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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.

Similar Rehab Centers

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

Facility Overview

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

Latest Reviews

Never4saken 1
2 weeks ago on Google
1
I was looking at reviews On behalf of a friend, that’s looking for a facility for her niece but Unfortunately, this facility will not be considered, after reading the reviews starting with the lowest ones, the ones I truly believe. This facility needs to be investigated by Dept Of children’s services, & shut down due to abuse. And those that attended needs to file a class action lawsuit for the abuse they endured at the hands of staff. And, The mediocre responses to the complaints is About as bad as the abuse that goes back many years at least seven that I saw. If you’re gonna keep this place open and serve children get in there and train your staff to stop abusing kids that have already dealt with trauma, they came seeking treatment and therapy not to be abused. I’m gonna file a complaint myself based on these comments that I have read, this place needs to be investigated pronto.
princessA
2 weeks ago on Google
4
I learned a lot even though a lot of kids bullied. The kind staff made it a better time shoutout to Mrs Gillete Mrs. Sbreezy and Mrs Crabtree they helped me alot and always treated us kind and fair
Response from the owner1 week ago
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.
sandra burkey
3 weeks ago on Google
1
this place is absolutely terrible My granddaughter got attacked and then she got blamed for it and then her biological mother which is not supposed to have any information on her whatsoever was called and told that's about Bella when I am the only person on her paperwork that's supposed to be notified which is a direct hepa violation do not send your children here
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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

Please contact to verify your specific insurance provider.

Mountain Youth Academy works with several private insurance providers, 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

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

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.

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).

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

Explore Other Centers Near Mountain City

Reviews of Mountain Youth Academy

2.36/5 (89 reviews)
1
Staff
1
Amenities
1
Meals
1
Value
1
Cleanliness
5
23
4
9
3
5
2
0
1
54

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

2.41 (86 reviews)
Hunter Menser
1 week ago
1

I spent some time there about 2 years ago. Absolutely horrible place. Staff were not professional. I can think of a few staff members that I remember their names. But, I will give some credit to a staff member named mr wells. He was cool and he helped me out a lot

Response from the owner
Thank you for taking the time to reach out to us. We take your feedback very seriously and would like to learn more so that we can address your concerns. If you wish to speak with a representative in more detail, please visit https://mountainyouthacademy.net/contact-us/ and provide us with your contact information. Again, thank you for bringing your concerns to our attention. We hope to hear from you soon.
Never4saken 1
2 weeks ago
1

I was looking at reviews On behalf of a friend, that’s looking for a facility for her niece but Unfortunately, this facility will not be considered, after reading the reviews starting with the lowest ones, the ones I truly believe. This facility needs to be investigated by Dept Of children’s services, & shut down due to abuse. And those that attended needs to file a class action lawsuit for the abuse they endured at the hands of staff. And, The mediocre responses to the complaints is About as bad as the abuse that goes back many years at least seven that I saw. If you’re gonna keep this place open and serve children get in there and train your staff to stop abusing kids that have already dealt with trauma, they came seeking treatment and therapy not to be abused. I’m gonna file a complaint myself based on these comments that I have read, this place needs to be investigated pronto.

princessA
2 weeks ago
4

I learned a lot even though a lot of kids bullied. The kind staff made it a better time shoutout to Mrs Gillete Mrs. Sbreezy and Mrs Crabtree they helped me alot and always treated us kind and fair

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.
sandra burkey
3 weeks ago
1

this place is absolutely terrible My granddaughter got attacked and then she got blamed for it and then her biological mother which is not supposed to have any information on her whatsoever was called and told that's about Bella when I am the only person on her paperwork that's supposed to be notified which is a direct hepa violation do not send your children here

Overall Experience
Date Submitted
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