Two Eckerd Youth Alternatives Inc. (EYA) outdoor therapeutic programs are changing their names to Eckerd Academy, announced EYA Director of Private Academies Angie Senic. EYA is one of the largest providers of services to troubled and at-risk youth in the country.

The outdoor therapeutic program E-Sun-Alee will be known as Eckerd Academy at Deer Lodge in Deer Lodge, Tenn. The outdoor therapeutic program E-How-Kee in Brooksville, FL, will be known as Eckerd Academy at Brooksville.
The name change reflects Eckerd's commitment to fully serve the needs of privately referred boys and girls, their families and private professionals.

"For almost 40 years, the Eckerd name has been synonymous with high-quality therapeutic programs for troubled teens. We felt the timing was right to capitalize on that with our two programs dedicated to serving the needs of privately referred youth," Senic said. "The Eckerd Academy name better reflects our image in the market, our academic and emotional growth approach, as well as our geographic locations."

Both Eckerd Academy campuses combine a fully accredited education program with group and individual counseling, adventure programs and relationship- and communication-building skills. Eckerd Academy at Deer Lodge serves boys and girls ages 10 - 18 experiencing emotional and behavioral problems, while Eckerd Academy at Brooksville serves boys and girls ages 10 -17.

The Eckerd Model for therapeutic residential treatment features eight essentials: a strength-based focus, therapeutic environment, positive relationships with staff, group living, individual treatment, safety, education and family participation. Youth live with counselor-teachers in groups of up to 10 boys or girls for an average of six to 12 months.

About Eckerd Youth Alternatives
Founded by philanthropists Jack and Ruth Eckerd, Eckerd Youth Alternatives (EYA) is one of the nation's leading providers of services for troubled youth. As a private not-for-profit organization, EYA serves nearly 10,000 children each year. Since 1968, more than 70,000 young people have been helped through a range of six program models in more than 40 locations in nine states: Florida, North Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Louisiana, Ohio, Vermont, Rhode Island and New Hampshire. To refer a child to Eckerd Academy, call 1-800-914-3937 or visit the Web site at www.eckerd.org.