Facility profile Utah
Provo Canyon School
Also known as PCS, UHS of Provo Canyon dba Provo Campus
Provo Canyon School is a residential treatment center (RTC) in Provo, Utah, operated by Universal Health Services (UHS). It has operated since 1971. Its license is listed as suspended.
Licensing and inspections
- Licensed as
- UHS Of Provo Canyon dba Provo Campus
- License category
- Residential Treatment
- Licensed capacity
- 106
- License expires
- 01/31/2027
- Licensing action
- Conditional
- Phone on file
- 8017041313
- Licensed address
- 4501 N University Ave, Provo, UT, 84604
26 inspection reports on file, newest 25 shown. Search all Utah reports
- Jul 6, 2026 Follow-Up, Additional Follow-Up Inspection
- Jul 1, 2026 Non On-Site Inspection
- Jun 22, 2026 Conditional, Monitoring Inspection
- Jun 19, 2026 Complaint, Investigation Inspection (16 findings)
- May 19, 2026 2nd Unannounced
- May 18, 2026 Investigation Inspection (3 findings)
- May 14, 2026 Investigation Inspection
- Mar 24, 2026 Investigation Inspection
- Mar 23, 2026 Investigation Inspection (1 finding)
- Feb 5, 2026 Unannounced, Annual Inspection
- Nov 17, 2025 Announced, Annual Inspection
- Aug 6, 2025 Investigation Inspection
- Aug 4, 2025 3rd Unannounced
- May 8, 2025 2nd Unannounced
- Apr 11, 2025 Follow-Up Inspection
- Feb 20, 2025 Unannounced, Annual Inspection
- Nov 21, 2024 Announced, Annual Inspection
- Nov 13, 2024 Investigation Inspection
- Sep 3, 2024 2nd Unannounced
- Jun 25, 2024 Unannounced, Annual Inspection
- May 29, 2024 Non On-Site Inspection
- Jan 16, 2024 Announced, Annual Inspection
- Oct 16, 2023 Non On-Site Inspection
- Oct 3, 2023 Investigation Inspection
- Sep 12, 2023 2nd Unannounced
News coverage
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Utah Youth Residential Treatment Facility Provo Canyon School Ordered to Close Amid Regulatory Violations
Utah regulators revoked the licenses of Provo Canyon School's Provo and Springville campuses in August 2026, ordering the facilities to cease operations due to documented regulatory violations. An undercover video released by a YouTuber highlighted alleged deficiencies in recruitment, screening, and the use of restraint and humiliating disciplinary practices, adding public attention to the closure.
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Reckless Ben went undercover at Utah’s Provo Canyon School
YouTuber 'Reckless Ben' conducted an undercover investigation at Provo Canyon School by posing as a teenager. Hidden‑camera footage released by the investigator shows staff training sessions that discuss the use of physical restraints on residents. The school’s administration is reviewing possible actions regarding the investigation.
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Paris Hilton: Utah must not let Provo Canyon School reopen
Paris Hilton is advocating against the reopening of Provo Canyon School, citing concerns about the facility's history of abuse. Hilton, a survivor of the school, is urging Utah to prioritize the well-being of children over corporate interests. The school's closure is being considered, with Hilton and other survivors speaking out against its potential reopening.
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10th Circuit rejects Narvin Lichfield's defamation lawsuit against Netflix's 'The Program'
The 10th Circuit has rejected a defamation lawsuit filed by Narvin Lichfield against Netflix's documentary series 'The Program: Cons, Cults and Kidnapping'. Lichfield, a former teen treatment director, claims the documentary defamed him. The documentary series features allegations of abuse and mistreatment at teen treatment facilities, including Provo Canyon School.
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Provo Canyon School appeals Utah’s order to shut down both troubled teen programs
Utah officials revoked the licenses of Provo Canyon School's programs due to allegations of abusive discipline, unnecessary restraints, and humiliation of children. The school is now appealing the decision. The allegations led to an order to close the school's girls program by August.
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Voices: Utah must stand firm on its closure of Provo Canyon School
Jen Robison, a survivor of Provo Canyon School, writes about her experience and advocates for the school's permanent closure. She believes that children deserve safe help and that the program's closure is necessary to ensure their well-being. The author urges Utah to stand firm on its decision to revoke the school's license.
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State revokes license of Provo Canyon School's Provo campus amid lawsuit, abuse allegations
The state of Utah has revoked the license of Provo Canyon School's Provo campus due to repeated noncompliance citations and allegations of abuse. The school was cited for failing to protect clients from harm and using cruel and unnecessary practices. Paris Hilton, a survivor of the school, has filed a lawsuit alleging mistreatment and abuse during her time at the facility.
