Facility profile Arizona

Mingus Mountain Academy

Also known as Mingus Mountain Youth Treatment Center

Open Prescott Valley, Arizona

Mingus Mountain Academy is a residential treatment center in Prescott Valley, Arizona, operated by Vivant Behavioral Healthcare. It has operated since 1985.

About Mingus Mountain Academy

It was run by Sequel Youth and Family Services.source

Sequel Youth Services of Arizona took over management of Mingus Mountain Academy on January 12, 2004 under an agreement with Mingus Mountain Estate Residential Center, Inc., the nonprofit licence holder; Sequel sold it to Vivant Behavioral Healthcare in 2021, which runs it as Mingus Mountain Youth Treatment Center.source 1, source 2, source 3

Also drawn on: Global Partner Acquisition Corp., merger proxy for Sequel (PREM14A).

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.

198520042009201720202021202519852025

  1. 1985

    1. Opened

      Opened in Prescott Valley, Arizona

  2. 2004

    1. Ownership

      Sequel Youth and Family Services began running it

      It ran the program until 2021.

  3. 2009

    1. OwnershipDecember 30, 2009

      Sequel TSI: Acquired Three Springs, Inc. (TSI) of Huntsville, Alabama

      Sequel Youth and Family Services ran Mingus Mountain Academy at the time.

      Sequel TSI: Acquired Three Springs, Inc. (TSI) of Huntsville, Alabama December 30, 2009

      Sequel announced its acquisition of the privately held Three Springs, Inc. The announcement said the combined companies would operate 22 programs across the country. The Three Springs programs later carried the Sequel TSI name.

      source 1, source 2

  4. 2017

    1. OwnershipSeptember 1, 2017

      Sequel TSI: Sold a majority stake to Altamont Capital Partners

      Sequel Youth and Family Services ran Mingus Mountain Academy at the time.

      Sequel TSI: Sold a majority stake to Altamont Capital Partners September 1, 2017

      Altamont Capital Partners announced a majority equity investment in Sequel through a holding company, SYFS Parent; terms were not disclosed. At the time Sequel ran 44 programs in 19 states, and APM Reports counted 35 residential treatment centers in 16 states. CEO John Stupak stayed on and co-founder Jay Ripley remained board chairman. Altamont's portfolio page lists the investment as active and says SYFS Parent later acquired Rebecca & Aaron Schools (2017) and Pine Cone Therapies (2020).

      source 1, source 2, source 3

  5. 2020

    1. IncidentJuly 2020

      Arrest

      On July 20, 2020 deputies were called after a student struck a staff member in the head with a rock; the student was booked into juvenile detention.

      Arrest July 2020

      source

    2. IncidentJuly 2020

      License action

      Arizona forced Mingus Mountain Academy to temporarily halt admissions in July 2020 citing significant health and safety risks.

      License action July 2020

      source

    3. Essential reportingDecember 16, 2020

      Sequel Youth Facilities Face Abuse Allegations Amid Profit Claims

      NBC News: NBC News on the money Sequel's youth facilities made while children in its care were reportedly abused.

      Sequel Youth Facilities Face Abuse Allegations Amid Profit Claims December 16, 2020

      The article reports that Sequel youth facilities have generated significant revenue while facing allegations of abuse toward children in their care. It highlights concerns about the facilities' operational practices and oversight mechanisms.

      Read the article

  6. 2021

    1. Ownership

      Vivant Behavioral Health: Founded by Sequel co-founder Jay Ripley and bought most of Sequel's remaining centers

      Sequel Youth and Family Services ran Mingus Mountain Academy at the time.

      Vivant Behavioral Health: Founded by Sequel co-founder Jay Ripley and bought most of Sequel's remaining centers

      Jay Ripley, one of Sequel's three founders, founded Vivant Behavioral Healthcare in 2021. Sequel sold most of its centers that had not closed to Vivant, which now controls most former Sequel treatment centers still open.

      source 1, source 2

    2. Ownership

      Sequel Youth and Family Services stopped running it

    3. Lawsuit

      Docket - Mingus Mountain Academy (case no. 3:2021cv08173)

      Docket - Mingus Mountain Academy (case no. 3:2021cv08173)

      Diane Onofrio filed a civil rights lawsuit in the US District Court for the District of Arizona against Mingus Mountain Academy and Sequel Youth Services of Arizona LLC alleging discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act regarding employment. The docket reflects initial administrative filings, the issuance of summons, waiver of service, and judicial reassignment orders.

