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Summit Achievement

69 Deer Hill Road Fryeburg, ME 04037
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Top 10 Rehab In Maine
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Top 10 Rehab In Fryeburg
Summit Achievement ME 4037
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Top 10 Rehab In Maine
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Top 10 Rehab In Fryeburg

About Summit Achievement

They focus on five main areas in their program. They arrange adventure therapy expeditions four days a week. This encourages confidence, self-worth and personal accomplishment by halting self defeating behaviors. Three day a week academic classes that employ a blended learning approach allow students to earn transferable credits through a multidisciplinary curriculum tailored to their needs.

In a nurturing residential community, students practice newly learned social skills which facilitates their transition from wilderness experiences to a home like or boarding school setting. Through weekly, individual and group sessions led by mental health professionals with masters degrees, client centered therapy addresses specific treatment concerns. The foundation of their therapeutic approach is daily group processing which guarantees that students interact with their peers in a meaningful way.

Involving the family is essential to the therapeutic process, which emphasizes the student’s return to their family. In addition to attending up to three in person family therapy sessions and helping with treatment planning, parents also attend weekly sessions via video conference or phone.

Each week, students advance through one of six levels in the program which normally lasts six weeks. However, based on specific needs, the duration could go up to eight weeks or longer. Teams of no more than eight students are formed, and each team is assisted by a committed group of mentors who offer guidance, instruction and therapeutic rapport.

As students progress in the program, the emphasis shifts from identifying self defeating behaviors to developing self management and leadership skills. At the end of their journey they are equipped to accept accountability for their choices, deeds and feelings. This guarantees that they depart with useful skills for their future.

Facility Overview

Dollar icon $1660
Avg Cost per Day

Latest Reviews

tommy braasch
1 week ago on Google
1
don’t send ur kid here unless u want them to have more trauma. the guide staff that was with us in the woods were not licensed by the state. the “teachers” barely knew anything and we did online school. most of the guides would power trip us and threathen by saying “u will be here longer”. we had to hike for miles in subfreezing temps high wind speeds snow rain everything i was bullied for being gay and the staff did absolutely nothing. don’t send ur kid here it is a waste of money and will traumatize them. edit: also some staff would talk about past patients who where there before my time and would tell stories about them(against federal law).
Suzanne Church
2 weeks ago on Google
5
A thoughtfully run, tightly coordinated and integrated program offering an amazing synthesis of wilderness skill-building, therapy, and academics. Great bonding opportunities with peers; caring, responsive staff. Anyone attending this program is in good hands and has a serious opportunity for positive growth and learning, healing, evolving.
J P
3 weeks ago on Google
5
My son completed the Summit achievement program. He’s turned out to be an incredible young man. I can say 100% without a doubt that he and we as a family may not even exist today without the help of the Summit Achievement family. My wife and our therapist were pushing hard and I was skeptical at first. However, this program and the incredible team changed the trajectory of our lives together. I am confident when I say we could not have survived without this program. Don’t hesitate like I did! Eternally grateful to the Summit family! Many thanks! Jeff and Joan
Response from the owner1 week ago
Thank you, Jeff and Joan, thank you for sharing your experience with Summit Achievement and for taking the time to write this thoughtful review. We are grateful to be part of your journey! The Summit Achievement team.
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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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7.8 / 10

Accepted Insurance

Summit Achievement 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

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.

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.

12-step icon12-Step

12-step programs are addiction recovery models based on Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). A number of substance abuse programs (including some drug and alcohol rehab centers) use the 12 steps as a basis for treatment. Beginning steps involve admitting powerlessness over the addiction and creating a spiritual basis for recovery. Middle steps including making direct amends to those who've been hurt by the addiction, and the final step is to assist others in addiction recovery in the same way. 12-Step offshoots including Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Cocaine Anonymous (CA), Dual Recovery Anonymous (DRA), Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous (SLAA) and Gamblers Anonymous (GA). For those kinds struggling with drug and alcohol use, they provide opportunities to attend AA meetings in their local community.

Treatments

The goal of treatment for alcoholism is abstinence. Those with poor social support, poor motivation, or psychiatric disorders tend to relapse within a few years of treatment. For these people, success is measured by longer periods of abstinence, reduced use of alcohol, better health, and improved social functioning. Recovery and Maintenance are usually based on 12 step programs and AA meetings.

Drug rehab in Maine is the process of helping someone learn how to live without the use of substances. Professional staff provide treatment to address the various issues of addiction. Methods often involve medication, counseling, and evidence-based therapies.

A combined mental health and substance abuse rehab has the staff and resources available to handle individuals with both mental health and substance abuse issues. It can be challenging to determine where a specific symptom stems from (a mental health issue or an issue related to substance abuse), so mental health and substance abuse professionals are helpful in detangling symptoms and keeping treatment on track.

