“I enrolled Karla in a wilderness program pending the successful completion of that program I would make the ‘next step’ decision for Karla. During the time Karla was in the wilderness program I did the research for her next placement. I consulted with a well respected educational counselor in Seattle. I asked for recommendations from the local mental health agencies. In each case Elk Mountain was the recommendation.

Elk Mountain is a residential facility that is located in a serene, peaceful setting. It offers a controlled, structured environment providing one-on-one as well as group therapy and family counseling. We were looking for possible chemical imbalances as well as possible psychological problems. Karla had such large self-esteem issues and we were looking for ways to explain the motivation behind her self-destructive and hostile acts. With Mary’s advice and guidance much has been revealed.

A year ago I would not have believed we could come so far. The expense has been well worth it. The combination of an accurate mental diagnosis, controlled medication, therapy, and a nurturing environment has improved Karla’s chance for normalcy. She is well on her way to learning to deal with and face her problems giving her a new sense of self-confidence and an ability to move forward past the past.”