Read parent reviews of residential treatment programs and boarding schools before placing your child into a program.
No parent wants to make the incredibly difficult decision to place their child in a facility or boarding school. Still, there comes a time when it is necessary for the safety of everyone involved, especially for children who are diagnosed with attachment issues and RAD.
Read these reviews by fellow parents to make the best decision for your family, and check out the printable version of this report.

If you have experience with a treatment center, boarding school, military academy, or other program, we encourage you to scroll to the bottom and leave a comment so that other parents can benefit from your experiences as well. Also, check out this complete list of residential treatment centers for RAD.
- How to Use Treatment Program Reviews
- Treatment Programs for RAD: 75+ Parent Reviews
- 1. Elk River Treatment Program in Huntsville, Alabama
- 2. ReCreation Retreat in Fredonia, Arizona
- 3. Arivaca Equine Therapy Ranch in Arivaca, Arizona
- 4. The Centers in Monticello, Arkansas
- 5. Perimeter Healthcare in Forrest City, Arkansas
- 6. Youth Home in Little Rock, Arkansas
- 7. Piney Ridge Treatment Center in Fayetteville, Arkansas
- 8. San Diego Center for Children in San Diego, California
- 9. Excelsior in Aurora, Colorado
- 10. Mount Saint Vincent in Denver, Colorado
- 11. The Village Eagle House program in Hardford, Connecticut
- 12. Bayside Center for Behavioral in Sarasota, Florida
- 13. Palm Shores Behavioral Health Center in Bradenton, Florida
- 14. The Grove/IMPOWER in Longwood, Florida
- 15. Sandy Pines in Jupiter, Florida
- 16. Daniel Kids in Jacksonville, Florida
- 17. Gulf Coast in Fort Walton, Florida
- 18. Hillside in Atlanta, Georgia
- 19. Chaddock in Quincy, Illinois
- 20. Nexus Indian Oaks in Manteno , Illinois
- 21. Youth of Vision Academy in St. Catherine, Jamaica
- 22. Pathways Family Services in Topeka, Kansas
- 23. River Valley Behavioral Health Hospital in Owensboro, Kentucky
- 24. Sunrise Children's Psychiatric Services in Danville, Kentucky
- 25. Uspiritus- Brooklawn in Louisville, Kentucky
- 26. NFI North Sydney River Bend in Sydney, Maine
- 27. Sweester in Saco, Maine
- 28. JRI Center Point in Tewksbury, Massachusetts
- 29. FAITH House in Fredericktown, Missouri
- 30. Rocky Creek Youth Ranch in Park Hills, Missouri
- 31. Calo Programs in Lake Ozark, Missouri
- 32. Heartland Behavior Health in Nevada, Missouri
- 33. Masters Junior High Ranch in Myrtle, Missouri
- 34. Epworth in St. Louis, Missouri
- 35. Legacy Ranch in Bonne Terre, Missouri
- 36. Teen Challenge Ozarks
- 37. Mountain State Boys Academy in Montana
- 38. EasterSeals in Manchester, New Hampshire
- 39. St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center in Odensburg, New York
- 40. Hillside Children's Center in Rochester, New York
- 41. Alexander Youth Network in Charlotte, North Carolina
- 42. Changing Hearts Ministries in Asheville, North Carolina
- 43. Belmont Pines in Youngstown, Ohio
- 44. Red River Youth Academy in Norman, Oklahoma
- 45. Children’s Recovery Center in Norman, Oklahoma
- 46. Cedar Ridge in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- 47. Parkside in Tulsa, Oklahoma
- 48. Bethesda in Norman, Oklahoma
- 49. Cookson Hills in Kansas, Oklahoma
- 50. Gemma Services of Philadelphia in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- 51. KidsPeace in Orefield, Pennsylvania
- 52. Devereux – C.I.D.D.S. Campus in West Chester, Pennsylvania
- 53. Southwood RTF Choices Program in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- 54. Foundation Behavioral Health in Doyleston, Pennsylvania
- 55. Devereux in Glenmoore, Pennsylvania
- 56. Bradley Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- 57. Hoffman Homes in Littlestown, Pennsylvania
- 58. Mercy DAS Program in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- 59. Three Rivers in Columbia, South Carolina
- 60. New Hope in Rock Hill, South Carolina
- 61. Red River in Wichita Falls, Texas
- 62. San Marcos Treatment Center in San Marcos, Texas
- 63. Depelchin RTC in Houston, Texas
- 64. Hands of Healing in Houston, Texas
- 65. Meridell Achievement Center in Austin, Texas
- 66. Boy's Ranch in Amarillo, Texas
- 67. Heritage Community in Provo, Utah
- 68. Turn About Ranch in Escalante, Utah
- 69. Three Points Center in Hurricane, Utah
- 70. Monuments in Parowan, Utah
- 71. Liahona Academy in Virgin, Utah
- 72. Harbor Point in Portsmouth, Virginia
- 73. Kids In Focus in Richmond, Virginia
- 74. Jackson-Field in Emporia, Virginia
- 75. Three Rivers Treatment Center in Kenbridge, Virginia
- Residential Treatment Report {PDF Printable}
How to Use Treatment Program Reviews
Here is helpful information about using these reviews for your decision making.
