As a family therapist in private practice, I have had the privilege of working with Elk River Treatment Center and their staff for the past nine (9) years. In fact, my most recent client to grafuate Elk River, is the 38th adolescent I have had graduate Elk Rivers program. Overall, every family has been grateful for the positive experience they have had working with Elk River.The 16 year-old girl I had graduate two (2) months ago has transitioned home smoothly, and has shown incredible changes in attitude and behavior. I just finished a session with the family, and as they were leaving my office, the Dad said, Thank you for helping our daughter return to the person she was meant to be. This is the outcome that I have come to expect from Elk River, easily one of the top five (5) adolescent programs in the country⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

My professional experience of Elk River Treatment was premised on training staff on the use of the labyrinth for contemplation and healing. My name is Rev Kerry Holder Joffrion and I am an educator. I find the staff; including field staff and clinical counselors to be thoughtful, intentional, creative and practical in their efforts to empower teens and young adults in recovery and restoration. Program clients are engaged and helpful in their group work and said that walking the path gave them meaning.Thank you for this important work you do with dedication and hope for their futures. Elk River Treatment Program changes lives.

As builder of the labyrinth at the Elk River Treatment Program facility, I was impressed with both the cooperation and professionalism of the staff with whom I interacted, and the attitude and cooperation of the program participants (teens) who assisted me with spreading the gravel base and locating field stones for the labyrinth circuits. This is an 11 circuit, Chartre labyrinth, approximately 60 feet in diameter. In terms of the volume and weight of materials, it was a gargantuan effort, made much easier because of the genuine care and willingness of the teens who were asked to help me. I did not expect this, and its a testament to the quality of the professionals who work with these youth every day. Not one of the youth who helped with the build approached it as a burden, or with dread. There was an authentic and eager commitment to service, which speaks volumes about how they respond to the profound work of the counselors, teachers, administrators, and field staff at Elk River.

We used Elk River Treatment Program (2017, 2019) for two of our adopted children who suffered severe trauma and attachment issues. We experienced success both in their helping the children confront their past along with tools to successfully guide their future. Additionally, we received parent training to help us learn better skill-sets once they returned. We were very pleased with the program. Highly recommended.

Almost 14 years ago I was a resident at Elk River. I can truly say, it saved my life, taught me so many life skills and helped mend a very broken family. I have read the reviews that some have left bashing this program. I am honestly in shock that some people would make up so many lies. Not only was I a resident there, I worked there several years ago after I received my college degree. Take it from me, someone who has seen both sides of this program, it WORKS. And the staff truly and genuinely care. That is really rare and hard to find these days. I’ve seen staff put in so much work and so many hours just for the benefit of the children. Elk river is not a luxury resort. But let’s be honest, troubled teenagers and children don’t need a luxury resort. They need a place that will teach them structure, discipline, accountability, hard work, and then and only then will they see the positive and rewarding outcome. If you want a place to teach them these things and want them to get better and act responsibly, this is the place. If you want your child to be pampered and go off learn nothing and get nothing out of it, keep them at home with you or send them somewhere else. I’ve read some reviews that say that their child was starved, I just had to laugh. That is bogus. I gained 30 pounds when I was there because of how much I ate. And I NEEDED to gain that weight. If some people need to lose weight, then the program and staff will cater to that as well. Each resident there has their own treatment plan, a lot of thought and time goes into developing and determining the best plan for each child. I can say this and know that it’s true because once again, I was a resident there and later on an employee. The best part about the treatment plan is that the parents are extremely involved. Parents don’t get to call ALL the shots, because obviously that doesn’t work. But they do have their own input for their child. I can’t say enough wonderful things about this place. I am writing this because I know how much it helped me. I have nothing to gain from writing this, I no longer work there. I just felt the need to share after reading some of these reviews that are just completely untrue and made up. As a parent myself, if my child was expressing negative behavior and needed a place to go for help, there is no doubt that I would 100% send him to Elk River. It is 2021, kids are smart. Kids are manipulative and unfortunately sometimes lie to their parents so that they can come home from treatment. And after reading some of these reviews, there is no doubt in my mind that this has taken place with some of the parents and children who have chosen to bash this place online. It’s bogus. Elk River staff, I love you guys and appreciate all of your hard work! I love the program and most importantly I believe in the program with everything in me. I will be forever grateful for this place. If I hadn’t gone and gotten help, I wouldn’t be the successful and happy adult that I am today. So, thank you. Thank you so much!

It’s strange that you have no record of me. I was number 1007. Maybe you should check again. I have a whole paragraph I angrily typed out that I’ve saved in my notes that I meant to leave with this review. I held back because i figured a 1 star was enough,but now I’m wishing I’d posted the whole thing. I went here in 2016 and it was hell. Treated like a prisoner. Went for depression. Left with ptsd. I don’t have this place confused. You’ve replied to other people I was literally there with.

