. Facilities that offer LGBTQ-inclusive programming are committed to creating a safe space where everyone can grow and recover without fear of judgment or discrimination. They will have dedicated policies in place to create a safe and supportive environment that fosters free expression.
military-program thumbnail image

Military Program

Serving in the military is both mentally and physically challenging, and can result in trauma that persists even after combat ends. Military programs are tailored to the specific and often complex needs of active duty personnel, veterans, and military families. Clients often access these programs through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
child-program thumbnail image

Child Program

The providers who specialize in the children's rehab space understand the specialized needs that this population faces. School-based and social services such as tutoring and family counseling are often central to treatment. Child programs may also address the needs of youth experiencing substance abuse in the home, including a parent's or sibling's addiction.

Clinical Services

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a therapy modality that focuses on the relationship between one's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It is used to establish and allow for healthy responses to thoughts and feelings (instead of unhealthy responses, like using drugs or alcohol). CBT has been proven effective for recovering addicts of all kinds, and is used to strengthen a patient's own self-awareness and ability to self-regulate. CBT allows individuals to monitor their own emotional state, become more adept at communicating with others, and manage stress without needing to engage in substance abuse.

Whether a marriage or other committed relationship, an intimate partnership is one of the most important aspects of a person's life. Drug and alcohol addiction affects both members of a couple in deep and meaningful ways, as does rehab and recovery. Couples therapy and other couples-focused treatment programs are significant parts of exploring triggers of addiction, as well as learning how to build healthy patterns to support ongoing sobriety.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a modified form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a treatment designed to help people understand and ultimately affect the relationship between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. DBT is often used for individuals who struggle with self-harm behaviors, such as self-mutilation (cutting) and suicidal thoughts, urges, or attempts. It has been proven clinically effective for those who struggle with out-of-control emotions and mental health illnesses like Borderline Personality Disorder.

Eating disorders include anorexia, bulimia, binge eating, and dysfunctional eating patterns. Many psychologists and other mental health professionals consider eating disorders to be food addictions, meaning food is being used in an addictive way (similar to drug or alcohol addiction). Certain substance abuse treatment programs will have treatment for eating disorders as one of the services offered. An eating disorder may also present as a co-occuring disorder or dual diagnosis alongside drug and alcohol addiction.

Experiential therapy is a form of therapy in which clients are encouraged to surface and work through subconscious issues by engaging in real-time experiences. Experiential therapy departs from traditional talk therapy by involving the body, and having clients engage in activities, movements, and physical and emotional expression. This can involve role-play or using props (which can include other people). Experiential therapy can help people process trauma, memories, and emotion quickly, deeply, and in a lasting fashion, leading to substantial and impactful healing.

Research clearly demonstrates that recovery is far more successful and sustainable when loved ones like family members participate in rehab and substance abuse treatment. Genetic factors may be at play when it comes to drug and alcohol addiction, as well as mental health issues. Family dynamics often play a critical role in addiction triggers, and if properly educated, family members can be a strong source of support when it comes to rehabilitation.

Group therapy is any therapeutic work that happens in a group (not one-on-one). There are a number of different group therapy modalities, including support groups, experiential therapy, psycho-education, and more. Group therapy involves treatment as well as processing interaction between group members.

In individual therapy, a patient meets one-on-one with a trained psychologist or counselor. Therapy is a pivotal part of effective substance abuse treatment, as it often covers root causes of addiction, including challenges faced by the patient in their social, family, and work/school life.

Nutrition therapy, aka medical nutrition therapy (MNT), is a way of treating physical, emotional, and medical conditions through diet. Specific dietary plans are designed by professional nutritionists or registered dietitians, and patients follow them in order to positively affect their physical and mental health.