- All reviews are real. Initials are used to protect the identity of parents and their children.
- This list is not comprehensive. If a facility isn’t listed, we didn’t have parents who had children there.
- This report was not created by an agency, governing body, or licensing board. It is a list of reviews by parents for parents.
- Programs change, and staff changes. Just because one parent had a positive or negative experience doesn’t mean your child will have a similar one.
- Facilities change leadership, close, or change their websites. The information was gathered and is current as of October 2024.
- What if no facilities are listed in your state? Check out the lists of treatment programs by state to find a program near you.
As a fellow parent who has gone through what you are living, please know you aren’t alone. Read our story of placing our son in residential treatment.
Treatment Programs for RAD: 75+ Parent Reviews
In a Facebook group for parents of kids with attachment disorder, the topic came up of which treatment programs were beneficial for kids with RAD (and which ones were not only unhelpful but even harmful). Here is some of the information that was shared. Use this as a resource when deciding to place your child into treatment.
These reviews are for informational purposes only. It’s not intended to replace medical or treatment advice.
1. Elk River Treatment Program in Huntsville, Alabama
Get more information about Elk River at their website and in this post about Therapeutic Boarding Schools in Alabama and Programs for RAD.
D.H. (parent initials used for privacy) – “I do recommend.”
2. ReCreation Retreat in Fredonia, Arizona
Learn more about ReCreation Retreat by checking our post about Therapeutic Boarding Schools in Arizona, or by visiting their website.
What is the cost of ReCreation Retreat? Approximately $4,000 per month.
M.S. (parent initials used for privacy) – “Somewhat recommend but you have to get the right therapist. RCR will bill insurance but it doesn’t make a difference in the cost you pay.”
3. Arivaca Equine Therapy Ranch in Arivaca, Arizona
Get more information about Arivaca Therapy Ranch on their website.
How much does Arivaca Therapy Ranch cost? Cost is $7,500 per month is 2022.
K.M. (parent initials used for privacy)– “Got expelled after 10 months. $7500 a month. Uncle and dad helped us pay.”
4. The Centers in Monticello, Arkansas
Get information about The Centers on their website.
N.B. (parent initials used for privacy) – “My son was there 5 months. Didn’t make a difference but we got a break.”
5. Perimeter Healthcare in Forrest City, Arkansas
Get information about Perimeter on their website.
N.B. (parent initials used for privacy) – “My son has been there 5 months now & still no progress but it’s a break for us.”
6. Youth Home in Little Rock, Arkansas
Get information about Youth Home on their website.
A.M. (parent initials used for privacy) – “Recommend because of therapists and parent support group (we were less than happy with some house staff).”
R.M. (parent initials used for privacy) – “Recommend. Youth Home was amazing for us. My son has been in 5 treatment programs, and this was THE BEST, hands down. LOVED his therapist.”
M.L. (parent initials used for privacy)– “The people there that I worked with were great. I was always able to talk to someone. If I emailed the therapist, she always called me the same day. Unfortunately my son was just able to out-manipulate them. Waiting now for recommendation letter for him to go back.”
7. Piney Ridge Treatment Center in Fayetteville, Arkansas
Visit Piney Ridge on their website to get more information.
A.N. (parent initials used for privacy) – “Very pleased and highly recommend.”
8. San Diego Center for Children in San Diego, California
You can find more information about San Diego Center for Children on their website.
T.L. (parent initials used for privacy)– “My experience is from 13 years ago with 2 adopted sons. Both walked off campus unattended more than once. Maybe things have changed but if not, I would never recommend them.”
S.R. (parent initials used for privacy) – “So far recommend. Has only been there a couple weeks. So far only somewhat recommend as I don’t have much experience yet. They definitely do a good job supervising the kids and communicating with the parents if there’s issues.”
9. Excelsior in Aurora, Colorado
A..C. (parent initials used for privacy)– ‘Recommend. Used to take only girls, now accept girls and boys for limited programs.”