      Court
      US District Court for the District of Arizona
      Case number
      3:2021cv08173
      Status
      Unknown

      All lawsuits on record

    4. In the newsNovember 2, 2021

      Provo Canyon School Closure

      1 article in The Imprint.

      Provo Canyon School Closure November 2, 2021

      A report by the National Disability Rights Network documents widespread civil rights violations, physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, and inappropriate use of psychotropic medication across for-profit youth residential programs in 18 states.

  7. 2025

    1. Lawsuit

      A.B., A.H., A.S., C.C., E.G., E.M., F.T., G.C., H.G., M.C., M.E., N.M. and T.F. v. Mingus Mountain Academy et al.

      A.B., A.H., A.S., C.C., E.G., E.M., F.T., G.C., H.G., M.C., M.E., N.M. and T.F. v. Mingus Mountain Academy et al.

      Thirteen former residents sued Mingus Mountain Academy, an all-girls program in Prescott Valley, and the companies that owned and ran it, in Maricopa County on January 13, 2025. The complaint alleges that from 2011 to the present, staff falsely imprisoned, sexually abused, sexually assaulted and raped minor residents.

      Outcome: Pending as of the latest coverage (mid-2025); the facility said it would 'vigorously defend' the suit.

      Court
      Superior Court of Arizona, Maricopa County
      Case number
      CV2025-001537
      Status
      In progress

      All lawsuits on record

    2. Essential reportingApril 30, 2025

      Arizona lawmaker calls for investigation after ABC15 reports into facility for troubled teens

      ABC 15 Arizona: Jennifer Kovaleski's reporting on Mingus Mountain Academy for ABC15 led a state senator to call for an investigation.

      Arizona lawmaker calls for investigation after ABC15 reports into facility for troubled teens April 30, 2025

      Survivor quoted: Melissa Catalano Arizona State Senator T.J. Shope is calling for an investigation into Mingus Mountain Academy after ABC15 uncovered allegations of widespread abuse. A lawsuit filed by 13 former residents includes claims of sexual assault by staff between 2011 and 2022.

      Read the article

Lawsuits

  • A.B., A.H., A.S., C.C., E.G., E.M., F.T., G.C., H.G., M.C., M.E., N.M. and T.F. v. Mingus Mountain Academy et al. 2025 | In progress | Superior Court of Arizona, Maricopa County | CV2025-001537

    Outcome: Pending as of the latest coverage (mid-2025); the facility said it would 'vigorously defend' the suit.

    Thirteen former residents sued Mingus Mountain Academy, an all-girls program in Prescott Valley, and the companies that owned and ran it, in Maricopa County on January 13, 2025. The complaint alleges that from 2011 to the present, staff falsely imprisoned, sexually abused, sexually assaulted and raped minor residents. It names Vivant Behavioral Healthcare, three Sequel entities, Sequel co-founder Jay Ripley and a manager, Adam Hardin, and calls Mingus Mountain Estate Residential Center a Vivant subsidiary. The facility said an internal review found no evidence for the allegations.

  • Docket - Mingus Mountain Academy (case no. 3:2021cv08173) 2021 | Unknown | US District Court for the District of Arizona | 3:2021cv08173 Names this facility

    Diane Onofrio filed a civil rights lawsuit in the US District Court for the District of Arizona against Mingus Mountain Academy and Sequel Youth Services of Arizona LLC alleging discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act regarding employment. The docket reflects initial administrative filings, the issuance of summons, waiver of service, and judicial reassignment orders. The case remains ongoing with routine procedural and service tracking entries recorded through September 2021.