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Utah revokes Provo Canyon School's Provo campus license, orders facility to close
The Utah Department of Health and Human Services has revoked the residential treatment license for Provo Canyon School's Provo campus, citing concerns over allegations of abuse and mistreatment. The facility must cease operations by August 16. Survivors, including Paris Hilton, have spoken out about their experiences at the school, describing physical and mental abuse.
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Disability Law Center says teens aren’t safe at Utah program
The Disability Law Center has reported concerns about the safety of teens at Provo Canyon School, citing incidents of violence, self-harm, and inadequate medical care. The center's findings are based on visits to the program's Provo and Springville campuses. The report highlights chronic staffing shortages and other issues that may be putting teens at risk.
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Provo Canyon School lawsuit: Teen warned he wasn’t safe before attack, mother says ‘Shut it down’
A mother has filed a lawsuit against Provo Canyon School, alleging that staff ignored safety concerns before her son was seriously injured. The incident has prompted calls for the school's closure. Paris Hilton, an advocate for reform of the troubled teen industry, has spoken out in support of the family.
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Paris Hilton backs two families' lawsuits against Provo Canyon School
Two families have filed lawsuits against Provo Canyon School, alleging medical neglect and malpractice. Paris Hilton, who attended the school as a teenager, is supporting the families and calling for the school to be shut down. The lawsuits claim that the school failed to provide adequate medical care to two teenagers, resulting in serious injuries and health complications.
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‘Troubled teen’ industry: Provo Canyon School under renewed scrutiny after Utah sanctions facility over injured teen
Provo Canyon School has been sanctioned by Utah licensers for delaying medical care to a teen who suffered a jaw injury and brain bleed in a fight at the facility. The school has a history of abuse allegations. The sanction prevents the facility from accepting new clients temporarily.
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Former Spring Ridge Academy Students Say School Inflicted Abuse, Trauma
Former students of Spring Ridge Academy have come forward with allegations of abuse and trauma, including physical restraint, psychological games, and humiliating punishments. The facility's founder, Jeannie Courtney, denies the allegations, but court records and police reports suggest a pattern of mistreatment. Many former students have struggled with long-term effects, including addiction and survivor's guilt.
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Paris Hilton Reveals Sexual Abuse, Nonconsensual ‘Cervical Exams’ at Utah Boarding School
Paris Hilton has spoken out about the abuse she experienced at Provo Canyon School, including nonconsensual medical exams. She has testified about the emotional and physical abuse she and other teens faced at the school. Hilton is advocating for reforms to youth congregate care and reform schools.
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Families scramble to find alternatives after Provo Canyon School closes
The Provo Canyon School is closing after the Utah Department of Health and Human Services revoked its licenses due to failure to protect its residents. The school's closure will affect dozens of juveniles who will need to find alternative treatment options. An investigation found that the school had failed to ensure the safety and well-being of its residents, leading to incidents of physical harm.
Lawsuits
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Second family v. Provo Canyon School (2026, medical malpractice)
The second of two family lawsuits filed in June 2026, alleging the school failed to provide adequate medical care to a teenager, resulting in serious injury and health complications.
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Family of injured teen v. Provo Canyon School (2026, delayed medical care)
A mother alleges staff ignored her son's warnings that he was not safe before he was attacked at the facility and suffered a jaw injury and brain bleed, and that medical care was delayed. Utah licensers sanctioned the school over the same incident in June 2026. Paris Hilton publicly supported the family and called for the school's closure.
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Ross v. Universal Health Services, Inc. et al.
A former resident who was 13 when placed at the school in 2001 alleges he was forced to perform oral sex on a staff member at least a dozen times under threat of punishment and starvation, was locked in solitary confinement for weeks at a time, was overmedicated with Seroquel, Depakote, Trileptal and Celexa, and went two years without being allowed outdoors.
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Chudnovsky v. Provo Canyon School
Parents allege their daughter was denied medical care for nearly two weeks after breaking her thumb, and was given access to staples, pens and plastic cutlery despite the program knowing she struggled with compulsive self-harm.
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Hinman v. Island View Academy et al.
Outcome: Ruling issued May 13, 2015 (published on govinfo).
Negligence and breach of fiduciary duty claims against Island View RTC and Provo Canyon School, naming Provo Canyon therapist Wade Taylor among the defendants. The court issued a ruling on May 13, 2015.