10. Mount Saint Vincent in Denver, Colorado
Check out Mount Saint Vincent’s website to learn more.
A.C. (parent initials used for privacy)– “Recommend overall. Good programs and nice facilities. Animal and sensory therapy. Won’t take kids who sexually act out. High staff turn-over.”
11. The Village Eagle House program in Hardford, Connecticut
Learn more about The Village Eagle House on their website.
C.L. (parent initials used for privacy)– “Takes ages 6-12. Son just arrived so not sure how it will go.”
12. Bayside Center for Behavioral in Sarasota, Florida
You can get more information about the Bayside Center for Behavioral on their website.
D.M. (parent initials used for privacy) – “Do not recommend. Our experience with Bayside and the referrals provided at discharge were worthless.”
A.M. (parent initials used for privacy) – “Recommend. They Baker acted her but they also have a ton of aftercare options I’m sure for younger ones. They referred us to this treatment center she’s in now.”
13. Palm Shores Behavioral Health Center in Bradenton, Florida
Find out more about the Palm Shores Behavioral Health Center on their website.
R. M. (parent initials used for privacy) – “Would NOT recommend. The therapist was soft. Her supervisor took over and was stunned….They had me do a visit on campus, and forgot me in a locked room alone with my son (who had just threatened to kill me) for 2 hours.”
14. The Grove/IMPOWER in Longwood, Florida
Get more information about The Grove on their website.
A.M. (parent initials used for privacy) – “Recommend. Primarily substance abuse but strong mental health aspect.”
15. Sandy Pines in Jupiter, Florida
Get all the information you need about Sandy Pines on their website.
L.D. (parent initials used for privacy)– “Our son was 9 when he entered Sandy Pines in Jupiter FL. They kind of helped. I truly believe a person can heal only when they are ready, and willing to change themselves. They saw through the lies and manipulation. They held him accountable for his actions. After 9 months there was very minimal change in our child with RAD so it was agreed that he should be discharged. He has been home for 16 months and things are just now starting to return to the way things were before his stay there. I don’t think our lack of progress has anything to do with Sandy Pines. The staff was kind, and open about anything and everything.”
L.D. (parent initials used for privacy)– “Recommend. They were good. Our son was 9-10 years old when he attended there. He was admitted with help of a case manager and recommendations from his medical providers.”
16. Daniel Kids in Jacksonville, Florida
Learn more about Daniel Kids on their website.
S.S. (parent initials used for privacy)– “Highly recommend. Accept kids with RAD.”
J.B. (parent initials used for privacy) – “Recommend.”
17. Gulf Coast in Fort Walton, Florida
Check out Gulf Coast on their website.
T.M. (parent initials used for privacy) – “I absolutely do NOT like them at all.”
18. Hillside in Atlanta, Georgia
Get information at Hillside Atlanta on their website.
J.P. (parent initials used for privacy) – “It was okay.”
19. Chaddock in Quincy, Illinois
You can learn more about Chaddock on their website.
J.B. (parent initials used for privacy)– “Do not go there! I believe that they only take in-state Medicaid as they did not accept ours from North Carolina. My child with RAD got worse, made a sexual allegation there, says she watched porn there, and came home obese with high blood pressure from all the crap they fed her. Do not go there!”
20. Nexus Indian Oaks in Manteno , Illinois
Check out Nexus Indian Oaks’ website to learn more about their programs.
G.P. (parent initials used for privacy) – “Takes high acuity kids.”
21. Youth of Vision Academy in St. Catherine, Jamaica
You can find more information about Youth of Vision Academy on their website and check out our article about parent Robin’s experience (along with exact tuition and fees costs) for YOVA.
M.S. (parent initials used for privacy) – “Recommend. Takes the hardest kids.”
J.E. (parent initials used for privacy)– “Recommend. Takes kids as young as 8.”
22. Pathways Family Services in Topeka, Kansas
Get informed about all the programs at Pathways Family Services through their website.
M.J. (parent initials used for privacy) – “PRTF – Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities and QRTP – Qualified Residential Treatment Program. My daughter was there for a year. Helped in some areas but made other areas worse.”
23. River Valley Behavioral Health Hospital in Owensboro, Kentucky
Find out more about River Valley on their website.
R.C. (parent initials used for privacy)– “Do not recommend.”
24. Sunrise Children’s Psychiatric Services in Danville, Kentucky
You can learn more about Sunrise Children’s Psychiatric Service by clicking here.