Opioid rehabs specialize in supporting those recovering from opioid addiction. They treat those suffering from addiction to illegal opioids like heroin, as well as prescription drugs like oxycodone. These centers typically combine both physical as well as mental and emotional support to help stop addiction. Physical support often includes medical detox and subsequent medical support (including medication), and mental support includes in-depth therapy to address the underlying causes of addiction.

Programs

young-adult-program thumbnail image

Young Adult Program

Young adulthood can be an exciting, yet difficult, time of transition. Individuals in their late teens to mid-20s face unique stressors related to school, jobs, families, and social circles, which can lead to a rise in substance use. Rehab centers with dedicated young adult programs will include activities and amenities that cater to this age group, with an emphasis on specialized counseling, peer socialization, and ongoing aftercare.
teen-program thumbnail image

Teen Program

Teen programs are designed to address the unique pressures teens face, pressures that can drive them to experiment with dangerous, addictive substances. They need programs that meet them exactly where they are and give them tools for long-term recovery. Therapy can help teenagers understand and work through underlying issues so they can reclaim the life ahead of them.

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.

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.

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. Parents are involved in the treatment planning process and participate in up to three face-to-face, in person family therapy.

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.

Life skills trainings involve all the skills a person must have in order to function successfully in the world. These include time management, career guidance, money management, and effective communication. Truly successful addiction recovery is based on the ability to not only live substance-free, but to thrive. Life skills teaches the practical necessities of functioning in society, which sets clients up for success in life, and therefore sobriety.

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a clinical approach to helping people with substance abuse issues and other conditions shift behavior in positive ways. It is more goal-oriented than traditional psychotherapy, as MI counselors directly attempt to get clients to consider making behavioral change (rather than wait for them to come to conclusions themselves). Its primary purpose is to resolve ambivalence and help clients become able to make healthy choices freely.

Amenities

  • private iconPrivate Setting
  • hiking iconHiking
  • home-setting iconResidential Setting
  • wilderness iconWilderness Setting
  • mountain iconMountain Views

Staff & Accreditations

Staff

Nichol Ernst, LCSW, LADC

Clinical Director, CEO, Owner

Anson McNulty, BA

Executive Director, Owner

Shannon H. Palentchar, BS

Admissions Director

Nate Andrew, BFA

Program Director

Doug Dobkowski, MEd

Academic Director

Monique Britt, BS

Business Manager

Barb Lang, BA

Marketing Director

Mike Deluca, LCSW

Therapist

Accreditations

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is a branch of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Established in 1992 by congress, SAMHSA's mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on American's communities.

SAMHSA Listed: Yes

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

State Licenses are permits issued by government agencies that allow rehab organizations to conduct business legally within a certain geographical area. Typically, the kind of program a rehab facility offers, along with its physical location, determines which licenses are required to operate legally.

State License: Maine

Contact Information

Building icon

69 Deer Hill Road
Fryeburg, ME 04037

Fact checked and written by:
Sehar Uddin
Edited by:
Kerry Nenn, BSW

Rehab in Cities Near Fryeburg

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Reviews of Summit Achievement

3.7/5 (63 reviews)
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Date Submitted
Reviewer

Google Reviews

3.7 (63 reviews)
tommy braasch
1 week ago
1

don’t send ur kid here unless u want them to have more trauma. the guide staff that was with us in the woods were not licensed by the state. the “teachers” barely knew anything and we did online school. most of the guides would power trip us and threathen by saying “u will be here longer”. we had to hike for miles in subfreezing temps high wind speeds snow rain everything i was bullied for being gay and the staff did absolutely nothing. don’t send ur kid here it is a waste of money and will traumatize them. edit: also some staff would talk about past patients who where there before my time and would tell stories about them(against federal law).

Suzanne Church
2 weeks ago
5

A thoughtfully run, tightly coordinated and integrated program offering an amazing synthesis of wilderness skill-building, therapy, and academics. Great bonding opportunities with peers; caring, responsive staff. Anyone attending this program is in good hands and has a serious opportunity for positive growth and learning, healing, evolving.

