October 30, 2018 ... And We Celebrate.

Two years ago, October 30, 2016 at 11:31 o’clock p.m., the world for this dad forever changed.

For a parent, when their beloved child is taken from life, the shock, the anguish to the heart, the mind, and the soul is incomprehensible.  In a blink of an eye, you feel, you know the best part of your heart has died as well.

You wonder whether that immeasurable tragedy will destroy you ... or will it fill you with incredible resolve and strength.  Fortunately, fate or a greater power had its own plans and for us, Dylan Thomas’ words reverberate, "Do not go gentle into that good night, Old age should burn and rave at close of day, Rage, Rage against the dying of the light." 

This resolve and strength has been increased by the collaboration, the shared insight, wisdom, passion and drive of incredible persons. So, on Tuesday night, October 30, 2018 at Texas Health Presbyterian, The Morgan Foundation, along with The Something for Kelly Foundation presented a screening of the documentary, “Going Sane.” But first, there was much work to do that day.

Three very special people flew into Dallas, Texas to participate in this event. First, there was J.D. Ouellette, an incredibly passionate parent advocate who resides in San Diego, California. J.D. is actively involved in F.E.A.S.T. and has a strong, passionate voice inspiring parents whose loved ones suffer from this insidious disease.

Second, Lisa Sabey, the Executive Producer of the documentary, “Going Sane” flew in from Colorado for this event. To say that Ms. Sabey is a strong, passionate warrior would be an understatement.

Finally, the Chief Executive Officer of the Academy for Eating Disorders, Elissa Myers took time away from her hectic schedule to come to Dallas. No words can adequately describe Elissa’s soulfulness, passion and wisdom.

The commemoration of Morgan’s passing started on the evening of October 29, 2018. A VIP reception was held at the house of Patti Geolat, the Founder of the Something for Kelly Foundation. At this event, Ms. Myers and Ms. Sabey met our local fighters for the cause. Cyndy Blackwell and her spouse, Don, attended. Don is a fellow attorney, author of the book, “Letters to Ashley,” speaker and advocate in the eating disorder community. Drs. Brook Brodrick and Carrie McAdams from UT Medical Center joined us.  Both Drs. Brodrick and McAdams are involved in the research aspect and treatment, of eating disorders. Dr. McAdams’ reputation as a scholar and doctor is above reproach. Dr. Sheena Allen, from Dallas Dental Arts was with us. The week before she appeared on John Payton’s show discussing how dentists can be an incredible part of the treatment team. Leigh Richardson, who founded the Brain Performance Center shared our fellowship that night. Delissa Deutsch, (who was one of Morgan’s first counselors) joined us. Delissa treats many eating disorder patients and is an advocate for the Embody Love Movement. So many others of importance and passion for the cause came by to lend their support. And to all, we say, “thank you.”

October 30, 2018 started at 8:00 o’clock a.m., as Elissa Myers, Lisa Sabey, Patti Geolat and I appeared on local radio station KBDT, 1160AM – The JP, Kathy & the Crew show for one hour. Ms. Sabey spoke with such passion about the documentary and her involvement in the industry. Elissa Myers’ intelligence and vision for the eating disorder industry were broadcast for all to hear. Certainly, much needed change and progress are coming to the eating disorder industry under Elissa’s leadership. And, we would be remiss without thanking John Payton (“the JP”). Judge Payton was in the Guinness Book of World Records as the youngest elected judge and held that position for 24 years. While on the bench, he started a Juvenile Truancy program that has been copied throughout the State of Texas. Presiding over that program, Judge Payton came across numerous young people suffering from this insidious disease. John is passionate about making a positive difference and immersing himself in the eating disorder industry.

Following the radio show, telephone conference calls were made with several law firms throughout the United States. These law firms specialize in class action litigation. And … the ball was moved forward on several fronts. The next front for fighting eating disorders is about to be unveiled in our court systems.

The night then brought on the event, the screening of “Going Sane.” It was held at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital. Two years to the night, Morgan breathed her last just four floors above where the film was being shown. The circle was closing.

