Teen treatment facility cited after alleged abuse leaves client hospitalized

A teen treatment facility called Crimson Heights, operating across four states in the western U.S., is currently under scrutiny after an incident where a staff member restrained a client so harshly that the client needed surgery. The event took place at their St. George location on August 3. According to a Notice of Agency Action issued by the Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) on October 30, the facility violated several state regulations during this incident. The client involved, who is developmentally delayed, was reportedly shirtless and acting out when they asked for space and threw rocks at the staff member. Instead of stepping back or using a less invasive method, the staff member physically restrained the client in a prone position on landscaping rocks. This action caused multiple cuts and a fractured elbow that required surgical treatment. DHHS found that this restraint was not the least restrictive option available and did not adhere to trauma-informed care standards. The Department cited Crimson Heights for breaching specific state rules, particularly those ensuring clients' right to be free from abuse and mandating safe behavior management techniques. Crimson Heights serves individuals with a variety of challenges, including Autism, Trauma, RAD, ADHD, ODD, Anxiety, Depression, and developmental delays. Their facilities accommodate children and teenagers across Utah, Nevada, Arizona, and Colorado. In response to this serious violation, DHHS imposed immediate conditions on the facility’s license. Crimson Heights is barred from admitting new patients and must undergo increased monitoring inspections. Additionally, all staff are required to receive retraining focused on de-escalation and proper restraint protocols. The facility is also obligated to notify all current clients, guardians, and placing agencies about these license restrictions and to publicly post the Notice of Agency Action on-site and on its website within five business days. However, as of November 11, an investigation by KSL found that the required notice had not been posted on Crimson Heights’ website. Attempts to get comments from the facility’s owners and executives went unanswered. Likewise, DHHS did not respond to inquiries about the missing public notice. The sanctions placed on Crimson Heights' license will remain in effect until at least January 28, 2026, unless the department lifts them earlier. The facility must also provide proof of staff training and ongoing compliance with state regulations. This troubling episode raises significant concerns about how behavioral health facilities manage and protect vulnerable populations, especially those with developmental delays and trauma backgrounds. The gap between mandated safety protocols and actual practice highlights the urgent need for robust oversight and transparency to prevent further harm. The KSL Investigators have called for anyone who has experienced similar issues to come forward so they can assist in uncovering further problems.