A.Y. (parent initials used for privacy)– “I guess recommend. My son has been there 3 months. It is difficult to know what realistic expectations are. We had concerns with his young new therapist, but the director in charge is aware of his mental illness. I honestly wonder if anything will work. We pray he is getting help.”
25. Uspiritus- Brooklawn in Louisville, Kentucky
Find more information about Uspiritus on their website.
R.C. (parent initials used for privacy)– “Recommend.”
26. NFI North Sydney River Bend in Sydney, Maine
Be sure to check out NFI North Sydney River Bend on their website to learn more.
D.F. (parent initials used for privacy)– “Recommend. No restraint holds.”
N.M. (parent initials used for privacy) – “Nfi north in Bath, Maine is amazing. My daughter is there now.”
27. Sweester in Saco, Maine
You can find out more about Sweester on their website.
D.F. (parent initials used for privacy)– “Recommend. Uses restraint holds.”
N.M. (parent initials used for privacy) -I do not recommend Sweester. They are known to kick kids out with no service’s in place. They sent my daughter to the hospital, said she needed a safety evaluation and refused to take her back.”
28. JRI Center Point in Tewksbury, Massachusetts
Check out JRI Center Point’s website to learn more about what they have to offer.
C.K.P. (parent initials used for privacy) – “Recommend. Staff was very trauma informed, great therapists with excellent understanding of RAD. Very safe.”
29. FAITH House in Fredericktown, Missouri
Get all the information you need about FAITH House by visiting their website.
S.C. (parent initials used for privacy)– “Do NOT recommend.”
30. Rocky Creek Youth Ranch in Park Hills, Missouri
You can get more information about Rocky Creek Youth Ranch by clicking here to visit their website.
S.C. (parent initials used for privacy)– “Do NOT recommend.”
31. Calo Programs in Lake Ozark, Missouri
Be sure to check our the Calo Programs’ website to find all the information you need.
M.Y. (parent initials used for privacy) – “Great program but expensive. Much like Three Points Center. Does not accept Medicaid to my knowledge. IEP-funded, self-pay, or insurance. They will bill insurance for you.”
32. Heartland Behavior Health in Nevada, Missouri
You can learn more about Heartland Behavior Health by visiting their website.
M.M. (parent initials used for privacy) – “My girl is coming home Friday. I do think the stay has helped her. The staff seem to care about the kids in their care. Always planning things for them to look forward to, but make them earn it. They have in-house school there, part of the Nevada, MO school district. I was very skeptical of the therapist at first, but I ended up liking her a LOT.”
A.N.D. (parent initials used for privacy) – “If you’re in Missouri, Heartland is not one I would recommend. Our child went there twice back to back because they sent her home on meds she had only been on for 3 days, and when we got an hour down the road she had a psychotic break so we had to take her back. They monitored her for a week and sent her back home. She was too young for their residential so I’m not sure if that is better than the acute stay.”
33. Masters Junior High Ranch in Myrtle, Missouri
Check out the Masters Junior High Ranch by heading over to their website.
J.P. (parent initials used for privacy) – “Very expensive. My son is doing well there, but does get ‘injured’ often.”
34. Epworth in St. Louis, Missouri
Learn more about all the Epworth has to offer by checking out their website.
N.R. (parent initials used for privacy)– “Recommend. My son ran but facility tried hard to work with him.”
35. Legacy Ranch in Bonne Terre, Missouri
Be sure to visit Legacy Ranch’s website to learn more about all of their programs.
N.R. (parent initials used for privacy)– “Recommend. My son ran but facility tried hard to work with him.”
36. Teen Challenge Ozarks
Visit the Teen Challenge Ozarks website to learn more about the program.
T.K. (parent initials used for privacy) – “I would give a total thumbs-up to Teen Challenge Ozarks. 15 months was a great buffer between our son’s trajectory pre-Teen Challenge. My husband and I have been impressed with the character and wisdom of all the staff. The program includes the best input in terms of spiritual training work/leadership training, academics, and plain old fun. Our son, reluctant to enter the program, says he will miss it and hopes to return as staff after the required year break. He’s gained huge insights by being around more than 20 participants who have mirrored some of his former ways of life. He was heading over a cliff in multiple arenas of life when he entered the program, but has experienced a new-and-improved version of himself.
The program isn’t cheap, but there are options to do this even if the price seems challenging. Worth every penny and more.”
37. Mountain State Boys Academy in Montana
Check out our post about Montana Boarding Schools and visit the Mountain State Boys Academy’s website to find all the information you need.
How much does Mountain State Boys Academy cost? Tuition is $2500 plus equine therapy.