Trauma therapy addresses traumatic incidents from a client's past that are likely affecting their present-day experience. Trauma is often one of the primary triggers and potential causes of addiction, and can stem from child sexual abuse, domestic violence, having a parent with a mental illness, losing one or both parents at a young age, teenage or adult sexual assault, or any number of other factors. The purpose of trauma therapy is to allow a patient to process trauma and move through and past it, with the help of trained and compassionate mental health professionals.

eye-movement iconEye Movement Desensitization And Reprocessing

Amenities

  • home-setting iconResidential Setting
  • private-room iconPrivate Rooms

Staff & Accreditations

Staff

Eric Dunkerly

CEO

Stephanie Knowles

COO

Kim Silver

CFO

Theresa D. Crotty, LCSW

Director of Clinical Services

Jylaine Honaker

Director of Education

Kathy Smith

Director of Human Resources & Compliance & Privacy Officer

Nancy Lundy

Director of Nursing

Frank Rosato

Director of Residential Services

Accreditations

The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) is a non-profit organization that specifically accredits rehab organizations. Founded in 1966, CARF's, mission is to help service providers like rehab facilities maintain high standards of care.

CARF Accreditation: Yes

Contact Information

Building icon

332 Hospital Road
Mountain City TN, 37683

Fact checked and written by:
Susan Bertram, BA
Edited by:
Courtney Myers, MS

Rehab in Cities Near Mountain City

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Reviews of Mountain Youth Academy

2.34/5 (73 reviews)
1
Staff
1
Amenities
1
Meals
1
Value
1
Cleanliness
5
20
4
5
3
5
2
0
1
45

Reviews

1
Trash Facility

My daughter has had a really rough life. Trauma after trauma and was acting out in a way that was harmful not only to herself, but other's as well. We sent her to this facility in hopes that they would be able to assist her in learning cooping skills and the skills she needs ... Read More

Jeri K.
Reviewed on 10/23/2023
Staff
1
Amenities
1
Meals
1
Value
1
Cleanliness
1
1

This place is one of the worst facilities I've ever sent my daughter to. She came discharged after 2 month of being an inpatient there and she has had nightmares of that place. I don't know what they did or didn't do because she hasn't told me or her current counselor but I ... Read More

Reviewed on 1/9/2019
1

This place was terrible the staff made me feel like trash and one time a girl was self harming and the staff just sat there! We were treated like animals

Reviewed on 5/30/2018
Overall Experience
Date Submitted
Reviewer

Google Reviews

2.4 (70 reviews)
Des
3 weeks ago
1

Response from the owner
We appreciate that you took the time to review us. We would like to attain more details about this; could you please visit http://www.mountainyouthacademy.net at your earliest convenience and provide us with your contact information? We look forward to hearing from you.
Raven Shyane Finley
3 weeks ago
5

No parent ever wants to have to go through admitting their child to a residential treatment program. Especially one hours away. Today may be the first day, but when I say Willie Wolfe was absolutely amazing, kind, honest, understanding, non judgemental from the first phone call a week ago all the way through the admissions process. The people we interacted with was amazing and got it. The NP got it. He was so knowledgeable and understood what we have been saying for a while now. For the first time in the 2 years we have been trying to get our son help that I didnt feel like I was being judged and criticized or like I was exaggerating my child's behavior or like I am crazy. For the first time, I feel validated as a concerned parent who wants her 8 yr old to be ok. For the first time, I feel heard. The facility is clean and amazing and SAFE! As a parent in this situation and leaving their child several hours away, I feel as good as I possibly can right now.

Response from the owner
Thank you for taking the time to share your kind words with us! Compliments such as these are held very dear to our hearts. We’re currently working on a staff recognition campaign and would like to share your kind words with our community. If we may include your anonymous feedback, please fill out the following form by visiting https://ebgw.short.gy/MountainYouthAcademy. Thank you again for sharing your thoughtful comments with us.
ryan harris
1 month ago
4

I came here about half a year ago because I was in dcs custody, I didn't like it at first but the staff were cool and the other kids were... interesting, I had fun times there and made some friends, and I was sad and happy to leave, and now I'm making a review to say that this was overall a great place and it helped me become better, 8/10 would recommend

Response from the owner
Your feedback is important to us and we really appreciate you taking the time to share it with us. Thank you for the kind words and we hope you are doing well. Take care!
Ryelyn Miller
1 month ago
1

The this treats kids they like are nothing do not recommend do not send your kids here @iloveyoumileyuoudeservedbetter

Response from the owner
We appreciate that you took the time to review us. For us to be more helpful, we would like to learn additional details about what led to this review. Please visit https://mountainyouthacademy.net/contact-us/ and provide us with your contact information so we can reach out to you and work toward a resolution. We hope to hear from you soon.
Bill
4 months ago
5

This is a very important and satisfying job because you get to help traumatized children. They can be challenging at times because of their pain-based behaviors. The facility also does a good job of offering additional trainings and opportunities for employees who want to move up in the organization.

