Elk River Academy (ERA) is a step-up or tiered midterm program. Completion of a short-term program may indicate the need for an extended placement but not necessarily a long term program. ERA offers a flexible length of stay up to 8 months. Students must complete the Elk River Wilderness Challenge (ERWC) or other short term wilderness based program to be accepted into ERA. Students in the ERA have made substantial gains in the short-term but are in need of a transitional living environment to solidify those gains. The length of stay is driven by the identification of solid goals for the future of the student. The achievement of these goals is facilitated by strong relationships with a competent, ethical and caring adult staff. ERA students will receive group therapy, academics, (see course listings), and experiential learning.

Upon admission to the ERA your child will be assigned a treatment team including a supervisor, trained counselors, and a clinician. Parents are an integral part of the team and will receive weekly updates on their child's progress.

The ERA program is individualized to meet the needs of each student. Some may need an additional month, until a college semester begins, others may need 3 months to complete high school course work, and still others may be preparing for military service, independent living or a return home. The ERA is an interim step to a defined future plan.

ERA students have the following privileges:

• Students live in cabins
• Students may wear their own clothing (appropriate and approved by ERA staff)
• Weekly phone calls home
• Regular family visits, off campus or home, dependent on the student's projected length of stay
• Spending money provided by parents (distributed by ERA staff)
• Periodic off campus field trips with staff and other students
• Writing to selected friends (parental approval)
• Earning additional privileges (CD players, radios, books etc.)

Elk River Academy supports the mission of The Pinnacle Schools by providing an environment of respect, acceptance, and challenge where students can become self directed, educated, and contributing members of society.

Why Choose Elk River Academy?

• Flexible Length of Stay (8 months)
• No Long Term Contract
• Physician Directed Medication Management
• Accredited Academic Curriculum and Credit Recovery
• Experienced, Highly Trained Clinical Staff
• Group and Individual Counseling
• Cognitive Behavior Modification - Group Process Model
• Assessment and Referral Services
• Electronic Medical Record
• Low Student to Staff Ratio
• 24 hour "Awake" staff
• Optional Specialty groups - AA/NA/OA/OLGANON/Bible Study
• Competitive and All-Inclusive Fees
• Rolling Admissions
• Licensed by the State of Alabama Department of Youth Services
• Members of Industry Specific Organizations: NATSAP and NATWC