Elk River Residential Treatment Program (ERTP)
ERTP a division of The Pinnacle Schools, is an 8-week therapeutic intervention program for troubled teens age
s 12-18. The program provides diagnostic, assessment, education and treatment services on our base campus with a clinically supported, challenging, off-campus expedition. Unlike wilderness programs, ERTP operates from a base campus with a treatment team approach using cognitive behavior modification-group therapy.
The Elk River Residential Treatment Program uses the challenge of the outdoors as a therapeutic teaching tool. The programs use nature as a relevant teaching environment; events occur unpredictably and demand good judgement and cooperation. The health and safety of your teen is our top priority.
ERTP pioneered physician-directed medication management and accredited academics in the short term, outdoor-based setting. For more information on our facilities, treatment and staff see Overview of Programs.
Upon admission, students are given all items necessary for ERTP living. They are outfitted with standard outdoor equipment such as clothing, hiking boots, hat, sleeping bag and rain gear. It is theirs to keep when they depart.
We address the needs of many students, common issues include:
- ADD/ADHD There has been great controversy over the existence of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder but if your teen has it, you will feel its effects. These kids may present with difficulty sustaining attention in class and may have problems with short-term memory function. Other kids will be in constant motion, unable to sit for any length of time. They will talk out in class and exhibit impulsiveness. Most kids with AD/HD diagnosis will demonstrate both inattentiveness and hyperactive-impulsive behaviors. AD/HD has been shown to be a risk factor for the development of poor academic functioning, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Conduct Disorder, substance use and a myriad of other behavioral problems.
- Asperger's SyndromeAsperger's Syndrome is a mild form of autism. Individuals with Asperger's Syndrome may be very bright and capable, but may also have serious difficulties with social interaction, or have unusually low tolerance for loud noise, bright lights, crowds etc. Because it is relatively mild, Asperger's Syndrome s often diagnosed in older children and adults. It is sometimes called the "Little Professor Syndrome" or "Geek Syndrome."
- Bipolar Disorder One of the most misunderstood syndromes in child mental health is Bipolar Disorders. Traditionally, Bipolar Disorder or Manic Depressive Illness is considered a mood disorder with alternating episodes of extreme euphoria/mania and dysphoria/depression. These moods cycle unpredictably and often abruptly with no obvious, observable cause being discernable to the patient's life. Bipolar Disorder is poorly defined in children and adolescents. Often patients who are severe examples of Oppositional Defiant Disorder and Conduct Disorder are misdiagnosed as Bipolar Disorder. The Elk River Residential Treatment Program will accept students with this diagnosis if the extreme behaviors are controlled via medication prior to entry.
- Conduct Disorder
- Defiance Individuals with a disposition to resist and/or willingness to contend or fight.
- DepressionAn illness that involves the body, mood and thoughts that affects the way a person eats and sleeps, the way one feels about oneself, and the way one thinks about things. The signs and symptoms of depression include: loss of interest in activities; loss of appetite with weight loss or overeating with weight gain; loss of emotional expression; a persistently sad or anxious mood; feelings of hopelessness, pessimism, social withdrawal; low energy level; trouble concentrating, remembering, or making decisions; unusual restlessness or irritability. Alcohol or drug abuse may also be signs of depression.
- Disrespect
- Dual DiagnosisA diagnosis of an emotional disorder and a developmental delay, drug and alcohol use or a mental illness in the same person.
- Adoption/Divorce/Family Issues
- Drug/Alcohol Use and Abuse
- Immaturity
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- Impulsivity
- Lack of Motivation
- Learning Differences"Learning Differences" refer to a number of disorders which may affect the acquisition, organization, retention, understanding or use of verbal or nonverbal information. These disorders affect learning in individuals who otherwise demonstrate at least average abilities essential for thinking and/or reasoning. Examples are ADD/ADHD, Asperger's Syndrome
- Low Self-Esteem
- Mood Difficulties
- Obesity The state of being well above one's normal weight. A person has traditionally been considered to be obese if they are more than 20 percent over their ideal weight. That ideal weight must take into account the person's height, age, sex and build. Visit http:apps.nccd.cdc.gov/dnpabmi/ to learn your teen's Body Mass Index.
- Online Gaming Addiction Online gaming addiction is an addiction to online video games, role-playing games or any interactive gaming environment. This addiction has increased dramatically in the U.S. Gaming stimulates the brain's "reward centers" which stimulates the same high a drug addict or alcoholic feels. Signs and symptoms include: restless and irritable when doing other activities, eating meals at the computer while gaming, inability to keep track of time spent gaming, increasingly defensive about game playing habits, declining school performance, skipping class to continue game play, defiant, isolation from family and friends.
- Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is characterized by a pattern of negativistic, hostile and defiant behavior lasting at least 6 months. ODD is an externalizing behavior problem, i.e., it affects parents and others by making them uncomfortable. Most often, the teen with ODD feels that these externalizing behaviors are normal and acceptable; everyone else is out of line. Essentially, an ODD adolescent will present with non-compliance to adult requests, disrespect of adults and peers, anger management problems, and a failure to accept responsibility for these behaviors.
- Poor Peer Relationships
- Reactive Attachment DisorderReactive attachment disorder is a rare but serious mental health condition in which infants and young children don't establish healthy bonds to parents or caregivers. Basic needs for comfort, affection, nurturing and stimulation that weren't met, resulting in children who never learned how to create loving and caring attachments with other people. They are unable to give or receive affection.
- TruancyFailure to attend school regularly without parents approval./Poor School Performance
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ERTP does not accept students who have unstable eating disorders (see Healthy Lifestyles), predatory behavior or severe learning differences. While students may be coping with social, psychological or emotional issues they must be physically capable of exercise without significant physical/medical conditions.
Find out more about the ERTP Program and its approach to helping troubled teens.
Elk River Residential Treatment Program supports the mission of The Pinnacle Schools by providing an environment of respect, acceptance and challenge where students can become confident, self-directed, educated and contributing members of society.
