Parent company profile
Universal Health Services
Also known as UHS
Universal Health Services is a parent company based in King of Prussia, PA. Kids Over Profits has records of 74 programs it has run in 24 states and countries, 40 of them open.
Programs it has run
74 on record, open ones first.
- Alabama Clinical Schools
- Cedar Grove RTC
- Chad Youth Enhancement Center
- Coastal Harbor Treatment Center
- Columbus Behavioral Center
- Copper Hills Youth Center
- Cumberland Hospital for Children and Adolescents
- Fox Run Center for Children and Adolescents
- Gulf Coast Treatment Center
- Harbor Point Behavioral Health Center
- Havenwyck Hospital Residential Impulse Disorder Program
- Heartland Behavioral Health Services RTF
- Hermitage Hall
- Intermountain Hospital
- Kempsville Center for Behavioral Health Adolescent Residential Treatment Program
- La Amistad Behavioral Health Services Teen Residential Treatment
- Laurel Heights Hospital Residential Treatment
- Laurel Ridge Treatment Center Child & Adolescent RTC
- Liberty Point Behavioral Healthcare Secure Residential Treatment
- Lighthouse Care Center of Augusta Psychiatric RTP
- McDowell Center for Children
- Meridell Achievement Center
- Mountain Youth Academy
- Natchez Trace Youth Academy
- Newport News Behavioral Health Center RTF
- Palm Shores Behavioral Health Center
- Poplar Springs Hospital RTC
- Rivendell of Arkansas
- River Park Hospital – The Barboursville School
- River Park Hospital – The Bridge Program
- River Park Hospital – The Roundtable Program
- San Marcos Treatment Center
- SandyPines RTC
- Shadow Mountain Behavioral Health System
- Suncoast Behavioral Health Center RTP
- The Hughes Center
- The Meadows Psychiatric Center
- Three Rivers Midlands
- West Oaks Hospital PRTF
- Willow Springs Center
- Ascent Wilderness Program
- Boulder Creek Academy
- Bristol Youth Academy
- Cedar Ridge Behavioral Hospital
- Diamond Grove Center for Children Residential Psychiatric Program
- Hill Crest Behavioral Health
- Keys of Carolina
- Keystone Marion Youth Center
- Laurel Oaks Behavioral Health Center RTC
- Michiana Behavioral Health Residential Program
- Midwest Center for Youth and Families Therapeutic RTC
- Milton Girls Residential Facility
- National Deaf Academy
- North Spring Behavioral Healthcare Horizons Program
- North Spring Behavioral Healthcare Sunrise Program
- North Spring Behavioral Healthcare Trailblazers Program
- North Star Behavioral Health DeBarr RTC
- North Star Behavioral Health Palmer RTC
- Northwest Academy
- Oak Plains Academy
- Okaloosa Youth Academy
- Palmetto Pee Dee Behavioral Health
- Palmetto Summerville Behavioral Health
- Parkwood Behavioral Health System Adolescent Residential Program
- Pines Residential Treatment Center
- Pinnacle Pointe Hospital Sub-Acute Inpatient Treatment
- Provo Canyon School
- Rock River Academy
- The Pavilion Behavioral Health System RTC
- Timberlawn Psychiatric Hospital
- Two Rivers Psychiatric Hospital
- Valle Vista Health System Residential Treatment
- Westwood Lodge
- Wyoming Behavioral Institute Pathways Residential Trauma-Informed Care
Ownership
Companies it has owned
News coverage
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Advocates call for stronger Utah oversight after deaths at care facilities
Advocates in Utah are urging stronger state oversight of care facilities after three men died from carbon monoxide poisoning and a nursing home resident died in a fire. The report indicates that warning signs were missed and that existing oversight mechanisms were insufficient.
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Fox Run CEO Arrested In Police Sex Sting
Randall J. Mackendrick, former CEO of Fox Run Center for Children and Adolescents, was arrested on August 29, 2026 on charges related to alleged sexual contact with a minor. The arrest follows prior reporting of unsafe restraints, physical and sexual assaults, and medical neglect at the facility.
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Fox Run CEO Faces Sex Crime Charges Weeks After Ohio Abuse Report
Randall J. Mackendrick, chief executive of Fox Run Center for Children and Adolescents, was arrested on four criminal counts including importuning and unlawful sexual contact with a minor. The arrest follows a recent investigation that identified numerous unreported assaults and safety failures at the Ohio residential psychiatric facility.
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Youth Residential Treatment Center Oversight and Abuse Allegations
Investigative reporting highlights documented supervision and safety deficiencies at a private Ohio youth residential treatment center and notes similar regulatory concerns in Rhode Island facilities. State and federal oversight mechanisms are described as fragmented, limiting the ability to detect patterns of abuse and neglect.