J P
3 weeks ago
5

My son completed the Summit achievement program. He’s turned out to be an incredible young man. I can say 100% without a doubt that he and we as a family may not even exist today without the help of the Summit Achievement family. My wife and our therapist were pushing hard and I was skeptical at first. However, this program and the incredible team changed the trajectory of our lives together. I am confident when I say we could not have survived without this program. Don’t hesitate like I did! Eternally grateful to the Summit family! Many thanks! Jeff and Joan

Response from the owner
Thank you, Jeff and Joan, thank you for sharing your experience with Summit Achievement and for taking the time to write this thoughtful review. We are grateful to be part of your journey! The Summit Achievement team.
Marfeet Roeder
4 weeks ago
5

. i stayed 11 weeks in 2015 and while i was there i went from being unable to control myself physically or mentally to becoming a group leader, extremely passionate and the most physically/mentally strong i possibly could at my age of 15. to this day i still think of the mountains i climb, lessons i learned and just the full on experience of all of it combined. an amazing place i was blessed to experience and would reccomend looking into for anyone who needs a change in life.

Response from the owner
We appreciate you for taking the time to write this thoughtful review. We are grateful to be part of your journey!

The Summit Achievement team.
Jenn O'Hearn
1 month ago
5

My 15 year old son graduated from Summit Achievement and Traverse. This was our experience. It was very positive in so many ways. Our family and son was given the gift of creating space from living in crisis when he went to Summit. We had been living that way for years. Knowing my son was safe, allowed us all to start the healing process. The communication with the full staff was phenomenal. From the academic team, the medical staff, the billing department and the clinical team. I was informed on all fronts with weekly progress reports, family therapy sessions and medical team collaboration. I was even sent pictures each week of all the outdoor adventures my son was on. My son was finally in a place that he felt the love of a community that didn't reject him. He was able to be supported even in his darkest most difficult times by peers and staff. He learned skills and truths about himself that he can hold on to and navigate his world more positively and productively. The academic part of Summit really stands out. My son was able to complete his school work and not lose time on his academic journey. I was given weekly progress reports. My son was able to collaborate with the Academic Dean to find electives he liked. His clinical therapist was the best we have ever had. He had the amazing ability to connect with my son as a trusted adult that saw him for who he was. He was kind, patient, consistent and a profound part of my son's success. He was extremely communicative with our family and supportive as we move to the next phase of returning to boarding school. Summit is a special place where our son was well cared for and found the therapeutic support and success that he needed.

Response from the owner
Thank you, Jenn, for taking the time to write this thoughtful review. We are grateful to be part of your journey!

The Summit Achievement team.
John
3 months ago
1

This place was so horrible I have nightmares everyday about this place it should really be shut down DO NOT SEND YOUR CHILD DO NOT

Response from the owner
Hello, John. Thank you for sharing this with us. We hear you and recognize your courage in speaking about your personal experience.

Your feedback makes a difference in improving the services we provide and the results we achieve. If you want to connect with us to share more about your experience, please reach out to our co-owner, nichol@summitachievement.com.
Tracey Aaron
7 months ago
5

My daughter (age 14) was at Summit Sept-Dec this 2024. It is an excellent program and I highly recommend it! There is a lot of negative press surrounding these types of programs and we were nervous sending our daughter, but I can assure you that this program is amazing and very professionally run. The kids and adults gain incredible insight into their old patterns and behaviors. Ultimately, the kids learn how to navigate old and new relationships, how to move forward and how to make healthy, appropriate choices. The therapist my daughter worked with was incredible and very talented. We met with her once a week as well, so we were kept informed about our daughter's progress. The parent coach that we worked with was also excellent and very professional. This program is unique because it is more of a hybrid program that offers wilderness therapy combined with education, so the children do not fall behind in school. Summit is a top notch program and it provided the reset we all needed!

Response from the owner
Thank you for taking the time to write this thoughtful review. We are grateful to be part of your journey!

The Summit Achievement team
sfd as
7 months ago
5

Brody Karis
8 months ago
4

As a former student of summit it’s a chill place and the expo is fun the only downside for me was therapy because I don’t like it at all but overall great experience and would do it again

Leonardo Porter
1 year ago
1

The worst experience of my life. I was sent it for virtually no reason at all ‘vaping’ when I was 17 and got mentally and physically abused. There where many points in time where we were not allowed to speak for hours while hiking in rain and melting snow. We slept under tarps and ate poorly just to wake up early the next morning and hike for 10 hours. At the end of my hikes my toes would be frost bit and it warm them up I would have to place them on someone’s stomach which was honestly the nicest thing that was done for me.

Response from the owner
Hello, Leonardo. Thank you for sharing this information with us. We hear you and recognize your courage in speaking about your personal experience.

We always strive for improvement and recognize the need to continue to raise the bar in mental health care. Your feedback makes a difference in improving the services we provide and the results we achieve. If you want to connect with us to share more about your experience, please reach out to our co-owner, nichol@summitachievement.com.
Dylan Stroup
1 year ago
5

Rachel Burstein
1 year ago
1

This is a horrible place that instills fear and horror into young people. It’s not okay and should be shut down immediately.

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