“Going Sane,” is a must see documentary that explores the mental health industry, is eating disorder intensive and features some of the most recognized names in the eating disorder industry … Dr. Cynthia Bulik, Dr. Walter Kaye, J.D. Ouellette as a parent advocate, and Joan Riederer. Joan’s beloved daughter Erin, was taken by this disease. Joan’s passion, pain and strength through her vulnerability are shown in  the film. Her foundation, The Erin Riederer Foundation is dedicated to advocacy and improving treatment. Their “SockItToEd” campaign features whimsical, brightly colored socks. I wear mine whenever I can and I certainly had them on that night. “Going Sane” exposes the myth of “evidence-based” treatment, features a number of doctors, counselors, parents and patients and in one hour, can be a life-changing event.

A panel discussion then took place. J.D., Lisa Sabey, Dr. Carrie McAdams and Elissa all spoke about the film, the eating disorder industry, and their involvement. They took questions and embraced the moment. To merely say, “thank you,” is inadequate and cannot even remotely approach our gratitude for their passion and life’s calling to make a difference and save lives.

As the night wound down, and as the horrible hour marking the time of Morgan's death approached, I found myself, not alone, but with Elissa and Patti Geolat. Candles were lit, Sinatra was playing in the background, and the fireplace was lit. At their request, I told them in detail the events surrounding Morgan’s last night, how she breathed her last, the long, lonely walk down the hospital hallway and how as her eyes closed and her heart stopped, how something great was born at that very moment. 11:31 o’clock p.m. found us raising our drinks (martinis) to Morgan and to what surely lies ahead.

And so, October 30, 2018 was not an "Angelversary."  There were no flowers, no butterflies, and no rainbows. As Morgan often said, she was my "twin." Tears come and will continue to come.  But, in that sorrow comes even greater clarity.  Morgan’s daddy is not broken.  He will never break.  Morgan knew I needed to get out of my own way and let my soul find me and its purpose made clear. And so, it was.

Inner strength continues to grow. The plan is in place and coming to fruition.  Incredible partners and supporters who share our vision are rallying. Eating Disorders absolutely did their worst.  And yet here we stand, stronger, more resolute than ever.  The Army of Warrior Angels is restless but is being heard.

The Heart of a Lioness and Soul of a Warrior.  We are coming. And we will save lives ... One Precious Life at a time."

Parents ... Demand Transparency

“Asking the proper questions is the central action of transformation. Questions are the key that causes the secret doors of the psyche to swing open.”

            Clarissa Pinkola Estes, American poet and advocate

“Ask the right questions if you're to find the right answers.”

                  Vanessa Redgrave, Actress

Moms, Dads, Husbands, Wives … so your beloved is suffering from an eating disorder. You have seen the statistics. You have seen the death rate. You have seen so much chest bumping and claims made on Internet web sites, that you simply do not know which way to turn.

Your family doctor is recommending a residential treatment program for your loved one. You have read some good reviews and you have read reviews that frighten you. We have been there. You are not alone.

You are about to entrust your most, valued, beloved person to someone else’s care. You are entrusting your heart and your soul. You are so incredibly afraid. You  are confused and uncertain.

It is long past time to start to use that fear as an asset, to help you, instead of against you. Fear can be a tremendous ally when you control it. And you can start to control it by being up front and assertive with the questions you ask treatment providers before you entrust your child, your spouse, your loved one to their care.

You are entitled to complete transparency. You are entitled to integrity. You are entitled to honesty. If you receive anything less than those qualities from the person, the treatment provider who has been entrusted with the care of your beloved, you need to look elsewhere. They literally hold the life of your beloved in their hands. You must expect … no you are entitled to DEMAND complete transparency.

So, as are you interviewing a treatment provider, do not back down.  You should always speak to the person in charge of the medical program… the medical director, the chief clinical officer, whoever it may be.  End at the top and don’t accept anything less.  If they don’t make time for you before you trust them with your child’s life, what makes you think they will give you time during and after the treatment protocol? Yes, they will have intake personnel to first vet your initial information. That is understandable and prudent. And, cooperate with them. But, you must also talk to the top person. Your beloved person’s life may very well depend on that treatment center and that professional.

And so, the following questions may help as a guidepost for that journey to enlightenment and honesty:

1.             What type of treatment protocol do you use?

2.            When they say, “We use evidence-based treatment, (“EBT”) get the specifics of that EBT.

3.            Who conducted the research into that particular type of EBT? When was it done?

4.            Were control groups used?

5.            Does your center duplicate the testing parameters utilized by the initial researchers as closely as possible? If not, why not.