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Hinman v. Island View Academy et al.
Outcome: Ruling issued May 13, 2015 (published on govinfo).
Negligence and breach of fiduciary duty claims against Island View RTC and Provo Canyon School, naming Provo Canyon therapist Wade Taylor among the defendants. The court issued a ruling on May 13, 2015.
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Provo Canyon School v. HEAL (Human Earth Animal Liberation)
The school sued the human rights group HEAL for libel over its published records of police calls and complaints about the program. HEAL describes the suit as a strategic lawsuit against public participation and disputes a later NATSAP bulletin's account of it.
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Milonas and Rice v. Williams (Provo Canyon School)
Outcome: Jury found for the school in 1980, but the district court entered a permanent injunction barring Provo Canyon School from opening, reading or censoring boys' mail, administering polygraphs, placing boys in isolation except to contain physical violence, and using physical force except to restrain a boy who is an immediate danger to himself or others. Affirmed as Milonas v. Williams, 691 F.2d 931 (10th Cir. 1982).
Two teenagers sent to Provo Canyon School by their home states' juvenile justice systems escaped and brought a federal class action challenging the school's confinement, education and treatment methods. The case produced the 1980 injunction that still defines the limits on isolation, restraint, polygraphs and mail censorship at the school.
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Taylor v. Charter Medical Corporation and Charter Provo School, Inc. d/b/a Provo Canyon School
Outcome: Fifth Circuit opinion issued December 9, 1998 (CourtListener). One of the 1980s and 1990s suits over confinement and treatment at the school.
A former resident sued the school and its then-owner over his confinement and treatment. Part of a run of civil suits during the Charter years alleging abuse, false imprisonment, medical negligence and First Amendment violations.
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Taylor v. Charter Medical Corporation and Charter Provo School, Inc. d/b/a Provo Canyon School
Outcome: Fifth Circuit opinion issued December 9, 1998 (CourtListener). One of the 1980s and 1990s suits over confinement and treatment at the school.
A former resident sued the school and its then-owner over his confinement and treatment. Part of a run of civil suits during the Charter years alleging abuse, false imprisonment, medical negligence and First Amendment violations.
Reported practices
Treatment methods
- Behavior modification
- Level system (eight levels plus Investment)
- Seclusion (Observation)
- Physical restraint (Dial 9)
- Chemical sedation
- Mail and phone monitoring
Program philosophy
- Acuity Based Care (marketed)
- Tough love
Conditions treated
- Substance abuse
- ADHD
- Anxiety and trauma disorders
- Mood disorders
- Oppositional defiant disorder
- Personality disorders
- Reactive attachment disorder
Critical incidents on record
- 1974: shut down over child abuse and neglect allegations; reopened the same year
- 1980: federal jury sides with the school in Milonas and Rice; judge issues permanent injunction against polygraphs, mail censorship, and isolation or force except for immediate danger
- 2004: parent complaint alleges a 15-year-old's nose was broken before a forced Haldol injection and children were held in Observation most of the day
- 2012: Provo campus placed on conditional status after a runaway stole a car and caused a fatal crash
- 2013: Springville campus placed on conditional status after a girl was injured in a restraint
- 2015-2020: 341 Office of Licensing investigations, 27 substantiated violations
- September 2024: staff member arrested for striking a 15-year-old during a restraint; guilty plea July 2025
- December 1, 2024: staff member struck a client during a restraint (substantiated, repeat noncompliance)
- April 13, 2025: staff member injured a client's face during a restraint (substantiated)
- June 2026: licensers sanction the school for delaying care to a teen with a jaw injury and brain bleed; two families sue
- July 17, 2026: Provo campus license revoked; Springville license revoked; operations ordered to cease; appeal filed July 27
Staff
Administration
- Adam McClain (Group Director and CEO)
- Barry Woodward (CEO (appointed 2000))
- Kreg Gillman (CEO (2003-2006))
- Ron S. Tuinei (Program Director, then Executive Director (2016-2020))
Notable staff
- Robert H. Crist (Co-founder; Medical Director and psychiatrist)