M.A. (parent initials used for privacy)– “Boys ages 9-14, equine therapy.”
J.A. (parent initials used for privacy) – “Our son (14) is at Mountain State Boys Academy. He has been there for a little over a year. Once our son started working, he started improving. MSBA is just as much a retreat for him as it therapeutic. C has learned quite a bit about his disorder and how to take charge of his behaviors. He is getting the skills he needs and being held accountable.
There were a couple of issues that arose, but they were quickly squashed. Unfortunately, our kids all have the same disorder. The likelihood of them experiencing more trauma is just as high as them causing more trauma. Our son didn’t fall victim to a predator that was enrolled at the academy, thankfully. The director, Sam did a great job of getting the child out, calling in extra help to keep him separated from the others while he waited for the parents to come get him and he communicated these things with us. He did call authorities and the state later reached out to us regarding the incident.
Sam runs the academy much like a home. They go shopping with him, do light housework, take care of their own laundry needs and are homeschooled. He has birthday parties for the boys, takes them for hygiene needs and has deep discussions about godliness with them. The boys are involved in church, karate and equine therapy. They also do volunteer work. Oscar is amazing! He is much more than a counselor to the boys. He gets into stuff. The why. Our son frequently discusses how his brain works, discusses the weekly notes from devotion and always has some goal that he is working on.
Our son has definitely benefited from the program and the rest of us received the greatest blessing of all. We had a year without chaos. We had time to breathe, learn and be better equipped for C when he comes home.
Our son comes home next month and for the first time in a long time, we are actually happy about seeing him. The first few months of him being away, I felt like I wanted him to stay forever. I didn’t think there was hope. He didn’t want to come home and was doing his best to make sure he could never come home. God has intervened while he’s been there and big changes have happened. We are cautiously optimistic and fully understanding that he still has and always will have RAD. We are as prepared as possible and he seems to have a legitimate desire to change his behaviors.
Tuition is $2500 plus equine therapy and we also have a therapist here in Texas communicate with him and us regularly.”
38. EasterSeals in Manchester, New Hampshire
You can learn more about EasterSeals by visiting their website here.
D.F. (parent initials used for privacy) – “Recommend for high safety needs. Locked unit. Uses restraint holds.”
39. St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center in Odensburg, New York
Be sure to head over to St. Lawerence’s website to find all the information you need.
S.R. (parent initials used for privacy)– “Do not recommend. Avoid that place like the plague.”
40. Hillside Children’s Center in Rochester, New York
Learn more about Hillside Children’s Center on their website. See more about facilities in Western New York here.
A.C. (parent initials used for privacy)– “Recommend. Not everything was perfect but overall good experience.”
41. Alexander Youth Network in Charlotte, North Carolina
Take the opportunity to learn more about Alexander Youth Network by visiting their website.
R.W. (parent initials used for privacy)– “Would not recommend. Children basically played video games and watched movies (many violent and not age appropriate) when not in “school”. The first time he went, he was in therapy for a car accident that never happened. There was apparently some insurance fraud involved and the kid who’s info they used had been in an accident. No issues were addressed. It was much like a vacation for him with gifts, clothes, and tons of video games that were not appropriate for children with violent behaviors. I thought they took Medicaid but since there was insurance fraud, I’m not sure anymore. They also misdiagnosed him with ADHD and put him on meds for it after working with him for 2 weeks, despite several other therapists stating he absolutely did not have ADHD and they worked with him significantly longer.”
42. Changing Hearts Ministries in Asheville, North Carolina
You can find more information on Changing Hearts Ministries on their website.
J.B. (parent initials used for privacy)– “Therapeutic boarding school. Private pay. Girls only.”
S.C.W. (parent initials used for privacy)– “Recommend. My daughter, RAD 13, did summer camp there. Private pay.”
J.B. (parent initials used for privacy)– “So far, so good. My child with RAD hasn’t improved but she isn’t trying. She’s been there a year.”
43. Belmont Pines in Youngstown, Ohio
Learn more about Belmont Pines by visiting their website.
M.R. (parent initials used for privacy)– “I wasn’t crazy about them. They worked a lot on coping skills. She wasn’t held accountable for anything. When she was peeing all over things and herself, they just put her in pull up all day. I wasn’t a fan. Half of time no one answered the phone and when I could talk to her, it was so loud and people screaming.”
S.O. (parent initials used for privacy)– “Belmont Pines is horrible. They are idiots in my opinion. My child was inpatient there and they changed all meds then wanted to release even though he refused to do family therapy and said he wouldn’t come home if I was there. He can get extremely aggressive with me, plus he tried to get his sister to pull her shirt up. He refused to admit it even though we had proof on camera. They said he needed a sexually maladaptive program but wouldn’t write the referral. My son refused to go over the safety plan so we refused to pick him up.”