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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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Lawsuit alleges teen patient sexually abused at Spring Mountain facility
A lawsuit has been filed against Universal Health Services, alleging that a 16-year-old patient was sexually abused by a staff member at the Spring Mountain facility in 2004. The lawsuit claims that the company knowingly enabled and tolerated a culture of abuse and exploitation within its facilities. The plaintiff, identified as F.D., alleges that she was repeatedly assaulted by a staff member and was threatened with disruption of her treatment schedule if she reported the abuse.
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Troubled Teen Industry Rocked by Lawsuits, Sexual Assault Charges
Former patients have filed lawsuits against Universal Health Services Inc., alleging physical, sexual, and psychological abuse at youth residential treatment centers in Illinois. The allegations include sexual assault by staff members and other patients. The company has consistently denied wrongdoing despite multiple lawsuits and large damage awards.
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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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Abused child suffered scorpion bites, broken bones at Alabama residential treatment, lawsuit claims
A lawsuit has been filed against Alabama Clinical Schools, alleging that an 11-year-old boy was physically, verbally, and emotionally abused while in treatment. The boy suffered injuries, including broken bones and scorpion bites, and was threatened by staff. The lawsuit claims that the facility's employees were responsible for the abuse and that the company enabled it.
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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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Disability watchdog group calls for greater oversight of Utah’s long-term care system
The Disability Law Center released a report alleging abuse, neglect, and financial mismanagement in Utah nursing homes, teen treatment centers, and disability day programs. The report calls for increased state oversight, transparency of public funds, and stronger staffing and licensing requirements.
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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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State of Nevada v. Patricia Chappuis, et al.
Outcome: Resolved by plea agreement. On July 19, 2021 in Beatty Justice Court, Marcel Chappuis pleaded no contest to two misdemeanor counts of disturbing the peace and paid a $2,000 fine; Patricia Chappuis waived her preliminary hearing and agreed to plead guilty to one gross misdemeanor count in district court in Tonopah, with a $2,000 fine. Prosecutors agreed not to seek jail time or probation, and the 45 felony counts against each were dropped. News coverage found does not report Patricia Chappuis's later court date.
In August 2019 the Nye County District Attorney filed a criminal complaint charging Patricia Lynn Chappuis and Marcel Claude Chappuis with 45 counts of felony child abuse or neglect over their running of Northwest Academy, 1492 South Highway 373 in Amargosa Valley, Nevada. Each count concerns a different enrolled child, aged roughly 11 to 17. Prosecutors alleged that between February 9, 2018 and February 12, 2019 the defendants failed to give the children enough potable water, let them drink unsafe tap water, and failed to screen and supervise staff to protect the children from physical and verbal abuse. The complaint was filed in the Beatty Township Justice Court on August 6, 2019, with an arraignment set for August 19, 2019. In July 2021 the case ended in a plea agreement: Marcel Chappuis pleaded no contest to two misdemeanor counts of disturbing the peace, Patricia Chappuis agreed to plead guilty to one gross misdemeanor, each was fined $2,000, and no jail time or probation was sought. Both maintained their innocence through their attorney.
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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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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.
Deaths on record
Young people who died at, or after being in, one of its programs.
- Raiden Toms-Moonin
- Summer Rose Lambert
- Linda Harris
Documents
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Universal Health Services, Inc. Completes Purchase Of Twelve Behavioral Health Facilities -
Intermountain Natsap 2011
Academy at Canyon Creek (1)
Copper Hills Youth Center (1)
Foundations for Living (2)
Fox Run Center (2)
Fox Run Center for Children and Adolescents (2)
Gulf Coast Treatment Center (1)
Meridell Achievement Center (10)
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Meridell Achievement Center Girls Handbook 2017 -
Meridell Achievement Center Handbook 2017 -
Meridell Achievement Center Handbook 2019 -
Meridell Achievement Center La Casa Handbook 2017 -
Meridell Achievement Center Psychiatric Residential Treatment Handbook 2014 -
Meridell Achievement Center 2009 NATSAP Profile -
Meridell Achievement Center 2012-2013 NATSAP Profile -
Meridell Achievement Center 2015-2016 NATSAP Profile -
Meridell Achievement Center 2016-2017 NATSAP Profile -
Meridell Achievement Center Natsap 2011
Provo Canyon School (8)
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Milonas Et Al V Provo Canyon School Et Al -
Milonasmemo -
PCS Preparing-For-The-Return-Home -
Provo Canyon School Parent Manual 1997 -
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