As an LPC in the state of Alabama, I’m extremely concerned that you all are in violation of HIPAA in responding to these reviews with personal information about the reviewers stay based on your records. I was looking into this program for a client, but again, this is a huge concern that you all would be willing to violate law in order to defend your program.

I have been working closely with Pinnacle for many years and would recomend them without reservation.

Great program!! Really saved my life.

There is a reason the bad reviews of this facility have more likes than the positive reviews. This program did nothing for my mental health or drug addiction problems. There was little to no actual therapy other than occasional group sessions, and residents rarely received one on one therapy with counselors. However, that is not the reason for my low rating. While nothing about my time there was tolerable or helpful, my major problem with this facility is the way residents were treated there. We were not allowed to speak to anyone, including the staff, without nonverbally asking for permission, and if we were given permission, it had to be treatment related. We were not allowed to converse with other residents or get to know them personally. While I was there, mushrooms and mold grew in the showers. The domes we slept in had several holes and were placed on top of a rotting wooden platform that I watched an employee fall through, and we slept there even when there was dangerous weather. At one point, the water we drank and bathed with was brown. Even though we spent most of our time inside, we were only given sunscreen two times that I can recall, regardless of the fact that it was the middle of summer. If the staff decided the rules were not being sufficiently followed, there was use of solitary confinement (which they called separation). The only form of communication we had with the outside world was through letters to our parents, but they were censored, and they frequently refused to send letters they didnt agree with. My last complaint is that I personally watched employees cause intentional physical harm to patients, and even heard them brag about it. The people in charge of the facility knew about these incidents and did absolutely nothing to stop them from happening again. I could go into much more detail, but this experience is one I would prefer to just not think about. I genuinely believe this facility has caused me trauma and I often find myself wondering if what I experienced there is legal. As someone who has completed and graduated from program, I can confidently say that this place is not suitable in any way for teens who are looking to be helped.

One time they didnt feed me 2 meals because i refuse to do the exercises.

10 years later and I still talk to my therapist about the trauma I experienced here. This place will not help your children in any way.

I wish I had not sent my child here. They suffer on a daily basis from nightmares and PTSD symptoms - therapy is helping, but I am afraid this will be a lifelong endeavor.

Elk River isnt an easy place. Its hard work. Its challenging. It equips youth for real life. Its also a place where youth receive the tools that they need to overcome tremendous obstacles in their lives. I have been working as a part of the clinical staff for a little over two years. I can say with certainty that the team here genuinely care and work diligently to provide the best treatment possible. I eat the same meals the youth do. The food is high quality, healthy and delicious.

What a better place to take a break from the day to day stress of the world and focus on yourself , to equip you with the tools needed to prosper! A team that is dedicated to these young ones , and takes pride in them when they progress even with little steps toward graduating the program. While treatment is hard for anyone , especially our young ones the benefits both themselves and their family and friends share are everlasting . So keep up the good work and thanks for all you do for our young ones

Learned nothing... The place made me feel like I was in prison. Did group therapy maybe twice a week and 1on1 therapy once my whole stay. I do not recommend this place whatsoever. Still to this day I am traumatized from staying there.

Why do the vast majority of adolescents who get sent to this place end up having terrible long term outcomes after “graduating?”

I have referred adolescents to this program since 2006. Being an interventionist that works with young adults, I take it very seriously when I have to help a family make a decision to admit their child to a therapeutic program. Elk River offers a therapeutic setting and the support for the clients to be in a safe supportive place learning the skills to be invested in their own wellbeing. Terrific communication with families too.

I have never met a more dedicated group of professionals than the ones that work at Elk River Treatment Program. Every day these people invest their time and energy in helping young people with behaviors that are challenging to say the least. Making a positive difference in someones life is their mission. I am so thankful to know these wonderful, kindhearted people.

I have posted a review before, but I’m going to again because i am so glad people are finally giving this place honest reviews. I will keep posting until they close down if it saves another child. Like someone else said, I am also not a bitter teenager. I had to go through my therapies and treatments to even get over what happened to us at Elk River. I am so much better now, and it was no thanks to them. Do not give them your money!!! “Therapy” was a joke!!! It’s a miracle that some kids come out better, but it has nothing to do with the program. I went there when I was 16, and at 21 I still have nightmares about the torture!!

