Facility profile Utah

Copper Hills Youth Center

Formerly Rivendell of Utah

Open West Jordan, Utah

Copper Hills Youth Center is a psychiatric hospital in West Jordan, Utah, operated by Universal Health Services (UHS). It has operated since 1986.

About Copper Hills Youth Center

It believed rebrand of Rivendell of Utah.source

Its address was 5899 W. Rivendell Dr. (8890 South), West Jordan, UT.source 1, source 2 It was described as a psychiatric hospital.source Stays lasted 9 months to 3 years.source It reported use of seclusion and restraints; uses Positive Peer Culture model.source

It was a member of NATSAP member since 2005, apparently no longer.source

Also drawn on: PSI 10-K FY2009 Exhibit 21, 2010.

Survivor testimony

What people who lived or worked here say happened. Survivors' own words are published with their permission; forum accounts are what was posted publicly and are reported as claims, not findings.

Reported on survivor forums

Timeline

From the records: who ran it and the deals that moved it, its names, and the deaths, incidents, inspection findings, lawsuits and news stories on file. Point at an event, or tap "More about this", for the details.

1986199519961997200120052010201520172019202019862020

  1. 1986

    1. Opened

      Opened in West Jordan, Utah

  2. 1995

    1. Incident

      Investigation

      HEAL posted West Jordan police call complaints for Copper Hills from 1995 to May 2014, which include multiple reports of child abuse and sex offenses.

      Investigation

      source

    2. IncidentJuly 1995

      License action

      Rivendell was cited in July 1995 for lacking a competent administrator and in February 1996 for insufficient competent staff.

      License action July 1995

      source

  3. 1996

    1. IncidentMarch 1996

      Investigation

      In March 1996 police were called to quell a disturbance of four to five patients who broke furniture; the licensing bureau ordered a follow-up investigation...

      Investigation March 1996

      In March 1996 police were called to quell a disturbance of four to five patients who broke furniture; the licensing bureau ordered a follow-up investigation and said the hospital had an above average number of violations.

      source

  4. 1997

    1. IncidentMay 1997

      Closure order

      Rivendell of Utah was ordered to close in May 1997 and Copper Hills Youth Center immediately opened in its place.

      Closure order May 1997

      source

  5. 2001

    1. Incident

      Lawsuit

      A 2001 federal lawsuit alleged a 31-year-old behavioral technician had an inappropriate relationship with a 16-year-old female resident; the case was dismissed.

      Lawsuit

      source

  6. 2005

    1. Incident

      Investigation

      In 2005 Utah investigators looked into a pattern of simple assault reports and found them without merit, mostly minor scuffles between residents.

      Investigation

      source

  7. 2010

    1. OwnershipNovember 15, 2010

      Universal Health Services (UHS): Bought Psychiatric Solutions, adding its 94 behavioral health facilities

      Psychiatric Solutions Inc and Universal Health Services ran Copper Hills Youth Center on either side of the deal.

      Universal Health Services (UHS): Bought Psychiatric Solutions, adding its 94 behavioral health facilities November 15, 2010

      UHS announced the deal on May 17, 2010, paying $2 billion in cash and taking on $1.1 billion of PSI debt. It completed the acquisition on November 15, 2010. After closing UHS ran 25 acute care hospitals and 102 behavioral health facilities and schools, and PSI brought 94 facilities. ProPublica reported that the combined company would be the largest US operator of inpatient psychiatric care.

      source 1, source 2

  8. 2015

    1. Incident

      Incident

      The Idaho Department of Juvenile Corrections terminated its contract with Copper Hills after the 2015 report of sexual misconduct.

      Incident

      source

    2. Incident

      License action

      State officials put Copper Hills' license on probation for six months in late 2015 after the 2014 seclusion room incident, citing understaffing, improper use...

      License action

      State officials put Copper Hills' license on probation for six months in late 2015 after the 2014 seclusion room incident, citing understaffing, improper use of a shared seclusion room and failure to report within 24 hours.

      source

    3. IncidentMarch 2, 2015

      Sexual abuse

      A March 2015 report of sexual misconduct between two boys, one an Idaho Department of Juvenile Corrections inmate, led Idaho to terminate its contract and move...

      Sexual abuse March 2, 2015

      A March 2015 report of sexual misconduct between two boys, one an Idaho Department of Juvenile Corrections inmate, led Idaho to terminate its contract and move its five juveniles out by April 30.

      source

    4. IncidentNovember 2015

      Arrest

      On Sunday, November 1, 2015, ten teenagers aged 13 to 17 were arrested at Copper Hills Youth Center and booked into juvenile detention for investigation on...