6.            What is the average time, percentage wise, per day and per week that this EBT is actually being used?

7.            What is being done the remaining amount of time? As for those activities, what studies indicate that those activities are effective for treating eating disorders?

8.            How do they individually tailor their treatment protocol to take into account the unique needs of your loved one?

9.            Ask about the credentials and background histories of the medical personnel and counselors who will primarily be assigned to your loved one’s care.

10.        What complaints have the treatment program had? How do they resolve those complaints?

11.       What are the greatest strengths of the treatment program and the treatment facility in general?

12.         What are the weaknesses of the treatment program and treatment facility in general?

13.         How do they insure the safety of the people attending the program, not only from outside influences but also from other people at the facility?

14.        Carefully review the Internet website of the treatment facility. If there are any items of concern, i.e., “satisfaction or success” rate or representations about their quality, ask about them.

15.      Do they collaborate with research doctors or universities on their program? If not, why not?

16.      Are they aware of the latest Center of Excellence proposal made by four research doctors? If not, why not?

17.         Do you start their discharge planning from the very first day your loved one is entrusted to them? If not, why not?

18.         Ask what their discharge planning consists of.

19.         Do they coordinate with your treatment providers at home?

20.        Do they do family counseling during the week and if you live out of town, whether they do that by Skype?

21.         Ask for their views on pharmaceutical drugs.

22.        Ask if they know what the prevailing views on the usage of pharmaceutical drugs to treat eating disorders are. If they do not know, ask why they do not know.

23.        Ask them how they measure their success rate.

24.        Ask what follow up care they do, i.e., phone calls to you, phone calls to your general practitioner.

25.        Ask if a private equity firm owns them in whole or in part. If they are, ask how much of their medical practice is owned by that PE firm.

26.        Ask what role the PE firm has in charting the course for their practice, that is, will certain aspects of the practice be emphasized over others.

27.        Ask the manner in which they conduct peer-to-peer reviews.

28.        Ask if during a peer-to-peer review, whether the insurance benefit’s “independent doctor” has ever made either direct or veiled threats that if the insurance provider’s decision is disregarded, that could jeopardize the treatment center’s contract.

29.        Ask how often the treatment center is successful in the peer-to-peer reviews conducted with your insurance provider.

30.        Ask about the financial costs of the program, both with and without insurance proceeds being applied.

31.         Ask how they treat co-current medical conditions, i.e., depression, trauma, addiction and whether they have staff who specializes in treating those conditions.

32.        Is spirituality part of their treatment protocol?

33.      Have any complaints been filed against the medical personnel or counselors? If so, what were those complaints about and what were the outcomes of those investigations.

34.      Has a federal, state or local board of medical examiners ever investigated the treatment center and if so, what were the specifics of those investigations and outcomes?

35.       How often will they update you on your loved ones condition and treatment?

36.        If your loved one is 18 years of age or older, will they require your loved one to sign a HIPAA release form authorizing them to speak with you at all times?

You have the power of the future in your hands. Without you, their treatment center does not exist, their livelihood goes away. They are dependent upon you for their professional existence. Act like it. Use that information to empower you.

Parents … be strong, be faithful to your head and your heart. Ask questions. Demand truthful answers. Accept nothing less. Knowledge is power. And understand that the future is yours to embrace.

Castlewood /Alsana ... Treatment Reprogramming, HIV Need Not Apply & Exploiting Patient Relationships?

Psychologist, Mark Schwartz and his wife Lori Galperin founded The Castlewood Treatment Center in St. Louis, Missouri approximately sixteen (16) years ago. After building slowly, Castlewood hit one of the first private equity jackpots in 2008 when Trinity Hunt Partners, out of Dallas, acquired a majority ownership interest. Shortly thereafter, the problems began.

In 2011, Lisa Nasseff filed suit against Castlewood Treatment Center and Mark Schwartz accusing Schwartz of implanting false memories of sexual abuse and satanic cult activity. Ms. Nasseff was a patient at Castlewood undergoing treatment for eating disorders. On the face of these facts, one could naturally assume that the Nasseff lawsuit was the very definition of a frivolous lawsuit, that it would be quickly dismissed as being filed for harassment with sanctions and costs awarded against Ms. Nasseff and her attorneys.

But wait.