44. Red River Youth Academy in Norman, Oklahoma
Be sure to check out Red River Youth Academy’s website.
J.C. (parent initials used for privacy)– “Do not recommend. Worked on zero skills with him. If he didn’t want to participate in therapy there weren’t consequences. Multiple staff made fun of the kids and antagonized them. I heard a couple of these instances when I was on the phone. They literally just watch TV all day long. They didn’t tell us he was being released until the day of, at the end of the day. My son also had sexual contact with fellow patients due to lack of supervision.”
R.W. (parent initials used for privacy)– “Absolutely would NOT recommend. My grandson went there for 4 months. Within the first 2 days everything he took, clothes, shoes, toiletries, including toothbrush was stolen by aides and it was an act of congress getting him more. The aides taunt the kids, literally pick fights with the kids the day before they are to be discharged so they will get reprimanded & have to stay 30 more days. He did not get help. He did learn how to fight & steal more effectively; coming home from this was when his running away started.”
45. Children’s Recovery Center in Norman, Oklahoma
You can find more information about Children’s Recovery Center by visiting their website.
J.C. (parent initials used for privacy) – Do not recommend.
46. Cedar Ridge in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Learn more about Ceder Ridge by visiting their website.
M.M. (parent initials used for privacy) – “Do not recommend. My son was involved in two staff CPS (Child Protective Services) reports during his 6 month stay at Cedar Ridge. He came out worse than when he went in because of all the trauma.”
J.C. (parent initials used for privacy) – “Recommend. Mine was at Cedar Ridge about 60 days. I really liked the counselor and doctor. They thought he would benefit from a longer stay, but alas insurance said it was time for him to go home and we couldn’t afford to pay it out of pocket. Cedar Ridge is the only place that has really tried to help my son so far. They didn’t act like we were the problem and brush off his behaviors like everyone else has. After leaving there he went the longest he’s been able to not being back inpatient.”
47. Parkside in Tulsa, Oklahoma
Find out more about Parkside by visiting their website.
S.C. (parent initials used for privacy)– “Parkside was ok.”
48. Bethesda in Norman, Oklahoma
Visit Bethesa’s website to find all the information you need about what they have to offer.
S.C. (parent initials used for privacy)– “Bethesda was amazing but I don’t think it’s around any longer. She went to the one in Bixby. They had two one in Sapulpa too.”
49. Cookson Hills in Kansas, Oklahoma
Be sure to check out Cookson Hills’ website to get some information, or you can check out this post about Therapeutic Boarding schools in Colorado, Oklahoma, and Kansas.
C.E. (parent initials used for privacy)– “Has 2 programs: Family unification 1-2 year program and long term program (until graduates), family style living, house parents. Max 10 kids/home, up to 120 children, BOYs & GIRLS ages 5-17, 18mo-2+ yr program, Youth can stay till age 18. Private Christian school K-12 on campus.”
E.H. (parent initials used for privacy)– “I applied there twice for my two sons. My boys (ages 9 and 10) don’t have RAD diagnosis and they don’t have severe behavior problems, they don’t have sexual conduct problems, nor animal cruelty issues, but they were both denied entry. I was dumbfounded as to why but they didn’t specify why either. I started wondering then who can attend that place?”
50. Gemma Services of Philadelphia in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
You can learn more about the Gemma Services of Philadelphia by visiting their website.
J.H. (parent initials used for privacy)– “Do NOT recommend!!!”
51. KidsPeace in Orefield, Pennsylvania
To find out more about KidsPeace, be sure to visit their website.
J.C. (parent initials used for privacy)– “Do not recommend. It was not the place for him. The therapist that didn’t allow him to get away with his BS left so he got away with everything afterwards. They do have a lot of kids there that they foster, so it’s like a group home as well.”
52. Devereux – C.I.D.D.S. Campus in West Chester, Pennsylvania
You can learn more about the Devereux program in West Chester by visiting their website.
A.D. (parent initials used for privacy)– “Do not recommend. Our son is there and we are planning to move him.”
A.D. (parent initials used for privacy) – “The RTF (Residential Treatment Facility) our son is at in Pennsylvania is specifically a campus for disability. Our son is ID (Intellectually Delayed) but there are many other disabilities on the campus. We were denied by 5 other facilities because of our son’s IEP requirements and his aggression. His ID blocks his ability to absorb therapy techniques. He’s 12 but emotionally about 5 yrs old and educationally he’s 3 years behind his grade level.”