      Arrest November 2015

      On Sunday, November 1, 2015, ten teenagers aged 13 to 17 were arrested at Copper Hills Youth Center and booked into juvenile detention for investigation on charges including rioting and assault on a police officer, after residents argued with staff and fought police; no one was seriously injured.

      source

  9. 2017

    1. IncidentOctober 12, 2017

      Criminal charge

      Counselor Marty Clough was charged October 12, 2017 with four felony counts of sexual exploitation of a minor and one misdemeanor count of enticing a minor...

      Criminal charge October 12, 2017

      Counselor Marty Clough was charged October 12, 2017 with four felony counts of sexual exploitation of a minor and one misdemeanor count of enticing a minor over the internet after sexual conversations with a 17-year-old former resident; he pled guilty and spent 60 days in jail.

      source

    2. IncidentNovember 1, 2017

      Incident

      A riot on November 1, 2017 drew 15 to 20 officers; at least 10 minors were booked into detention facing charges including rioting and assaulting a police officer.

      Incident November 1, 2017

      source

  10. 2019

    1. IncidentJanuary 2019

      Investigation

      After a January 2019 complaint, state investigators found Copper Hills understaffed and not properly submitting incident reports and placed it on a corrective action plan.

      Investigation January 2019

      source

    2. IncidentApril 2019

      Sexual abuse

      In April 2019 two boys were reported acting out sexually; a staff member was fired for reporting 15-minute checks he did not do.

      Sexual abuse April 2019

      source

    3. IncidentMay 2019

      Restraint

      In May 2019 state investigators found staff failed to supervise a teen girl who cut herself; staff restrained her for nearly an hour with injections of...

      Restraint May 2019

      In May 2019 state investigators found staff failed to supervise a teen girl who cut herself; staff restrained her for nearly an hour with injections of chlorpromazine and Ativan and she needed 22 stitches.

      source

    4. IncidentAugust 16, 2019

      Lawsuit

      An August 16, 2019 lawsuit alleged staff failed to supervise residents; in August 2014 boys disciplined for sexual comments were left in a seclusion room for 3...

      Lawsuit August 16, 2019

      An August 16, 2019 lawsuit alleged staff failed to supervise residents; in August 2014 boys disciplined for sexual comments were left in a seclusion room for 3 hours where sexual abuse occurred.

      source

  11. 2020

    1. In the newsNovember 22, 2020

      Provo Canyon School Closure

      1 article in HuffPost Canada.

      Provo Canyon School Closure November 22, 2020

      The article reports allegations of physical restraint, solitary confinement, and sexual misconduct at several U.S. troubled‑teen boarding schools that housed Canadian teenagers. Survivors describe harsh punishments, forced medication, and isolation, and the facilities have faced legal and regulatory scrutiny.

As Rivendell of Utah

1986 to 1997

Incidents on record

  1. 1995 Investigation

    HEAL posted West Jordan police call complaints for Copper Hills from 1995 to May 2014, which include multiple reports of child abuse and sex offenses.source

  2. July 1995 License action

    Rivendell was cited in July 1995 for lacking a competent administrator and in February 1996 for insufficient competent staff.source

  3. March 1996 Investigation

    In March 1996 police were called to quell a disturbance of four to five patients who broke furniture; the licensing bureau ordered a follow-up investigation and said the hospital had an above average number of violations.source

  4. Incident

    Local police have reportedly been called to Copper Hills more than 100 times since 2014.source

As Copper Hills Youth Center

from 1997 | Psychiatric Solutions Inc, Universal Health Services

Incidents on record

  1. May 1997 Closure order

    Rivendell of Utah was ordered to close in May 1997 and Copper Hills Youth Center immediately opened in its place.source

  2. 2001 Lawsuit

    A 2001 federal lawsuit alleged a 31-year-old behavioral technician had an inappropriate relationship with a 16-year-old female resident; the case was dismissed.source

  3. 2005 Investigation

    In 2005 Utah investigators looked into a pattern of simple assault reports and found them without merit, mostly minor scuffles between residents.source

  4. 2015 Incident

    The Idaho Department of Juvenile Corrections terminated its contract with Copper Hills after the 2015 report of sexual misconduct.source

  5. 2015 License action

    State officials put Copper Hills' license on probation for six months in late 2015 after the 2014 seclusion room incident, citing understaffing, improper use of a shared seclusion room and failure to report within 24 hours.source

  6. March 2, 2015 Sexual abuse

    A March 2015 report of sexual misconduct between two boys, one an Idaho Department of Juvenile Corrections inmate, led Idaho to terminate its contract and move its five juveniles out by April 30.source