This place was truly traumatizing. I was ripped out of my bed & essentially kidnapped - then transported to Elk River. I still have nightmares & mental trauma from the mental abuse involved with this place. They attempt to brainwash your children & look for reasons to keep your child in the facility for an extended period in an attempt to extort as much as possible. Elk River not only traumatized me, but many of the people I was with during my stay. If your child needs help, for the love of God do not take them here. The so called treatment is assimilating your child to militaristic ideologies & a complete destruction of their unique personalities. It was ran as if it were a boot camp, & you hardly ever spoke with a therapist. If you spoke out of line, or you werent 110% angellic youd be threatened with an extended stay. IF YOU SEND YOUR CHILD HERE, BEWARE OF THE REPERCUSSIONS THAT WILL FOLLOW.

It was amazing and the best time of my life. And to be honest i wish i could just go back for another 7 month, cause i cry almost every day cause i want to go back

These one star reviews are obviously fake reviews. Its sad that anyone can create a gmail address and slander good people who are doing great work. This is a program that helps teenagers and broken families heal when behavior issues or drugs take control. I would recommend it to anyone who fears they have lost their son or daughter. Seek help from people like this before its too late. Too many young people are dying from overdose and suicide. If you think something is wrong with your teen, its probably true. This program will show you how to save them. My family is grateful every day for the people at Elk River.

I went to the place it was hella retarded all you did was work and get told not to talk. Foods not bad not enough though. Punishments are pretty retarded and the therapists are very manipulative so you stay longer so they get more $ dont send your kid there. Dont send your kid anywhere Ive been to 3 rehabs each one making me more mad at my parents its not worth it.

My child spent over a year in this most phenomenal program. It completely changed his life. He was a mess when he joined. We made sure that us as parents, worked closely with the camp on changing the way we were operating as a family, as we needed to be an integrated part of the program in order to make it a success.We were extremely fortunate, as the staff at ELK River is so experienced, professional and most responsible and companionate. The program must be tough in order to succeed. It was frightening to us as parents, but we decided to trust the camp explicitLy and it worked. Our child ended up in a top university with a scholarship, happy and secure. His amazing turnaround would had never come about without the fortunate choice of choosing ELK River.We owe our lives to them. We only hope that other families with similar situations will be lucky enough to end up there. Recalling the many touching moments at the camp, remembering the many kids who were in terrible distress and the way the camp is working with them brings tears to my eyes each and every time (now two years ago).Thank you, ELKRiver.

I believe that the majority of the staff here genuinely care about the livelihoods of the teenagers that are at the program. (Mr Jaynes, Mr Stierwalt, and Ms Newman, thank you) At times it could have been monotonous, but really what do you expect? We weren’t sent there to have fun out in the sun LOL.(I attended in 2011)In my opinion, the teens sent there have to be mature enough to open themselves up and actually work on themselves. They do monitor almost everything you do whether it’s speaking to another teen or journaling. They monitor the journals so you don’t plan on killing your self or harming others. They’d never just go “hey man I read your journal you better not really think so and so is hot because we don’t allow opposite gender touching” lmao. And if we were allowed to talk to each other without it being monitored, it most likely would have been ‘war stories’ and the things said in the stories are probably why the teens got sent there, so why would they want us to talk about it? They wouldn’t. It’s as simple as that.I do truly believe that Elk River helped me work on myself and grow up mentally. I came out of the program with a new respect and look on life. BUT, I also think some of the kids that are brought into ER, need more professional help than could be given here at this facility.I gave this review 4 stars simply because the pictures are kind of a hoax. I never saw bicycles and the pool was green. They did give us free time outside to play some games, but if kickball got too intense it got shut down lol. The only teens allowed by the horse(I only ever saw 1) were the mid term teens who were there for like 6 months at a time. They had more privileges. Most of the cool stuff to do was mid term only like the rock wall, shooting basketball, etc. I believe my parents were told I would get to experience these things, and when they picked me up and learned that I didn’t they were a little confused haha.A for real review from a past bitter teen.

A safe residential setting for troubled teens to work on themselves without everyday distractions. Individual, group and family therapy facilitated by experienced staff and clinicians. I certainly would recommend it to a family with a teen that is struggling emotionally or with substance abuse.

I cannot rate this low enough. Do not send your child here. They will be abused. All of the photos provided are false or fake. I have been out of Elk River for nearly 4 years now and still have mental trauma and disorders that i got from my treatment there. This place needs to be investigated for sure and worse is that from what I understand it used to be worse before I got there.

I havent had a child in the Elk River Treatment Program, but I can tell you from working with the owner and staff that they are very professional, exceedingly committed, and their heart is truly in the right place. Many of the people who work at Elk River have had direct experience with troubled teens struggling with drug addiction and/or behavioral problems, so they know intimately the challenges that parents are facing and are standing right there by their side.