In the next year, three other patients stepped forward and filed lawsuits against Castlewood and Schwartz alleging similar claims of brainwashing,  hypnosis and concocted memories during their lengthy stays in the Castlewood residential treatment program. Finally, after the last lawsuit was filed by the fourth patient, Schwartz and his wife Ms. Galperin resigned from the board of directors and have since severed all ties to Castlewood. Even with the additional litigation, to some their claims may still sound a bit outlandish. 

But wait.

In 2017, the Missouri Committee of Psychologists censured Schwartz’s license after a patient complained in 2013 about a lack of supervision at Castlewood. As part of the disciplinary agreement, Schwartz agreed to let his state license expire in January 2018.

But wait.

An investigation found that before he was the clinical director at Castlewood, Schwartz and Ms. Galperin were directors at the Masters and Johnson Trauma units at Two Rivers Psychiatric Hospital in Kansas City and also at River Oaks Hospital in New Orleans. While Schwartz and Galperin were directors at these organizations, lawsuits were filed against these hospitals for … implanting memories of multiple personality and satanic ritual abuse.

Which brings us back to Castlewood. As part of its indoctrination or reprogramming, Castlewood utilizes a type of therapy called internal family systems, which involves encouraging patients to improve the parts of themselves that are destructive. However, a number of experts in the eating disorders industry have said internal family systems violates the applicable standard of care because malnourished patients and those on psychotropic drugs are particularly vulnerable to having their memories and personalities twisted. One can readily tell that this type of treatment reprogramming readily lends itself to claims of brainwashing or suggestive memory implantation.

Of course, Castlewood’s legal issues did not end with those lawsuits and allegations. In or about 2013, Castlewood was accused of violating the Americans with Disabilities Act by refusing to treat a women who had a serious eating disorder because she was HIV+. Allegedly, Castlewood repeatedly told this person that she was on their waiting list but in actuality, had no intention of admitting her. Again, on its face, it sounds preposterous that a medical facility would withhold life-saving treatment because a person is HIV+ while lying to the patient.

But, wait.

Those claims were not prosecuted by the individual afflicted, Susan Gibson … but by the Justice Department of the United States. The Justice Department found that Castlewood refused to treat Ms. Gibson because she was HIV+ despite the fact that Castlewood determined that she was qualified to receive counseling and that Castlewood’s own medical staff determined they could treat a person with HIV. Castlewood repeatedly told Ms. Gibson that she was on a waiting list even though they had no intention of admitting her. In the meantime, Ms. Gibson’s health worsened and she did not receive treatment for as long as 7 months. Ultimately, Castlewood agreed to pay Ms. Gibson $115,000 and $25,000 in civil penalties.

After more than 8 years, Trinity Hunt decided to divest themselves of Castlewood and its attendant headaches. Effective January 2017, it sold Castlewood to The Riverside Company, a self-proclaimed global private equity firm. And yet, much like the Ghost of Banquo haunted MacBeth, so too its past continued to haunt Castlewood. And so, Castlewood did what any reputable, transparent company which places integrity first and foremost would do ... it cleaned house, terminated any questionable employees, did away with its controversial internal family systems reprogramming, changed its treatment protocol to make it solely reliant on scientifically based evidence, admitted the past error of its ways and agreed to collaborate with the academic treatment centers for the betterment of those afflicted with this disease… or not. 

Actually, instead of engaging in those bold and forward thinking actions, in the span of six years, it changed public relations firms four times and finally, changed its name to “Alsana,” (derived from a Latin term for total health) and scrubbed all references to Castlewood from its website. There, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa for past transgressions, all is forgiven, there's nothing to see here, move along ...

But, wait.

To overcome its very checkered past and controversial history, one would naturally assume that Castlewood/Alsana would employ only the best of the best, the most ethical employee who is beyond reproach and who has always avoided even the slightest appearance of impropriety especially with its upper echelon employees. 

