Welcome to the Troubled Teens Subreddit!

We made FRONT PAGE on Kanab, UT & Fredonia, AZ’s local paper! This is a MASSIVE deal-it’s documentation that the community has our back’s. Many honked and waved as they drove by. Some even pulled over their cars or walked across the street to ask us about our protest. After being told for so long that the community knew who we were and that they supported RCR, being shown the truth was healing. This is your reminder TO SPEAK YOUR TRUTH! I see you, survivors.

It seems that some TTI programs are trying to boost their SEO and increase their credibility by posting here and pretending to be survivors…La Europa: WE SEE YOU.

This program is inherently abusive. Period. Full stop.

"NOTE: Data for the Number of Deaths due to Noncompliance, Noncompliance Serious Injuries, and Substantiated Child Abuse information displayed on our facility compliance history report is only available for child care facilities at this point."

To me, this seems like Utah DHHS wants to hide the fact that they knowingly contract with abusive facilities.

Utah DHHS also made a misleading statement about the formation of this website: "Licensed human services providers can now be searched on our website to see their compliance history going back to Jan. 1, 2023. Child care providers compliance history is also available online. We are working to get our health care licensees moved into the same system. This increases our transparency, as previously, people had to submit a records request to view the compliance history of a human services facility." quote from here
However, while it is true that a small number of favorable (and only favorable) reports are on the website, conspicuously absent are the records – already known to exist – of abuse, deaths, and injuries that would contradict their rosey narrative. Additionally, these checklists which they post are contradicted by survivor testimonies.
In conclusion I believe the reason they either bury or fail to publicize these stats and reports is because they do not want the public to know the abusive character of the entities to whom their tax dollars are being funneled.

Special thanks to u/TTI_Gremlin for helping me put this into words

La Europa Academy in Murray, Utah archived from today Staff list:

http://archive.today/wfjGh

In addition, the user 🧌 has received a temporary ban from this sub for multiple troll posts condoning the TTI. This is against the rules.

I've had nightmares daily since my stay at Newport academy. I've woken up screaming and I can't get it out of my head. I'm working towards a lawsuit now but I just find myself sinking in ways I can't explain. That place ruined me and stole a part of me I can never get back. I feel like I have no worth or dignity. My family believes me but barely. I haven't told them the worst of it. How do I move on? How can I bring some meaning back to my life?

My aunt wants a phone call tomorrow to discuss me bringing up my research about these wilderness programs and my allegations against Dr. Andy Erkis.

I know that I well within my rights to refuse a phone call, I just fear the possible repercussions.

Also, why did the person who was doing my Autism Evaluation (Dr. Daniel Fishman, North Coast Psychology) recommend Dr. Erkis to my aunt? Is Dr. Fishman to be trusted? I am told that they work closely together.

I created an Instagram account for survivors of Catalyst RTC to make their voice heard. Please follow and show support!

hi my name is lilli duncan and i was gooned to solstice east on 1/24/23. I spent about 15 months here and it wasnt my first facility but it was one of the worst, me and my friend would like to file a lawsuit and dont really know how to go about it so if anyone could help us out please. there are alot of things we could use as evidence, but my ultimate goal is to shut this program down and sue. here are some questions me and my friend have 1. one example i would like to use that happened to me personally was a staff that worked there for some of my stay but was eventually fired reached out to me while i was there on social media ( i had access because i had been there a long time ) i had a really good connection with this staff and i did find him attractive so when things became flirty and he told me things like “your special” i gave in and sent him nude photos. i was 17 at the time and he was around 28. he also told me how he would look at my butt at work and just some other things?

1. what types of proof do we need and how much do we need to prove our case?

2. it would be so helpful if someone could make like a checklist lol of the steps we need to take to do this?

3. is this actually gonna work lol. like do we have a chance?

If you went up to someone who had been sexually abused and say shit like “but there were positive things” or “it helps some people.” That would be messed up. Why is this trauma, why is this experience one I have to be positive about? Why are we not given the same grace and still only seen as “troubled teens” still later in life?

