Aspen Institute for Behavioral Assessment
Syracuse, UT

The Aspen Institute for Behavioral Assessment, a unique, full-service diagnostic and assessment facility for struggling teens and parents seeking an accurate diagnosis, has announced that, effective January 1, 2010, Don Vardell, M.S., will become Executive Director. Vardell is the current Executive Director of neighboring Island View Residential Treatment Center and will maintain those duties along with his new position. Both programs are part of the comprehensive network of Aspen Education Group.

Mike Bulloch, LCSW, current Clinical Director for the Institute, has been promoted to Associate Executive Director and will be responsible for the program's daily operations including admissions, clinical, medical and nursing oversight. He will also serve as point-person for the referring professional community.

Current Executive Director and founder, Dr. Jared Balmer - who also founded Aspen Education Group's Island View RTC and the Oakley School - will be leaving the facility to pursue other interests.

"We are very pleased that Don has accepted this position to lead the Institute, and congratulate Mike on his well-deserved promotion," said Phil Herschman, President of Aspen Education Group. "Dr. Balmer has been a great asset to Aspen having founded three of our programs and is a solid leader within the youth behavioral health industry. Fortunately, there is an established history of continued excellence when he hands off leadership duties. Don, Mike and the current team at the Institute have the skills and talent to continue providing the outstanding care for which the Institute has become known."

Vardell has worked in healthcare administration and management for 16 years which includes many years with the American Red Cross, both as an employee and as a volunteer director. He currently serves as the National Chair for Preparedness and Health and Safety Services for the Red Cross.

Bulloch is a seasoned therapist whose career is marked by his specialty in the diagnosis and treatment of adolescents and their families. He has practiced in a variety of settings which include outpatient care, acute care, residential care and therapeutic boarding schools. Prior to joining the Institute, he served for six years as the Clinical Director of the Oakley School.

"The Institute will continue to provide outstanding services for youth and families under the able leadership of Don and Mike," said Dr. Balmer.

The Aspen Institute for Behavioral Assessment was founded in March of 2007 as a resource for parents and professionals seeking comprehensive, customized assessments for clinically complex young people who were previously difficult to diagnose due to a lack of coordinated clinical data. The primary purpose of the facility is to evaluate and assess, however therapeutic services including individual, group and family therapy, chemical dependency treatment, education and recreation also are provided.

Specifically, the Institute offers psychiatric, psychological, chemical dependency, medication and recreation evaluations, as well as psychosocial, family systems, health and physical, nutritional and self-harm assessments. The facility is accredited by The Joint Commission (www.jointcommission.org).

Said Dr. Balmer: "I look back with amazement and gratitude in recognition of the providence that enabled me and many close co-workers to be involved in the creation of Island View, the Oakley School and, most recently, the Institute. I believe that together we contributed to leading the frontier of the private placement industry and added to the growing body of knowledge of best practices."

Said Herschman: "We wish Jared well in his future endeavors and extend our sincerest gratitude for his many years of service and consummate leadership."

Don Vardell can be reached at (801) 773-0200 or dvardell@ivrtc.com.

Mike Bulloch's email address is mbulloch@aspenassessment.com.

For more information about the Institute, visit www.aspenassessment.com.

The Aspen Institute for Behavioral Assessment is a program of Aspen Education Group, the nation's leading provider of therapeutic education programs for struggling or underachieving young people. Aspen's services range from short-term intervention programs to residential treatment, and include a variety of therapeutic settings such as boarding schools, outdoor behavioral health programs and special needs summer camps, allowing professionals and families the opportunity to choose the best setting to meet a student's unique academic and emotional needs. Aspen is a division of CRC Health Group, the nation's largest chemical dependency and related behavioral health organization. For over two decades, CRC Health has been achieving successful outcomes for individuals and families.

For more information, visit www.crchealth.com.