- Jack Williams (Co-founder (died 2009))
- Dennis Eugene Thorne (Co-owner (1978-1986))
- Robert B. Lichfield (Dorm parent from 1977; later founded WWASP)
- Karr Farnsworth (Staff; later WWASP president)
- Larry Carter (Therapist (13 years))
- Jennifer Morgan Smith (Therapist, Executive Clinical Director, Director of Admissions, Executive Director (from 1998))
- Wade Taylor (Therapist, boys program (from 2001); named in 2015 negligence suit)
- Sam Hill (Program Director, girls program (1990-2012))
- Brent Esplin (Therapist and Admissions Director (2007-2012))
- Katie Jochum (Director of Business Development)
- Marcie Remington (Therapist)
- Megan L. Hamblin (Registered Nurse (1990s))
- Mulimauga Tuiloma (Staff; arrested September 2024 for striking a student, pleaded guilty July 2025)
Staff who came from other programs
- Robert B. Lichfield: founded Cross Creek and WWASP after leaving PCS
- Robert H. Crist and Larry Carter: founded Logan River Academy (2000)
- Robert H. Crist and Kreg Gillman: founded Silverado Academy (2006; closed 2016)
- Dennis Eugene Thorne, Robert H. Crist and Brent Hall: founded Discovery Academy (1989)
- Jack Williams: founded Cinnamon Hills Youth Crisis Center
- Barry Woodward and Ron S. Tuinei: later CEOs of Copper Hills Youth Center
- Adam McClain: previously Clinical Director of Peninsula Village (2003-2008) and Executive Director of Northwest Academy (WWASP)
- Kreg Gillman: previously Aspen Healthcare Services; later Clinical Director of Redcliff Ascent and CEO of UHS Salt Lake Behavioral Health
- Jennifer Morgan Smith: Executive Director of Provo Canyon Behavioral Hospital
- Brent Esplin: Red Rock Canyon School, Provo Canyon Behavioral Hospital, Telos RTC, Embark at Hobble Creek
- Ron S. Tuinei: Heritage RTC, Slate Canyon Youth Center, Cottonwood Treatment Center, Oakley School
- Katie Jochum: CEDU schools, Boulder Creek Academy, Embark Behavioral Health
Documents
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Milonas Et Al V Provo Canyon School Et Al -
MAC Psych Handbook -
Milonasmemo -
PCS Parent Manual 1997 -
PCS Preparing-For-The-Return-Home -
Provo Canyon School — Admissions Packet (December 2017) -
Provo Canyon School Natsap 2011 -
Screencapture-Provocanyon-Admissions-What-To-Bring-2025-06-25-10_49_51 -
Screencapture-Provocanyon-Admissions-What-To-Bring-2025-06-25-10_50_23
Research notes
- Founded 1971 as an all-boys program by Robert H. Crist and Jack Williams; the girls program opened in Orem and moved to a new Springville campus in 2005. Elementary and transition programs have operated in Orem.
- Considered a hub of the troubled teen industry: WWASP's founders and much of its staff came from PCS.
- Tuition reported at more than $12,500 per month; average stay 8 to 12 months, often longer.
- Utah Office of Licensing records mirrored on this site: Springville campus 64 inspections and 7 substantiated findings, December 2022 to August 2025; Provo campus 18 inspections in the same period.
- Profile assembled by Kids Over Profits on 2026-09-11 from site records; see the Facility Profile post for sources.
- Operations suspended: the Utah Department of Health and Human Services revoked the Provo campus license (93696) on July 17, 2026 and ordered the campus to cease operations by August 16, 2026; the Springville campus license (93697) was revoked as well. The school appealed both orders on July 27, 2026 and the appeal is pending.
- Shut down in 1974 over child abuse and neglect allegations; reopened the same year.
- Provo campus placed on conditional status in 2012 after a runaway caused a fatal crash; Springville campus placed on conditional status in 2013 after a restraint injury; both licenses were conditional at revocation.
Wiki entries
Materials and links
Materials the project holds for this facility. Ask through the correction form to see any of them.
News and media
- News articles14 approved articles in the Kids Over Profits news feed, 2020-2026, plus four news posts
- Video
- Press releasesOctober 2020 media statement on ownership
Manuals and handbooks
- Staff manual
- Student or resident manual
Other documentation
- NATSAP profile
- Archived website
- Document folder 50: 1997 parent manual, Preparing for the Return Home, December 2017 admissions packet, 2011 NATSAP listing, Milonas ruling and memorandum, 2025 admissions page captures
- HEAL police call log, January 2001 to December 2007
- Utah Office of Licensing inspection records, licenses 93696 and 93697 (mirrored on /ut-reports/)
Legal and compliance
- Lawsuits
- Documented violations
- Police reports
Official documentation
- Inspection reports
- State reports
Business and property
- Enrollment documents
- Promotional materials