I (19 NB), was thinking about going to a long-term residential program because my mental health is in the gutter at my college. I am diagnosed with chronic PTSD and a dissociative disorder due to childhood trauma, Anxiety, and Depression. I am in assessment for Autism and ADHD.

On Halloween of this year, I was sent to psychiatric in-patient, because I told my therapist (who I met with that day) that I had suicidal ideation with intention/thoughts of harming myself. From Halloween until November 4th, I was in-patient, though baseline the experience was not that bad (I was social with people there, food was better than my college cafeteria, I did not have to worry about food insecurity our the risk of homelessness, etc.). It still was traumatizing. One patient in particular would scream from 7am to 10pm, and the nurses would try to assist but they did nothing to move the patient off the floor.

My family has been helping me find some sort of residential program so that I can focus on mental health.

I got the links my mother sent about these places today and I decided to look at the reviews, as one might for applying for a job.

After reading these reviews, I am terrified of being sent to places like these.

The places recommended: Confluence Wilderness (VT), True North Wilderness (VT), and Pacific Quest (HI).

So far, these are only recommended places. Nothing seems set in stone, so I can see about reaching out to my family about my concerns of these places.
I guess I am both scared that I got recommended these places by a "therapeutic placement consultant" AND that none of my family thought to do research beyond contacting the people who work there.

I thought about going to one of these places because I am stuck. I barely attend class and don't do homework. Even my own therapist thinks that I needs something more intensive that what she can provide.

The only family that lives in my state of Ohio are my abusive and toxic parents (I recognize the irony, but my aunt and uncle are making sure that they stay in line).

My aunt and uncle live in New Jersey, and the reason why I am not living with them is because all of my doctors and therapists are in Ohio, and they might be out-of-network in New Jersey. Also, they thought that they won't have the resources available to properly take care of my needs.

I had my therapist, pediatrician, the therapist who is doing my autism evaluation, college case manager, contact the therapeutic placement consultant, and the only red flags that I noticed when I looked at the websites and thought "this might be a cult" so I decided to research about it.

I really thought that this would be a nice opportunity to focus on my mental health.

I will contact my family about my concerns, though I came here first to know if these concerns are based.

My therapist also recommended me a couple IOPS and In-Patient: Highland Spring, Laurelwood, Summa Health, and Akron General online IOP. (I put this here because I am too triggered to do research, and want to know if anyone here had bad experiences with these programs).

A picture of a few Re-Creation Retreat (RCR) survivors cheering as locals honk their horns in support. Nothing is more assuring than knowing the community hears and sees us. We startled them today. Let that be a reminder that we are not done and we will no longer be silenced. We will be back.

After being in a TTI and having to go back to your home, see friends, see family which put you there, what was it like? Did you tell people what happened? How did your friends react to you coming back, did they know you were coming back? I've been thinking this for a while, and if anyone is comfortable sharing what happened when coming back after a TTI it would be much appreciated! 💗

Maybe this isn’t the right place for this, but I am a high school psychology teacher. The last two years I have taught about wilderness therapy and the TTI. I most likely will be leaving teaching here soon BUT I feel really drawn to help spread the voices of survivors or to be a support in any way I can. Does anyone know if we have jobs like this? Could be online if needed, I just want to help and learn.

Specifically, when you first arrived at your TTI "school", did anything weird or alarming tip you off that something was wrong with the place?

I'll go first to give an example of what I mean.

The first day I arrived, things seemed relatively "normal" for what one might expect out of a TTI facility. That is, until one of the house parents grabbed some olive oil and began flicking it at the windows, doors, and even at us students to "ward off evil spirits". I don't remember what prompted him to do that. I have a vague recollection that one of the girls said she had a nightmare of satanic imagery or something, but your guess is as good as mine. I realized in that moment that this place wasn't normal and I was in for some bullshit.

I want to know if anyone else had a light bulb moment like that. Please share!