For example, in January 2018, Castlewood/Alsana named Nicole P. Siegfried as its Chief Clinical Officer. She was also listed as the Clinical Director at the Highlands Treatment Center from April 2013 to the present.  She was also listed as the Clinical Director at Castlewood/Alsana from April 2013 to the present. Prior thereto, she was the Clinical Director at the Magnolia Creek Treatment Center for Eating Disorders from July 2006 through July 2012. She has  given a number of talks to the eating disorder industry and has written a number of articles on eating disorders. In fact, on January 31, 2017, she wrote an article entitled, “The Role of Hope in Eating Disorder Recovery.” As part of this paper, Ms. Siegfried wrote:

Building Hope Through Connection to Therapist

The therapeutic relationship has been identified as critical to client success in treatment. In fact, research suggests that the therapy relationship is as important as the type of therapy used in terms of patient outcomes (Norcross & Lambert, 2011). Hope has been identified as the foundation of the therapeutic alliance (Frank, 1968). By accepting the client without judgment, the therapist demonstrates optimism and hope that the client has the capacity for change. “Hope bonding” is a term that has been used to describe the formation of a sound, hopeful therapeutic alliance (Lopez et al., 2000). The fibers of connection between a client and therapist may be strands of hope that attach a client to the therapist, ground the client in therapy, and move the client through recovery. Therapists have been referred to as “hope brokers” or “hope ambassadors” in the therapy process. As clinicians, we hold hope for our clients when they have none and guide them to the pathways toward hope on their road to recovery. I have gone as far as saying that if we, as therapists, do not have hope for a client’s recovery, that client will not recover. Attempting to provide therapy without hope is the equivalent of blocking all of the exits during a fire. Alternatively, when therapists infuse hope into the therapy relationship and into the recovery process, it is as though they clear the smoke and reveal the exits out of suffering.

Very sage advice, especially the parts about how a therapeutic relationship is critical to a client’s success in treatment, and how "... the fibers of connection between a client and therapist may be strands of hope that attach a client to the therapist ..."

But wait.

In looking at Ms. Siegfried’s past employment history, there is a gap in time between July 2012 and April 2013. Now why would that be? Did Ms. Siegfried take a sabbatical and explore tropical beaches during that time period? Did Ms. Siegfried wander in the wilderness attempting to find the Yeti or the Loch Ness monster?

Or instead, could it possibly be that during this time period Ms. Siegfried was being investigated by the Alabama Board of Examiners in Psychology? That is the same Alabama Board, which on November 9, 2012 placed Ms. Siegfried on probation and practice supervision for one year for ... "failure to document professional work and maintain records and .... ENGAGING IN A MULTIPLE RELATIONSHIP, PATIENT HARM AND EXPLOITIVE RELATIONSHIP."  

But, wait ...

It appears as if Castlewood offered employment to Ms. Siegfried while she was still on probation and under practice supervision for having an inappropriate relationship with a patient! Five months after she was placed on probation, she was offered employment by Alsana! And now ... she is its Chief Clinical Officer.

To have a clinician who willfully, knowingly and intentionally took advantage of a patient in such pain, a person, a young lady, who looked to her for salvation, a person who looked to her for the very last vestiges of “hope,” only to be betrayed and taken advantage of, is nothing short of reprehensible. And to have that same victimizer write of “hope” between a clinician and patient abuses the boundaries of hypocrisy. But even that will not prevent private equity from finding a very well-respected position of authority in the eating disorder industry for that offender within five months after being placed on probation.

Apparently, only in an unregulated industry, with very little fear of any repercussions, can a professional negotiate  probation and practice supervision for one year for amongst other unethical violations, engaging in a multiple relationship, patient harm and exploitive relationship with an eating disorder victim entrusted to their care. Then they can become a chief clinical officer in a PE owned treatment facility. At the same time, the abuser can become a trusted and valued member of the Residential Eating Disorder Consortium. Not only that, but despite the fact that they are practicing their trade at a residential treatment center using a controversial reprogramming treatment regiment which is largely discounted by the eating disorder industry, they can become the Chairperson of the Consortium's Research Committee.

With such a sordid history, one can't help but be amazed at the job security offered to such persons and yet not be surprised when that job security is only offered by a PE owned treatment facility which has a history of being sued for unethical conduct, of having its founder resign in disgrace, of practicing treatment reprogramming that is outside the standard of care in the eating disorder industry, that is the focus of so many complaints from families who were so incensed that they have organized formal opposition to that program, and of denying treatment for HIV+ persons suffering from eating disorders to an extent that they were taken to task by the Justice Department of the United States.

As for the therapist being a "Hope Broker," as penned by the offender, one cannot help but wonder how much "hope" was broken in that one, vulnerable, scared young lady who was entrusted to her care and who was then betrayed.

http://www.psychcrime.org/news/index.php?vd=2293&t=State+places+psychologist+Nicole+Joy+Siegfried+on+probation