Part 1: please, for the love of god and all else, never send your child here. i’m going to be an adult in the next 2 months. i am not some bitter teenager, like others have stated. i stayed here for 7 months and left 7 months ago. it’s an awful place.most of the staff you see on the website aren’t there anymore!! joseph clary, jesse wilcox, and amanda robinson left. they were probably the two best staff there, and they’re gone now! a lot of the people you see on the website weren’t there when i was at the facility. they were there years ago, and are long since gone.when you arrive, they give you three sets of clothes; 1 sweatshirt, 3 t-shirts, 3 pairs of jeans, 3 pairs of underwear, 3 pairs of socks ALL FROM WALMART. if you were here for the colder months, we got coats with zippers and velcro but nearly every coat there was broken. the zippers broke off and the velco strips were falling off. we were so close to hunting grounds, so we had to wear bright orange baseball caps. also, our shirts were also very bright colors (yellow, green, pink, orange) so we wouldn’t be shot. we also got very cheap hiking boots to wear. the cook was also our tailor. they didn’t give them much money to fix our clothes, so we had to keep our broken coats throughout the course of winter. they didn’t zip or close, and when it’s below 30 degrees outside, it’s awful.there are 3 precautions/consequences at elk river. there is separation, self-harm, and run risk. each has three levels. if you get put on separation I, you can’t talk to anyone. you can’t speak to your group, or your staff. you had to eat alone, and spend everyday 10 feet from your group.if put on separation II, you had to spend ALL DAY outside. you basically couldn’t see any of your group members. separation level III, which i believe the police got involved because it was considered ‘corporal punishment’: you had to spend the whole day on an elevated wooden platform. you had to washboard your clothes, wear size 15 rubber boots, cook your own food, and shower behind a tarp with freezing cold water. i don’t believe they are allowed to do this anymore, but i can think of many ways this place would find ways around. for self harm I, you have to be watched in the bathroom and while you shower. this precaution level goes for all levels of self harm. for self harm II, you have to follow self harm II but also be at an arms distance of staff, and wear size 15 rubber boots. for self harm III, you have to follow self harm I and II, and carry a 12 inch piece of thin yellow tape around, and a staff member has to hold the other end. you’re basically on a leash. if you drop the tape, they put you into an automatic containment (which means a staff member has to get you down on the ground from any position and restrain your arms and legs, often by laying on the person). for run risk I (which is an actual precaution because you can literally run off the property because they have no fences or security— you’re out in the woods), you have to wear size 15 rubber boots and usually an ankle monitor. for run risk II, you have to eat alone and be an arms distance from staff, and follow previous levels for run risk. for run risk III, you have to follow all previous run risk rules, but also carry that piece of yellow tape around like a leash. if you drop it, it’s an automatic containment.

This is a wonderful resource for teens that are struggling with behavioral and/or substance abuse problems and their families. They do a great job helping kids learn better ways to cope so they can live healthy, productive lives. Family members are also involved so that the entire family system makes the necessary changes to support the teen in their forward progress. Over the past 8 years of my practice Ive seen many of my clients go through this program and become successful college students and adults.Jessica D. Cleveland, M.S., LPC, NCCIndependent Contractor- The Balanced Life LLC9238 Madison Blvd. Bldg. 1 Suite 800Madison, AL 35756

Since I had the privilege as serving as Program/Clinical Director at Elk River Treatment Program (ERTP) I am well acquainted with the the quality of the services they provide. ERTP staff are professional, committed, and dedicated to the health and safety of the program residents, as well as the residents relationships with their family members. I continue to refer adolescents and their families to ERTP with confidence and assurance of restored relationships and positive outcomes.

This is the absolute worst place in the world. There is very little therapy involved, and it is basically child abuse. Two years later and I still have nightmares. Think twice before sending your child here. I got in trouble for passing notes and talking in the tipi, and I was sent to level 3 which consisted of never going inside in the middle of winter, and they put my food in the FRIDGE before they fed it to me (again- it was FREEZING outside). One of my meals was just a hot dog- not even a bun- and some other side dish. I was also made to sleep outside the tipi IN THE RAIN. Prisoners get treated better. I needed mental help, yet we only had one group therapy session a week, and there was barely any time to talk. Im surprised nobody has sued them yet. This is not helpful. at all. dont send your kid here. I came out more depressed and anxious than I went in, and all my family problems just got worse. I can only hope this review saves one child from having to endure this boot camp disguised as treatment. If my own parents tried to punish me the way these people did, theyd be in jail. its ridiculous. A lot of people dont believe the kids that come out of there when we say how horrible it is, but I am drug free and happy now- no thanks to them. Also, dont be fooled by the pictures! You only get to use the horse therapy a few times during courseweek (at the very end), and they never once let us rock climb. There wasnt much wholesome activity going on- just a lot of chopping wood so the nightstaff had a nice fire to sit by while we were freezing in the tipi...

Was the best experience of my life!!!!!!!!!!! It changed who i am as an individual!!!! THis place made me a better ME!!!!!!!!!!!