ABOUT ELK RIVER TREATMENT PROGRAM – HUNTSVILLE, AL
Elk River Treatment Program (ERTP) is a nationally recognized teen treatment center. Located on 120 acres in Huntsville, AL., ERTP offers a full range of treatment options for teenage boys and girls facing behavioral and mental health issues, substance abuse, obesity and eating disorders, video game addiction, and other serious conditions. ERTP also cares for medically fragile teens through its 24/7 medical care and supervision.
TREATMENT AND ASSESSMENT
All programs at Elk River Treatment Program are guided by proven, evidence-based treatment models. Upon admission, teens receive an in-depth evaluation to help determine the treatment program most suited to meet their physical, emotional, behavioral, medical and educational needs. Individual, group, and family therapy make up the core features of the weekly curriculum.
At the highest level of care provided, the Elk River Residential Treatment Program offers on-site medical care for medically fragile teens who may otherwise be turned away from receiving quality treatment. Medications are administered at the facility and medication management is overseen by a child and adolescent psychiatrist. Length of stay varies based on need.
A more flexible treatment option, Elk River Transitions offers a therapeutic environment for those who’ve already completed the residential program. Here, teens can continue their schooling with the help from state-certified teachers. In Elk River Healthy Lifestyles, a medically-based weight loss program, teens benefit from counseling, fitness, and education on nutrition.
Families often play a key role the teen’s recovery. Parents can expect weekly updates from their child’s primary therapist, and, when possible, attend on-site workshops. They’re also included in the treatment planning process alongside clinicians, supervisors, counselors, and professional referral sources.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
Elk River Treatment Program employs a diverse team of physicians, child and adolescent psychologists, nurses, certified addiction counselors, licensed clinical social workers, dieticians, equine therapists, educators and administrative staff.
ACCOMMODATIONS AND AMENITIES
On its 120-acre campus, ERTP provides equine assisted learning, a unique opportunity for teens to “learn to interpret non-verbal communication and assertiveness while using creative thinking and problem solving” through guided activities with horses.
In addition, the single Best-rehabs.com survey respondent to date gave four stars for the facility’s meals and five stars for its accommodations and level of cleanliness.
WHAT FRIENDS AND FAMILY SAY
In the sole survey response for Best-rehabs.com to date, an anonymous loved one gave a perfect five stars for treatment effectiveness, the staff’s level of training and experience, the treatment for co-occurring disorders, and the family inclusion. They did not, however, find treatment at Elk River affordable.
FINANCING
Elk River Treatment Program only accepts private insurance; no Medicaid is accepted. It is in-network with Cigna, United Behavioral Health/Optum and Value Option Commercial Insurance and out-of-network with other providers.
Following their application, admissions counselors are assigned to help determine coverage and update families throughout the process. Private loan options, for those in need of additional assistance, may also be available.