  7. November 2015 Arrest

    On Sunday, November 1, 2015, ten teenagers aged 13 to 17 were arrested at Copper Hills Youth Center and booked into juvenile detention for investigation on charges including rioting and assault on a police officer, after residents argued with staff and fought police; no one was seriously injured.source

  8. October 12, 2017 Criminal charge

    Counselor Marty Clough was charged October 12, 2017 with four felony counts of sexual exploitation of a minor and one misdemeanor count of enticing a minor over the internet after sexual conversations with a 17-year-old former resident; he pled guilty and spent 60 days in jail.source

  9. November 1, 2017 Incident

    A riot on November 1, 2017 drew 15 to 20 officers; at least 10 minors were booked into detention facing charges including rioting and assaulting a police officer.source

  10. January 2019 Investigation

    After a January 2019 complaint, state investigators found Copper Hills understaffed and not properly submitting incident reports and placed it on a corrective action plan.source

  11. April 2019 Sexual abuse

    In April 2019 two boys were reported acting out sexually; a staff member was fired for reporting 15-minute checks he did not do.source

  12. May 2019 Restraint

    In May 2019 state investigators found staff failed to supervise a teen girl who cut herself; staff restrained her for nearly an hour with injections of chlorpromazine and Ativan and she needed 22 stitches.source

  13. August 16, 2019 Lawsuit

    An August 16, 2019 lawsuit alleged staff failed to supervise residents; in August 2014 boys disciplined for sexual comments were left in a seclusion room for 3 hours where sexual abuse occurred.source

News coverage

  • HuffPost Canada Nov 22, 2020 Expose

    Allegations of Abuse at U.S. Troubled‑Teen Boarding Schools Involving Canadian Teens

    The article reports allegations of physical restraint, solitary confinement, and sexual misconduct at several U.S. troubled‑teen boarding schools that housed Canadian teenagers. Survivors describe harsh punishments, forced medication, and isolation, and the facilities have faced legal and regulatory scrutiny. The piece highlights gaps in oversight and the impact on the survivors’ mental health.

Federal funding

Federal money this program received, as government records, congressional reports and news coverage show it.

Medicaid

  • 2024-2026: Listed by Montana's Medicaid program among the out-of-state psychiatric residential treatment facilities it pays for, in 2024, September 2025 and April 2026. source

Medicaid and federal child welfare funds

  • 2022-2024: Named in the U.S. Senate Finance Committee's June 2024 staff report "Warehouses of Neglect" (pp. 33, 65), which covers youth residential treatment placements "funded through the Medicaid program and the Social Security Act's child welfare provisions" (p. 3). The report says Medicaid was 39 percent of Universal Health Services' behavioral health revenue in 2023 (pp. 28-29). The report cites Alaska's review of it under federal Medicaid rules (p. 65). source

TRICARE (health insurance for military families)

  • Runs a Universal Health Services program for military dependents (Patriot Support). source

Incidents on record

  1. Abuse

    Rivendell practiced conversion therapy on LGBTQ+ residents, including plethysmograph testing, shocks and aversive ammonia, according to survivors.source

Staff

Administration

  • Phil Sheridan

    CEOsource

  • Robby Lindquist

    Administrator and Therapist, Therapist (2013-2022, r/troubledteens wiki)source

    Elsewhere in the industry

  • Sandra Podley

    Administrator (1996, r/troubledteens wiki)source

Notable staff

Licensing and inspections

License category
Residential Treatment
Licensed capacity
184
License expires
07/31/2027
Licensing action
Licensed
Phone on file
8015613377
Licensed address
5899 W Rivendell Dr, West Jordan, UT, 84081

40 inspection reports on file. Search all Utah reports

The newest 25 reports, by date: 7 findings in 5 reports
  1. Jul 30, 2026 Investigation Inspection (1 finding)
    1 finding

    • Out of compliance, investigation inspection : R380-80-5(7) Maintaining health and safety of clients

      The provider was out of compliance with Rule R380-80-5(4) and (7) by failing to protect clients from any action that may compromise the health and safety of clients. During the inspection, the investigator received information that a staff member supplied a vape to two students at the facility.

