Safety at Elevations
Student Safety is Paramount
At Elevations RTC, student safety is our top priority. While negative press about treatment programs may arise from historical incidents of abuse or neglect, we acknowledge that certain programs in the past relied on outdated behavior modification methods, lacked traditional therapy, and were operated by inexperienced staff or faith-based organizations with specific agendas. Programs today have increased regulation and oversight of therapeutic programs in Utah and other states.
Elevations RTC firmly believes that all young people, especially the vulnerable, deserve safe and humane mental health care. While some negative experiences may still occur in certain therapeutic settings, we support the correction or closure of programs that fail to provide safe care.
Regulation and Oversight is Crucial
Treatment programs have significantly evolved over the past 2-3 decades. Today, programs should be licensed by the state, evidence-based, supervised by medical professionals and licensed mental health clinicians, and prioritize compassionate care. Accreditation from national associations dedicated to safety, quality, and effectiveness is also sought.
In Utah, therapeutic programs are closely regulated by the State Office of Licensing, a division of the Department of Human Services. These programs must adhere to stringent safety and effectiveness standards, with inspections conducted four times a year by specially trained state licensors. Half of these inspections are unannounced, and safety-related incidents are investigated by the Office of Licensing. Programs that do not maintain a track record of safety and effectiveness may face sanctions or closure.
An Evidence-Based Approach
Our approach is client based and driven solely on what motivates our teenagers. Our Privileges Pathways incentive program highlights the daily achievements and short term goals for long term success. Social responsibilities that we all demonstrate in our daily lives come with personal satisfaction and rewards; in the case of our students it is personal wants and even a monetary value for doing the right thing (i.e., safety, respect, personal selfcare, community chores, and leadership contributions) to incentivize students. The idea that a student can define a goal and the incentive for achieving this goal motivates their success and removes power struggles of the authority figures within treatment in turn invites the students to take control of their own paths and development.
Respected and Experienced Professionals
Our team of professionals are highly educated in communication strategies, verbal and nonverbal de-escalation techniques, DBT informed skills, and provided an in-depth educational curriculum into diagnosis and trauma informed care. Our clinical professionals take an active role in real time coaching, and training of all staff working directly with our students. We look at our population, the cultural diversity of students and staff, industry best practices trends and the climate of our communities, collaborating weekly to ensure we have a holistic approach that encompasses everyone's growth and needs in and out of the treatment process.
Going Above and Beyond
Furthermore, Elevations RTC goes above and beyond the state-required minimums. We hold accreditation from The Joint Commission, maintaining the highest Gold Status since our establishment. We are a member of the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and commitment to safety and effectiveness is demonstrated by our track record of zero known incidents of abuse or neglect.
For objective evidence of our program’s effectiveness, we collect outcome data using standardized assessment tools handled by third-party researchers at the University of New Hampshire. Our ongoing study supports the effectiveness of our model. We also encourage you to explore success stories from therapeutic program alumni nationwide at www.thrivingnow.me
REDISCOVER THE PERSON THEY ARE TO MEANT TO BECOME.
The 5 Peaks of Elevations
Peak 1: Relationship Model
Every aspect of Elevations is driven by a relationship model where we seek to repair family and peer relationships.
Peak 2 : Therapeutic
Elevations provides a highly professional, therapeutic program which is supported by our accredited staff.
PEAK 3 : Engaging
Elevations offers amazing opportunities for students to experience clinically supported adventure therapy.
PEAK 4 : Valuable
At Elevations, we know that there is no price that you can put on the success and happiness of your child.
Peak 5 : Future Oriented
At Elevations, we can help your teen find their success for college and beyond.