HOFH Elite Care Center Spotlight: ARCH Academy and Still Waters

Since 1966, Cumberland Heights has been a leader in the ethical implementation of addiction treatment. During its more than 50-year history, the non-profit organization, which is based throughout Tennessee, has developed programs aligned with the principles embedded in the 12-Steps. Two of those standout programs are ARCH Academy and Still Waters.

“My association with Cumberland Heights began years ago when I saw first hand how the trajectory of a young man’s life was reshaped in a positive direction after dealing with addiction issues,” says Tim Corbin, head baseball coach of Vanderbilt University, who spoke at the center’s 2021 Breakfast of Champions. “As I learned, there’s always hope for a loved one as long as they are knowledgeable and compassionate people to care for them. That is what Cumberland Heights provides.”

ARCH Academy Top-Rated Adolescent Recovery Program

Adolescent Recovery of Cumberland Heights Academy (ARCH Academy) was created to provide the highest quality of care to adolescent males ages 14-17, and their families, who are at varying degrees ranging from substance abuse to substance dependence. Located on 67-acres in Kingston Springs, Tennessee, the residential program’s mission is to transform lives, giving hope and healing to those affected by alcohol or drug addiction.

Their treatment modality is composed of a 12-Step foundation, proven clinical interventions, and experiential and adventure-based therapy. ARCH Academy also operates a fully accredited private high school with programs ranging from grades 8 through 12 including credit recovery and follow-up academic placement. The programs also support student-athletes and individuals who want to remain physically active during their treatment.

“We are very in tune to the unique needs of adolescents including student-athletes,” says Dean Porterfield, LPC-MHSP, NCC, Director of ARCH Academy. “A story that comes to mind is one student who was enrolled in our program and had a goal of obtaining a collegiate track scholarship. We were able to ensure that he continued training while on campus at ARCH. Upon being discharged from our program, he made the team on a full scholarship. During his college years, he would come back and intern with us during the summer. He now works for us full-time and helps train some of the clients in our program.”

The programs at ARCH Academy average six to nine months and are divided into three phases. The young men advance to each phase through a progress-based transition. The

first phase, which has an average 30-45 day length of stay, primarily focuses on detox and on getting a clear assessment of the teen through a variety of evaluations conducted by the therapist, attending physician, and psychiatric evaluation. Phase Two of the program, which has an average 90-120 day length of stay, is geared towards deepening the therapeutic work identified in Phase One including establishing a transition plan as the young man looks to return home or the next level of care. Phrase Three, which averages 2-4 weeks, is dedicated to the transition period and honoring the accomplishments of the young man.

“One of the many things we’re proud of is the affordability and accessibility of our program,” says Steve Lee, Senior Director of Strategic Relationships at Cumberland Heights. “We are in-network with most commercial providers for insurance. In addition, many of our alumni support the program through donations which helps keep the program affordable. Furthermore, as a part of our partnership with Hall of Fame Health, we have access to scholarships through the Fund Recovery Program, which exists to support athletes, their spouses, and their families.”

Still Waters 12-Step Immersive Recovery Program for Men and Women

Still Waters was founded as a residential 12-step immersion program with an emphasis on spirituality. Serving both men and women on separate campuses in Tennessee, the program is staffed entirely by individuals recovering from substance use disorder who want to share their experience, strength, and hope with others. Still Waters can be the entry point for those seeking help or as an extended care program following 30 days of treatment.

Still Waters has proven especially useful for individuals who have had multiple treatment experiences.“Many of the men and women who come into the Still Waters program aren’t short on information, but they are short on the practical application of the 12 step principles in their daily lives,” says Lee. “Still Waters is where we take the information embedded in the 12 steps and put it into the application to bring about the transformation.”

“Our goal is to help residents take a really deep dive into the 12 steps of recovery including the spiritual principles and emerge renewed,” adds Heath Chitwood, Executive Directory of Still Waters. “Everyone who works here is in recovery so they walk the walk and have been in those shoes. What they teach is what they themselves do. There is a high level of peer accountability, including in our after-care and alumni groups, which are highly attended.”

The individuals who attend Still Waters not only stay in touch with their peers regularly, but some of them come back to work for one of the Cumberland Heights programs. Such is the case with Cole Szabo, who attended Still Waters but has since become a LADAC II and the Residential Outreach Coordinator for ARCH Academy. He credits Still Waters for saving his life.

“Going into the program, I knew what everyone was telling me about recovery, but I didn’t know how to apply it,” says Szabo. “The program helped me to look in the mirror and get to gut-level honesty. Going through the process with the same group of men helped us to

lift one another up but also identify things within ourselves. After I left Still Waters, I was in a sober living house for six months. Staying in the brotherhood taught me what being a man in sobriety was all about. I went from an emotional child to a young man to a sober adult.”

“There is something about this program. A lot of people who have gone through our program are guided to a point where they want to help others and pass it on,” adds Chitwood. “Our alumni are truly their brother’s and sister’s keeper.”

As Elite Care Centers of Hall of Fame Health (HOFH), ARCH Academy and Still Waters bring together an array of highly-respected recovery options covering a wide variety of recovery treatment needs.

“We are honored to welcome the incredible ARCH Academy adolescent program and the valuable 12-step immersion program of Still Waters to the network of Hall of Fame Health Elite Care Centers,” says Ryan Cain, President of the behavioral health program for Hall of Fame Health. “Steve Lee and the team have dedicated their lives to mental health and recovery and it shows in their programs. We look forward to growing together to help as many people as possible.”

“Our programs have worked with adolescent and adult children of athletes. What we’re doing extends beyond the athletes to the family level,” says Lee. “ARCH Academy and Still Waters want to be strong community partners with Hall of Fame Health. We have seen the stigma and want to be a partner in making help available to all, gold jacket or not.”

The HOFH Elite Care Centers is a network of elite facilities across the country that specialize in mental health and substance use disorder. Each treatment center is vetted and accredited to provide high-quality, customized care to former players and their families, veterans, and beyond. Financial aid options are available through Fund Recovery, which serves athletes, veterans, their families, and others seeking assistance for mental health or addiction issues.

For more information on ARCH Academy or Still Waters, please visit https://www.hofhealth.com/elite-care-centers or call the HOFH concierge line at 866-404-HOFH.