53. Southwood RTF Choices Program in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
To learn all about the Southwood RTF choices Program, be sure to visit their website.
A.L. (parent initials used for privacy)– “Therapists are good, weekend staff assaulted my son twice, but weekly staff was great and kept me well informed. Communication is terrible if you try to reach a human being by phone. I’d recommend for less severe cases. My older son came home with more problems than he left with, however my younger son is doing well and progressing in therapy.”
54. Foundation Behavioral Health in Doyleston, Pennsylvania
You can get all the information you need about Foundation Behavioral Health on their website.
A.Y. (parent initials used for privacy) – “More medical than residential. Horrible. No real therapy just locked up until further notice. So glad we moved him as soon as possible.”
55. Devereux in Glenmoore, Pennsylvania
To learn more about the Devereux program in Glenmoore, be sure to visit their website.
A.D. (parent initials used for privacy) – “The staff was not great – too green, but the therapist was wonderful and really helped our son.”
56. Bradley Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Be sure to visit the Bradley Center’s website to get all the information you need.
A.T. (parent initials used for privacy)– “Somewhat recommend- safe place, didn’t really change any behavior, but 9 month placement for our family to regroup.”
T.P. (parent initials used for privacy) – “Very highly recommend. Our son has been there 6 months. He is coming home on the 20th. He is a totally different kid.”
S.O. (parent initials used for privacy)– “I liked the Bradley center. They wanted to keep my child longer for more treatment as it was her second RTF, but insurance said no. I wish they had. Out of all the RTF (Residential Treatment Facilities) we have experienced, I liked that one the best.”
A.Y. (parent initials used for privacy) – “The one place that actually listened. (Liz, the therapist didn’t really know RAD, but every day she was reading and learning to make sure he got better.) He has been home for a few weeks and I can truly say I see a massive difference just in the way he holds himself. They really helped him find that, and he never could at home.”
57. Hoffman Homes in Littlestown, Pennsylvania
You can get more information about Hoffman Homes by visiting their website.
T.P. (parent initials used for privacy) – “Do not recommend. My son was there a year and a half and they did absolutely nothing for him.”
58. Mercy DAS Program in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
To find out more about the Mercy DAS Program, be sure to visit their website.
A.Y. (parent initials used for privacy)– “A divergent program for 28 days. Was helpful and did initiate family based for minimum of 6 months. Accepts ages 5-12 with all insurance. Did well when there but no transition and just weekly visits that review behaviors, no real family therapy. We did this program twice, once when he was 7 and again at 10 years old.”
59. Three Rivers in Columbia, South Carolina
Be sure to visit Three Rivers’ website to get all the information you need about what they have to offer.
T.M. (parent initials used for privacy)– “Did not help child with RAD.”
60. New Hope in Rock Hill, South Carolina
Check out New Hope’s website to learn more about the program.
T.M. (parent initials used for privacy)– “Did not help child with RAD.”
61. Red River in Wichita Falls, Texas
To get all the information you need, be sure to check out Red River’s website.
J.C. (parent initials used for privacy)– “Do not recommend.”
62. San Marcos Treatment Center in San Marcos, Texas
You can find more information about the program by visiting San Marcos’s website.
R.M. (parent initials used for privacy)– “San Marcos was a joke for us. They played the whole “the problem is you” thing as my son charmed them to bits and pieces.”
A.M. (parent initials used for privacy) – “Recommend.”
63. Depelchin RTC in Houston, Texas
Be sure to check out the Depelchin RTC program by visiting their website.
S.W. (parent initials used for privacy)– “Good staff! Not highly trained in RAD.”
64. Hands of Healing in Houston, Texas
Visit the Hands of Healing website to learn more about what they offer.
S.W. (parent initials used for privacy)– “Garbage. Might as well put him in the zoo with the animals. No knowledge in RAD. Uneducated therapist and staff. No supervision.”
65. Meridell Achievement Center in Austin, Texas
Be sure to check out Meridell Achievement Center’s website to learn more.
K.D. (parent initials used for privacy)– “Gets discharged next week. The staff has been great to work with and proactive about making changes to my daughter’s treatment plan. She seems to have made some improvement. They understand RAD but it’s really a 90 day program at most, so overall I would do something different next time.”
66. Boy’s Ranch in Amarillo, Texas
You can find all the information you need about Boy’s Ranch by checking out their website.
M.P. (parent initials used for privacy)– “A great boarding school. My son has been there for 5 months and we highly recommend. They also take in girls. It is a no cost boarding school, they are run strictly by donations.”
