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 ...
About Mountain Youth Academy
Mountain Youth Academy is a CARF accredited behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment center in Mountain City, Tennessee. They treat youth ages five to 17 years old. This is a residential treatment center that specializes in treating kids, both boys and girls, using a trauma based approach.
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.
Latest Reviews
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. 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 were the only once who seemed to make it some type of safe place and really wanted to help me 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 owner1 week ago
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.
So if I am being honest I struggled the first few weeks to a month but every one is going to. I was there for around 3 months and I made amazing improvements to the point where I an proud of myself and the staff are amazing and always put my needs first I am so grateful for then because without them I would not have been able to make it out if there. There is only a few things that are not great and that is the fact that there is favoritism and it sucks but it's gonna happen so honestly I'm glad my mom sent me there to get the help I need because if I did not have that push I would be on the wrong path going into juvenile. So shout out to: Mrs. Kaylia, Mr. Fudge, Mr. D, Mr. Troop, and Mrs. Perkins without you all I would have not made it through my program so thank you for everything I would recommend this program to anyone who is struggling with trauma and behavioral issues because it has made a huge impact in me and how I act
Response from the owner4 hours ago
Hi, Jada. 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. Response from the owner1 week ago
Hello, Trinity. 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. Gallery
Location
Accepted Insurance
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.
Addiction Treatments
Levels of Care
Inpatient 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.
Programs
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.
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.
Hearing Impaired Program
A sensory disability, such as hearing impairment, can compound the challenges of addiction recovery. Drug rehabs that are specially designed to accommodate the needs of persons with hearing impairments will include special accessibility features and accommodations to make treatment as comfortable and effective as possible. This may include access to American Sign Language interpreters.
HIV/AIDS Program
HIV/AIDS programs support disease prevention and management in high-risk individuals in recovery. Individuals who engage in intravenous drug use and other addictive behaviors are at a higher risk of becoming infected with HIV. Rehab centers that specialize in treating this population typically have a high number of nurses, physicians, and psychiatrists on staff who can make sure both their medical and mental health needs are met.
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
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).
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.
Amenities
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Residential Setting -
Private Rooms
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
(423) 727-9898 
332 Hospital Road
Mountain City TN, 37683
Get Help Now - 800-985-8516
Who Answers?
Who Answers?
Edited by:
Courtney Myers, MS