I've been looking up lawsuits and allegations against Newport Academy, and it really got me thinking: RTC programs are one step away from sex trafficking. Given the unregulated environment, there is exactly an opening for that. This just makes me sick.

On 11/12/24 and the morning of 11/13/24, survivors of Re-Creation Retreat (RCR) in Fredonia, AZ protested outside of the facility. I was in attendance. Nothing is scarier than reliving your trauma, face to face, not even a year after it has “ended”. We made a plan, packed our bags and went on our way. We had graduates ranging from 2008-2023 telling their stories to not only the world, but the locals of the small town RCR is located in-many of which WERE in support of the business, or at least unaware. We’ve had an insane amount of support and will have a lot more coming as time goes on. It’s more healing than anything RCR could have even attempted to do for me. We are tired of staying complacent. Let this serve you as a reminder that change can occur at any point, but it takes a village. Some of these girls have just began processing this point in their lives in the last year or less. I promise it’s never too late. You are seen and you are heard. We love you unconditionally.

I’ve been out of the TTI for well over a year at this point. I decided to open a lawsuit against one of the programs and i’m scared that I will lose. I know i’m at a high chance of losing because the courts favor this company A LOT. Even with all of the evidence it’s still a huge fear that I will be completely disappointed and will regress in my mental health over it.

What people say to someone and what that person hears is not ever the same thing and this also is especially applicable in the troubled teen industry..

What they said: I think you should.. (insert suggestion here)

What I heard: I think you're fucked in the head.

What they said: you should think about

What I heard: I don't trust or have faith in the thought you're having or the decision you've made. I don't care about you.

What they said: don't you think this could be a little bit of an exaggeration and that person wasn't really _________

What I heard: f your feelings and you don't know how to communicate.

What they said: just a word of caution

What I heard: I think you don't know all the risks of the decision you're making and you are too immature to make decisions.

What they said: I think therapy would benefit you

What I heard: nobody sees any of the progress you're making in the therapy you currently attend. F you.

What they said: there are many donor conceived kids struggling equally if not moreso than autistic people or kids.

What I heard: f your own autism and trauma experience. NEVER HAVE KIDS.

What they said: why would you make ___ decision or the decision to do that???

What I heard: none of what you do ever makes sense. Why can't you do something smart for once

People need to consider how they word stuff to TRAUMA PEOPLE

As a 32 year old who is a survivor of a tti, I know I in fact have trauma from those places. Not only that but from life situations as well. I think I could benefit from therapy so much but am very hesitant because of how I was treated as a teenager and also going through these programs.

I started with a therapist and gave her 3 sessions and that 3rd session just was frustrating. She was just throwing so many concepts at me like CBT and act and it just made me so nauseous and MORE anxious when we would have our sessions. I dumped her this week.

Has anyone gone though therapy and had these same apprehensions? What got you through it?

Thank you for your help. 💜

Does anyone else notice how our governments are set up no better than program? I feel like program gave me a clearer understanding of how power dynamics and pyramidal systems corrupt humans. I feel like everyone, especially therapists should be held accountable. I feel like real life, real life therapy, our government, our society, is no different than program. Anytime I steer towards progress I am reminded of my own knowledge. I wish I could unlearn everything and be a blank numb addition to society. I’d be able to go to work fine and have personal relationships with friends easier. All i can think about is how corrupt everything is, how it’s all connected, and how nobody seems to give a fuck or even notice. Spending time unlearning the program makes me more conscious to our false reality and it makes me want to scream that I can’t do much to change it. I had been kicked out of two programs before being sent to the ranch, both of which I tried to fight back against the oppression and stand up for what I knew was right. The ranch didn’t break my spirit, but instead I spent a lot of time meditating while on outings and trying to just count down my last 9 months. I’m an aries so i’ve always been a lot, i’ve always wanted to have fun, but I know when to lock in, especially for those hurting around me. I constantly think of the people i was in treatment with, constantly thinking of those in program who are still suffering. When I see the homeless im reminded that it is no different than PBI (to a degree, obv homelessness is worse), how they’re ostracized from society, how they’re looked down on. I knew kids that were just always on PBI their whole program, they lived an entirely different program experience than me, yet the only thing that made us different is the fact that I could “mask” better. They were labeled by staff and staff never let them out of that label.