  2. Jun 11, 2026 Announced, Annual Inspection
  3. Feb 10, 2026 Follow-Up Inspection
  4. Feb 3, 2026 Conditional, Monitoring Inspection
  5. Jan 13, 2026 3rd Unannounced
  6. Dec 23, 2025 Conditional, Monitoring Inspection
  7. Dec 10, 2025 2nd Unannounced
  8. Nov 25, 2025 Conditional, Monitoring Inspection
  9. Sep 25, 2025 Investigation Inspection
  10. Sep 9, 2025 Complaint, Investigation Inspection (1 finding)
    1 finding

    • Out of compliance, complaint, investigation inspection : R380-80-5(4) Provider shall protect clients from abuse, prevent abuse

      The provider was out of compliance with rule R380-80-5(4) by compromising the health and safety of a client. During a planned hiking activity on September 3, 2025 a client required emergency assistance during the hike. The client was returned to the program where the client continued to display illness for two days. The investigator confirmed during the inspection, the client did not receive necessary medical attention until September 5, 2025, despite documented evidence and opinion by medical professionals indicating an earlier need for medical intervention.

  11. Aug 27, 2025 Follow-Up Inspection
  12. Jul 21, 2025 Investigation Inspection
  13. Jul 11, 2025 Follow-Up Inspection, Unannounced, Annual Inspection
  14. Jul 1, 2025 Follow-Up Inspection, Non On-Site Inspection
  15. Jun 19, 2025 Investigation Inspection
  16. Jun 11, 2025 Announced, Annual Inspection (1 finding)
    1 finding

    • Out of compliance, announced, annual inspection : R380-600-7(16)(a)-(e) Critical incidents reporting requirements

      The Licensee was out of compliance with R380-600-7(16)(a-d) by not reporting a critical incident to the Office within one business day. During the inspection it was observed that three critical incidents were not reported to the office by the previous Risk Manager. This is a repeat citation as noted on May 1, 2025.

  17. Jun 6, 2025 Investigation Inspection
  18. May 1, 2025 Complaint, Investigation Inspection (3 findings)
    3 findings

    • Out of compliance, complaint, investigation inspection : R380-600-7(16)(a)-(d) Critical incidents reporting requirements

      The Licensee was out of compliance with rule R380-600-7(16)(a) by not submitting a critical incident report to the office within one business day. During the inspection, the investigator verified that a critical incident occurred on February 14, 2025 and was not reported to Licensing until May 07, 2025.

    • Out of compliance, complaint, investigation inspection : R501-19-4(2)(a)-(b) Intermediate secure treatment ratios

      The Licensee was out of compliance with Rule R501-19-4(2)(b) by failing to maintain a staff-to-client ratio of one staff to every five clients. During the inspections, the investigators observed one unit had one staff member with twelve students and another unit with two staff members and twelve students.

    • Out of compliance, complaint, investigation inspection : R380-600-7(16)(a)-(e) Critical incidents reporting requirements

      The Licensee was out of compliance with rule R380-600-7(16)(a) by not submitting a critical incident report to the office within one business day. During the inspection, the investigator verified that a critical incident occurred on April 16, 2025 and was not reported to Licensing until April 25, 2025. This was a repeat noncompliance as noted on March 03, 2023, February 01, 2023, and November 29, 2022.

  19. Apr 17, 2025 Complaint, Investigation Inspection (1 finding)
    1 finding

    • Out of compliance, complaint, investigation inspection : R380-80-4(2) Report abuse or neglect

      The Licensee was out of compliance with rule R380-80-4(2) by not immediately submitting a critical incident report to Child Protective Services notifying them of a staff member subjecting clients to abuse, neglect or exploitation. During the inspection, the investigator verified that a critical incident occurred and was not immediately reported to Child Protective Services.

  20. Mar 10, 2025 3rd Unannounced
  21. Dec 20, 2024 Investigation Inspection
  22. Nov 25, 2024 2nd Unannounced
  23. Oct 1, 2024 Investigation Inspection
  24. Sep 18, 2024 Investigation Inspection
  25. Jul 25, 2024 Unannounced, Annual Inspection

Connections on the network map

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Other staff

Names

  • Rivendell Psychiatric Hospital Earlier name

Documents

Documents on file (1)

Research that mentions this program

The whole research library

From the Unsilenced archive

72 documents about Copper Hills Youth Center that Unsilenced collected and Kids Over Profits does not hold a copy of. They open on Unsilenced's Google Drive. Their folders: CPF Recovery Ways LLC - Copper Hills (RT & OT), Copper Hills Youth Center, Rivendell of Utah.

Documents (71)
Complaints & Legal Actions (1)

From SCIAD NET

6 documents about Copper Hills Youth Center that Kids Over Profits does not hold a copy of. SCIAD NET keeps them on Google Drive, where they open.

Wiki entries

Materials and links

External links

A program's own website is linked as an archived snapshot, so the page reads as it did when it was captured.

Government records

Reference and research

3 of these from SCIAD NET.

Other links

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