Every case in the lawsuit directory

Federal funding

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

Medicaid

  • 2024: In a 2024 statement the facility said it scored over 95 percent on audits by managed care organizations of AHCCCS, Arizona's Medicaid program; ABC15 reported that Arizona tax dollars fund it. 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. 103, 121), 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 half of Vivant's facilities rely on public dollars, Medicaid and CHIP, for more than 75 percent of their revenue (p. 23). source

Incidents on record

  1. July 2020 Arrest

    On July 20, 2020 deputies were called after a student struck a staff member in the head with a rock; the student was booked into juvenile detention.source

  2. July 2020 License action

    Arizona forced Mingus Mountain Academy to temporarily halt admissions in July 2020 citing significant health and safety risks.source

  3. Abuse

    Survivors report sexual abuse, verbal abuse and violent physical restraints.source

News coverage

  • ABC 15 Arizona Apr 30, 2025 Lawsuit

    Arizona lawmaker calls for investigation after ABC15 reports into facility for troubled teens

    Essential reporting

    Jennifer Kovaleski's reporting on Mingus Mountain Academy for ABC15 led a state senator to call for an investigation.

    Survivor quoted: Melissa Catalano Arizona State Senator T.J. Shope is calling for an investigation into Mingus Mountain Academy after ABC15 uncovered allegations of widespread abuse. A lawsuit filed by 13 former residents includes claims of sexual assault by staff between 2011 and 2022. The facility has also been cited 40 times since 2022 for policy violations, including improper restraint. Mingus and its management company, Vivant Behavioral Healthcare, were also named in a 2024 U.S. Senate investigation into systemic abuse at youth facilities.

  • NBC News Dec 16, 2020 Expose

    Sequel Youth Facilities Face Abuse Allegations Amid Profit Claims

    Essential reporting

    NBC News on the money Sequel's youth facilities made while children in its care were reportedly abused.

    The article reports that Sequel youth facilities have generated significant revenue while facing allegations of abuse toward children in their care. It highlights concerns about the facilities' operational practices and oversight mechanisms.

  • KJZZ Sep 29, 2025 Lawsuit

    Alleged owner could still face liability in Mingus Mountain Youth Treatment Center lawsuit

    Thirteen former residents of the Mingus Mountain Youth Treatment Center filed a negligence lawsuit alleging that staff subjected them to sexual abuse and misconduct over a decade between 2011 and 2022. While a judge recently dismissed personal claims against an alleged owner, plaintiffs may still pursue liability through corporate entities if operational control or financial intermingling is established.

  • The Imprint Jul 22, 2025 Closure

    ‘State-sponsored Abandonment’ No More: California Stops Paying for Adoptees Sent to Out-of-State Treatment Centers

    California has ceased funding residential treatment placements for adopted foster youth in other states, closing what advocates termed a dangerous loophole. The decision follows revelations that hundreds of children were sent to facilities with histories of violations, including several since-shuttered programs. At least 676 adoptees were placed in out-of-state centers since 2020, with many attending problematic facilities. Among them were Sequel Youth and Family Services programs like Iowa’s Clarinda Academy and Utah’s Red Rock Canyon School, both closed after abuse scandals. Other placements included Utah’s Havenwood Academy, disciplined for improper restraints, and Cinnamon Hills Youth Crisis Center, sanctioned for excessive punishments. Three Points Ranch ceased operations in 2025 following violations, while White River Academy continues accepting California-funded youth under existing contracts.

  • Arizona Republic Mar 31, 2022 Event

    Prescott Valley police: Runaway teen still missing after 5 months

    A 14‑year‑old girl, Aunum Conyers, went missing after a temporary release from Mingus Mountain Academy in October. Prescott Valley police have been searching for her for over five months. No additional information about her whereabouts has been released.

  • The Imprint Nov 2, 2021 Corporate

    Federal Watchdogs Find Abuse at For-Profit Youth Residential Programs in 18 States

    A report by the National Disability Rights Network documents widespread civil rights violations, physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, and inappropriate use of psychotropic medication across for-profit youth residential programs in 18 states. The findings highlight systemic issues driven by profit-seeking models, prompting calls for increased federal oversight and accountability.

  • 12News Jul 23, 2020 Event

    Mingus Mountain Academy Reports Staff Injuries and Student Custody After Incident

    An incident involving an attack occurred at Mingus Mountain Academy in Prescott Valley, resulting in injuries to two staff members. Five students were taken into custody following the event at the residential facility for at-risk youth.