67. Heritage Community in Provo, Utah
You can learn more about the Heritage Community by visiting their website.
M.S. (parent initials used for privacy)– “Do not recommend. Stay far far away. Will bill insurance but you have to pay up front.”
68. Turn About Ranch in Escalante, Utah
Be sure to check out Turn About Ranch’s website to learn more.
M.S. (parent initials used for privacy)– “Do not recommend. Will bill insurance but you have to pay up front.”
69. Three Points Center in Hurricane, Utah
You can learn all about the Three Points Center on their website.
J.J. (parent initials used for privacy) – “Super pricy, but solid program. It’s private pay, but they submit to insurance to try to get reimbursements. I think our insurance ended up kicking in a couple thousand dollars which is laughable compared to what we were paying. It basically came down to just covering therapy sessions only. But it was worth it to keep him alive, hopefully give him the tools he needs to cope with things, and give us a little bit of a break from the madness.”
70. Monuments in Parowan, Utah
Check out Monuments’ website to get all the information you need to see if they are the right fit for you.
J.E. (parent initials used for privacy)– “Recommend.”
71. Liahona Academy in Virgin, Utah
You can learn more about Liahona Academy on their website.
A.E. (parent initials used for privacy)– “For boys. Non-religious but allows time for reading, thinking, prayer. Refinanced our home. They billed insurance. Our insurance didn’t pay.”
72. Harbor Point in Portsmouth, Virginia
To get all the information you need to determine if Harbor Point is the right fit for you and your child, be sure to check out their website.
A.M. (parent initials used for privacy)– “Do NOT recommend – unqualified therapists, doctor was rude and unprofessional towards me.”
73. Kids In Focus in Richmond, Virginia
To find out more about the Kids in Focus program, be sure to check out their website.
N.S. (parent initials used for privacy)– “What a joke. My child with RAD, now 13, tells me how she can get through that stay easily. She thought it a vacation while she was there.”
74. Jackson-Field in Emporia, Virginia
Be sure to check out Jackson-Field’s website to learn more about what they have to offer.
C.C. (parent initials used for privacy)– “Recommend. They did fine with her but after 14 months, there was no difference. She was home for 10 days and had to go back into acute.”
75. Three Rivers Treatment Center in Kenbridge, Virginia
If you want to learn more about this program, be sure to check out Three Rivers’ website.
K.H. (parent initials used for privacy)– “This is where my daughter went 4-5 years ago. The staff and therapists were great at the time, no idea how they are now, but if the same then I would recommend.”
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The Devereux program in Glenmore, Pa is a run down, dirty facility with staff who lack the necessary training. It is no more than babysitting with very little appropriate therapy. We had multiple problems. We were sent someone else’s medical information by mistake. The police were regularly on campus due to problems. They would ask my child what the sign in procedure was when we returned from a home visit because the staff didn’t know. When we heard a staff speaking very inappropriately to a child and reported it, my child was confronted and threatened by that staff person. That staff person continued to work there. The psychiatrist didn’t see my child for months even when I asked them to see her because her medication needed to be adjusted. My child was prescribed diabetes medication by mistake without my permission. The doctor was rude when I spoke with him. He admitted he didn’t know the labs we old and that he had not actually seen my child in several months. I realized later that although he was the medical doctor and wrote that she should take the medication, the psychiatrist wrote the actual prescription. So he didn’t care probably because he didn’t write the actual prescription. I was to meet my child at an appointment that was set up by someone in the executive office to help resolve a problem and the staff forgot to bring her to the appointment. When the person in their executive office tells you they know “sorry”one more time is not enough for another thing that should not have happened, you know it’s time to take your child out. Please google the many articles about the abuse in Devereux programs. There should also be articles about the neglect. Please don’t send your child to this awful place.
I’m so sorry you had this experience. Thank you for sharing your experience so other parents can use this information to make informed decisions about their kids.
Excelsior in Aurora, Colorado, permanently closed.
Thanks for the info. I will update our information.
Would definitely not recommend this facility. My young son was sent there and was beat up by several other kids and staff failed to notify us, when we became aware of the incident, staff withheld details about our sons health and condition. Not a safe place for kids.
Not a organized or safe place for any child. My son was referred there. Was ok at first, but then was informed of an incident, staff said it was a fight. Staff lied to us and failed to tell us my son got jumped and beaten by not one but four other kids at the facility. Staff also refused to send photos or information on my son’s condition. Also Staff lied to us about medication that was given and needed medication that was not given to our son. Would seriously not recommend letting your child go here.