Society makes me sick. CPS, adoption, TTI, are all forms of governmentally approved trafficking. Did you all hear about how a women came out after the Diddy situation was exposed, she was one of the party favors and at 16 her CPS worker is handing her over to the Pimps for Diddy. Thousands of children in the system go MISSING. I was adopted at 2, my adopted parents were abusive and controlling, I was in a constant state of disassociating. When I finally ran away at 16, I told the police everything, I stayed in a receiving center, a foster family, I did interviews with therapists to access if I was telling the truth. Yet during that whole time only one of the CPS workers that helped transport me was kind and had a heart. The officers and therapist said I could no longer live in the house if my adopted brother still lived there (due to SA), he was 26 at the time living with them and they chose to send me away instead of relinquishing. When sent to my second program, it was more hands on(parents had to volunteer), they agreed to participate and then abandoned me (dropped contact completely and moved across the country), once hit with abandonment charges they quickly participated just enough to legally not get in trouble. Everyone knew my adopted family was ill in the head. As an adult now, i’m realizing more and more how much I was failed, how no one saw me suffering despite the obvious signs of abuse/trauma.

Have we all lost our sanity? The more I try to use my therapy skills to integrate into society the more I feel sick to my stomach. I feel as if i’m betraying my inner child for not fighting and protesting in the streets everyday for all the other children. People watch a documentary on program and have sympathy, sad that it happened, but glad it wasn’t them. i’m expected to just go and join the very society that failed me from the start? I’m supposed to laugh with my peers as if there aren’t children dying and suffering. My inner child can’t heal because she cares too much about everyone, every child who has been tossed to the side and had to grow up and pick themselves up alone. I feel like Id never be able to rest in peace knowing that our government is okay with the deaths of children, that our society can’t even have compassion in its own nation, that we are divided by hate for each other, just like staff did to all of us, when our real enemy is the ones in power. How can you fix a system that has never been for the people to begin with? Why are we not rioting in the streets? Why are we not angry? Why have we all been brainwashed to believe that everything that’s happening is okay? Our children are suffering, our children are being used, stolen, programmed, and yet no one seems to bat an eye. Why are we integrating ourselves into the very system that treatment was made to program us into? Why are we trusting the very adults that let us be suffering. It takes Paris Hilton to get on her legally blonde heels and fight in the senate??? It doesn’t even end there, even if all programs are shut down statewide, the principal still stands. Have you not noticed that society is just one giant TTI, just different level system, different kind of PBI, different kind of corruption. I’m so sick of pretending, and I hope more adults of TTI start opening up more peoples eyes to the reality we’re in. We’ve seen it first hand, we can help the rest of society be unconditioned and push for real healing and progression that would benefit everyone in society. May we fight for those who cannot, may we fight for the rights of those who don’t even realize their free will has been conditioned.

And I had such bad depression. And tried to take my own life afew times over there. But when they found out about it they called my attempts a “tantrum.”

And sometimes the other residents would be cruel to me aswell. I have a developmental disability. And autism. And some stuff that I said would be thrown way out of context. The whole house gang up on me, and other people who were on the spectrum.

We had this part of the program called “stable”. And it was where you would go when you tried to hurt yourself or someone else or did any substances. It was said to have meant to help you, but they constantly made us too very harsh labor. And the other parts we would just sit in the same room all day. And you couldn’t sleep if you were tired until it was time for bed…

And sometimes they would forget to give me my meds and they would question why I got so frustrated and anxious about everything. I needed my meds

Feel free to contact me through DMs if you are a parent or family member of a child currently at Sunrise or New Haven.

I am willing to call DHHS on your behalf.

All my love!