  • The Prescott Times Jul 23, 2020 Arrest

    Five Students Detained Following Disturbance and Assaults at Mingus Mountain Academy

    On July 21, 2020, law enforcement responded to Mingus Mountain Academy following reports of a physical altercation involving students and staff. Five students were booked into the Yavapai County Juvenile Detention Center on charges including aggravated assault, disorderly conduct, criminal damage, and rioting after staff sustained injuries and property damage occurred.

  • Daily Courier May 14, 2020 Event

    COVID-19 Outbreak Reported at Mingus Mountain Academy

    In May 2020, Yavapai County health officials reported an outbreak of COVID-19 at Mingus Mountain Academy, an alternative high school and residential treatment center for adolescent girls in Prescott Valley, Arizona. A total of 84 students and 20 staff members tested positive for the virus, with affected individuals placed in isolation and treated on-site or via telemedicine.

  • The Arizona Republic May 7, 2020 Event

    COVID-19 Outbreak Affects Dozens of Residents and Staff at Mingus Mountain Academy

    Access to the source article was restricted by automated security systems, preventing the extraction of detailed text regarding Mingus Mountain Academy.

  • abc15.com General

    ‘I just felt trapped’ | Allegations of abuse at Arizona facility for troubled teens

Staff

Administration

  • Mike McFarland

    Executive Director

    Elsewhere in the industry

  • Shaun Mohon

    Executive Director

    Elsewhere in the industry

    • Vivant Behavioral Healthcare CEO (2020–2023)

Notable staff

Licensing and inspections

Licensed as
MINGUS MOUNTAIN ESTATE RESIDENTIAL CENTER, INC
Program
BH1487
License category
Behavioral Health Residential Facility
Executive director
CHRIS BANKEN
Licensed capacity
8
License expires
4/30/2027
Relicensing visit
5/1/2026
Licensing action
Active
Phone on file
(602) 335-2000
Licensed address
3801 North Robert Road, Prescott Valley, AZ 86312

4 inspection reports on file. Search all Arizona reports

Every report, by date: 1 finding in 1 report
  1. Nov 12, 2024 Other - 11/12/2024
  2. Oct 29, 2024 Complaint - 10/29/2024
    1 finding

    • Deficiency cited, complaint : A. An administrator shall ensure that: 7. A resident does not: a. Use or have access to any materials, furnishings, or equipment or participate in any activity ...

      Based on record review and interview, the administrator failed to ensure a resident did not have access to any materials, furnishings, or equipment or participate in any activity or treatment to present a threat to the resident's health or safety based on the resident's personal history. The deficient practice posed a risk as R1 had access to a razor l while admitted into a behavioral health residential facility in contradiction with R1 ' s personal history. 1. A review of R1 ' s medical record revealed an incident report dated on October 17, 2024. The report indicated R1 attempted to self-harm while in the shower using a razor R1 requested from staff. 2. A review of R1 ' s medical record revealed an incident report dated on October 26, 2024. The report indicated R1 requested a razor when R1 was showering and was provided a razor by staff. The report indicated R1 used the razor to self-harm while in the shower and reported the incident to 3.The incident was documented by E2. The report indicated E2 and E3 provided first aid before E2 and E3 were advised by the facility ' s registered nurse (RN) to call 911. 3. A review of R1 ' s medical record revealed a behavioral health assessment dated on 2024. The assessment stated R1 was "high risk" for "self-harm/suicide." 4. In an interview, E1 confirmed the razor was provided to R1 by staff. E1 acknowledged R1 had access to a razor that presented a threat to R1's health or safety based on R1 ' s personal history.

  3. Oct 24, 2024 Compliance (Annual) - 10/24/2024
  4. Oct 18, 2023 Compliance (Annual) - 10/18/2023

Connections on the network map

The companies, people and programs our research map ties to this program. Open it on the network map.

Documents

Documents on file (57)

Research that mentions this program

The whole research library

From the Unsilenced archive

43 documents about Mingus Mountain Academy that Unsilenced collected and Kids Over Profits does not hold a copy of. They open on Unsilenced's Google Drive. Their whole folder: Mingus Mountain Academy.

Documents (43)

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.

Survivor posts and discussion

Reference and research

2 of these from SCIAD NET.

Record updated . Generated from the Kids Over Profits facility database. Suggest a correction