Liahona Treatment Center

Liahona Treatment Center Review

Liahona Treatment Center is an all boys residential treatment facility and boarding school located in southern Utah for at risk youth. Treatment provides a structured living environment for adolescent boys who are between the ages of 12 and 17, and struggling with behavioral health issues and substance abuse. There is group and individual therapy, experiential therapies, introduction to the 12 steps and continued education. In addition to the therapeutic aspect of this program, the students also learn a variety of life skills that help as they transition from childhood to adults.

Accommodations and Food

The facility accommodates up to 58 boys who sleep in dorm style bedrooms. The new facility sits on 10 acres of land in Hurricane, Utah. The residence has a home-like quality with several common areas including a living room, kitchen and dining room. There is also a fairly large backyard area, and a track that outlines the property. The grounds run against the Virgin River.

An on-site kitchen staff prepares all meals.

Treatment and Staff

There is a very structured daily schedule that begins with a 6:30 am wake up an ends with lights out at 9 pm. First thing in the morning the students go on a run or exercise outside. Also before breakfast, they work on AA material or have personal study time. There are process groups that aim to hone behavior modification and life skills. Residents can expect individual therapy several times per week. It’s also worth mentioning, the boys attend school for two hours every day.

Recreational therapy is an essential element of this program. This can include art and music therapy, equine therapy, and community service. Students also learn how to take care of themselves though the life skills training aspect of the program. They learn how to clean, cook, balance their budgets, and work on personal fitness. There is a spiritual element to the program here, though they maintain that they are a nondenominational facility.

The program is designed to last between nine and 12 months. Throughout the program clients really focus on themselves and past behaviors and learn how to adjust their negative thoughts and make better choices. There are end of the week evaluations between the students and staff.

The staff includes case managers, Master’s-level therapists, LMFTs, LCSWs, psychiatrist, nurses and educators.

Extras

There are several recreational activities available at Liahona. This includes hiking, football, skiing, lifting weights, camping, swimming, bowling and movies. There are also weekly off-site excursions for students who qualify to go out to restaurants and other events.

There are Skype family therapy sessions twice a month.

In Summary

Liahona is definitely a place that parents who have boys with considerable behavioral and mental health issues would consider, as it is not a typical treatment facility for that age group. It definitely has a “tough love” approach and relies on strict rules and heavily structured days. However, when the program works, it transforms young men—who may have otherwise presented themselves in a way that indicates potential future struggles—into responsible individuals.