What to Expect
A complete guide for parents—from enrollment day through graduation and beyond.
Your Child's Journey Starts Here
We know this is one of the hardest decisions you've ever made. Sending your teen to residential treatment isn't easy, but it could be the most important step toward their future. Here's what you can expect throughout the process—so there are no surprises, only support.
Program Timeline
Each student's path is unique, but here's the general structure of the program phases.
Assessment & Orientation
The first 20 days focus on thorough evaluation and helping your teen settle into their new environment. This is a critical period where our clinical team develops a comprehensive understanding of your child's needs.
- Psychiatrist evaluation and initial assessment
- Complete academic assessment and placement
- Medical/physical evaluation and drug testing
- Assignment to one of three "Family Group" pods
- Introduction to the 8 Core Values framework
Self-Discovery Phase
During this critical period, your teen begins the real work of therapy and self-reflection. Contact is limited to postcards to allow focused internal work without outside distractions.
- Postcards can be sent and received immediately
- Individual therapy sessions 1-3 times per week
- Group therapy 2-3 times daily
- Daily goal-setting and core value discussions
- Academic program begins with individualized plan
Active Treatment & Family Reconnection
After the self-discovery phase, communication opens up and family involvement intensifies. This is when the real transformation begins—for both your teen and your family system.
- 2 phone/video calls per week with your teen
- Weekly family therapy sessions via video
- Weekly progress reports from therapist
- First family visit (on campus)
- First Emotional Growth Seminar for parents
Transition & Graduation Prep
The final phase focuses on preparing your teen—and your family—for successful reunification. Home visits, intensive family work, and aftercare planning ensure lasting change.
- Second Emotional Growth Seminar
- Monitored home visits (2 before graduation)
- 2-day intensive family workshop
- Aftercare coordinator develops transition plan
- Graduation ceremony and $1,000 scholarship
Staying Connected
We know being separated from your child is difficult. Our structured communication schedule is designed to support your teen's therapeutic work while keeping families connected and involved.
Contact progresses as your teen advances through the program—starting with postcards and building to regular calls, video sessions, and in-person visits.
Postcards
Immediately upon enrollment—write and receive as often as you'd like
Phone & Video Calls
After self-discovery phase (2-6 weeks)—2 calls per week with your teen
Family Therapy
Weekly video sessions with your teen and their therapist
Weekly Updates
Progress reports via call with therapist + online Parent Page access
What to Bring (and What to Leave Home)
ERA provides almost everything your teen needs. Here's what to know.
Please Bring
- Athletic shoes — the only required clothing item
- Prescription medications with documentation
- Glasses or contacts if needed
- Family photos (approved by admissions)
We Provide
- All clothing including warm outerwear (goes home at graduation)
- Bedding and towels
- Personal care items (toiletries, hygiene products)
- School supplies and materials
Note: Electronics, outside clothing, and personal items are not permitted. Your admissions counselor will provide a complete checklist.
Visit Progression
Visits are earned and scheduled with your teen's therapist based on progress.
On-Campus Visit
Your first visit takes place at ERA, giving you a chance to see where your teen lives and meet their treatment team.
Off-Campus Visit
As progress continues, you'll have supervised time together off campus—exploring St. George or nearby areas.
Overnight Hotel Visit
Extended time together in a hotel setting, practicing new communication skills in a more relaxed environment.
Monitored Home Visits
Two home visits before graduation help prepare your family for successful reunification.
Graduation & Aftercare
Completing the ERA program is an incredible achievement—but our support doesn't end at graduation. Our aftercare program ensures the transition home is successful and lasting.
Weekly Check-Ins
Phone calls with student and parents weekly for first 30 days, then bi-weekly
Dedicated Coordinator
Aftercare Coordinator available for years—not just weeks
Transition Planning
Custom plan for return home, boarding school, or next steps
Graduate Scholarship
Every ERA graduate receives a $1,000 scholarship toward college, trade school, military service, or vocational training. It's our way of saying: we believe in your future.
Questions About the Process?
Our admissions team is here to walk you through every step. No pressure, no obligation—just honest answers.