This problem is all across the country as many of you know. Even in states with more strict regulations and oversight than other states (such as Utah or Arizona). Unfortunately, this handful of states seem to be the only ones investigating and checking the licensing of staff who work there. The state of Colorado has checked with DHS on licensing of the Adolescent and Family Institute of Colorado with it's owner Alexander Panio under scrutiny. Even more reports come out after a families bipolar daughter committed suicide shortly after being discharged.
It turns out that Panio was not a licensed therapist in the state of Colorado, despite the claim on AFIC's website and the records from DHS. Which means that his Ph.D was illegitimate since it was from an unlicensed and unaccredited school. Even in states that do require accreditation and licensing, there are no regulations regarding accrediting bodies and checking their legitimacy. Which in turn mean that some accrediting bodies can accredit anyone who wishes to be accredited and just let the places regulate themselves. There is a page on this site regarding licensing and oversight in each state.
CNN Article http://www.cnn.com/2014/05/09/us/colorado-treatment-center-lawsuits/index.html?hpt=hp_c2
A foul mouthed, narcissistic, con man who was exposed for the fraud that he is.
ReplyDeleteThey treated their staff just as poorly as they did the families seeking help.
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