Jenny Lipford
4 months ago
5

MYA is a great place to work. The staff truly cares about the kids. The therapist are great and leadership team is very supportive.

Braxton
5 months ago
4

I went there it’s not that bad there are staff that care and sum don’t but the best was Ms Crawford and Ms Watts they actually care about the kids all I got to say

Response from the owner
Thank you for taking the time to leave us these kind comments. We'd like to learn more about any concerns you may have. At your convenience, please provide us with your contact information by visiting https://mountainyouthacademy.net/contact-us/. We hope to hear from you soon.
Casslyn Lynch
6 months ago
3

Long overdue review I was here in 2020 when I was 16 was here bc of dhs custody and it is heartbreaking bc we can’t get out so there’s no point they overmedicated me misdiagnosed me on purpose put me on meds that made me feel insane. They have good intentions but I don’t think they knew how to help people with heavy repeated trauma diagnosed dissociative identity disorder like myself autism etc. I got so much more trauma bc of this place it was sad. Screaming a lot fights kids openly crying for help. but I will say the staff that were there for money you could tell I could tell. but the good ones who really truly want to help these kids will do absolutely anything to help them ans do anything to not restrain . The restraints were excessive at times the place was dirty and disgusting. Kids would attempt a lot. But I will say the staff that actually cared and helped the kids made it worth while and I’ll forever be grateful for them idk how it is now. I doubt it changed. I give it 3 stars bc the people who were there as staff at the time deserve that Mr dugger mr stout mr heath ms Brittany ms ecker the walls’ and one other were the only once who seemed to make it some type of safe place and understand and really wanted to help me woukd do meditation with me when I was having a meltdown and listened to me and really understood my Autism and trauma for that I’ll give it 3 but it was a terrifying place and I can’t imagine how it would be with staff who don’t care.

Response from the owner
Hi, Casslyn. Thank you for taking the time to leave us these kind comments. We'd like to learn more about any concerns you may have. At your convenience, please provide us with your contact information by visiting http://www.mountainyouthacademy.net. We hope to hear from you soon.
Cynthia Gay Hannah
6 months ago
1

This place does not care about children and should not be open for any child. It's in a bad place to begin with and my granddaughter has a medical issue that can be life threatening and they don't care!

Response from the owner
Hi, Cynthia. Thank you for taking the time to reach out to us with your concerns. We take your comments very seriously and would like to learn more about your concerns. However, due to federal patient privacy laws, we can only discuss care with a patient or their guardian; however, we encourage their legal guardian to reach out to us directly by visiting https://mountainyouthacademy.net/contact-us/. Again, thank you.
Kleigh Phillips
8 months ago
1

I got abused there by other kids that were there to

Response from the owner
Hi, Kay. Thanks for taking the time to share this review. Could you please visit http://www.mountainyouthacademy.net and provide your contact information so we may be in touch with you personally? Thank you in advance for your time.
Aiden Rozas
9 months ago
5

Loved being there there was good and caring staff that I will never forget. The drama was crazy but that was because of the patients. I made great friends and memories there. That will be a memory for the books. Thank you mountain youth academy and Mrs Elizabeth I am truly grateful.

Response from the owner
Thank you for your kind words, Aiden! Shout-outs like this are so meaningful to our team and we will be sure to pass your comments along. Thank you again and take care!
Makayla Miller
10 months ago
1

I use to go there it was the hardest thing of life

Response from the owner
Hi, Makayla. Your feedback is very important to us and we truly appreciate you taking the time to share it with us. We'd like to take the opportunity to follow up with you directly so that we can learn more about your concerns. At your convenience, please provide us with your contact information by visiting http://www.mountainyouthacademy.net. Again, thank you.
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