News Summary
Asheville Academy, a therapeutic school for girls, has closed after a state investigation revealed mental health licensing violations and two student suicides. Executive Director Shawn Farrell announced the closure following the NCDHHS’s intervention. The tragic events have sparked serious concerns about the safety and mental health conditions in such facilities, prompting calls for reform. All remaining students have been discharged, and the center’s social media accounts are inactive amidst ongoing investigations.
Asheville Academy Closes Following State Investigation and Two Student Suicides
Asheville, North Carolina – Asheville Academy, a therapeutic school for girls aged 10-18, has voluntarily surrendered its therapeutic school license and closed its doors following a state investigation that uncovered violations of mental health service licensing rules and two student suicides. The closure was officially announced by Executive Director Shawn Farrell in a letter to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) dated June 4, 2025, which stated that the decision took effect immediately.
The residential treatment center, which was registered under Facility ID: 011296 and License Number: MHL-011-398, had its admissions suspended on May 27, 2025, after the NCDHHS intervened. This was triggered by a state investigation that began on May 8, only days after the first tragic student suicide occurred on May 3, when a 13-year-old girl took her life. A second incident followed on May 29, when a 12-year-old girl also died by suicide, marking two such losses in less than a month.
The state investigation revealed that Wilderness Training & Consulting LLC, the managing organization of Asheville Academy, was operating in violation of multiple mental health licensing statutes. The NCDHHS noted their inability to provide detailed information regarding the specific violations but indicated that conditions within the facility were detrimental to the health and safety of the clients. As a result of these findings, ongoing admissions to the Academy were halted, and all remaining students were discharged by June 2, 2025.
The Academy indicated that staff members were terminated as of May 31, 2025. At the time of closure, Asheville Academy had a reported licensed capacity of 90 students, but only 27 girls were enrolled. The facility had previously faced scrutiny as it was managed by individuals who also previously operated Trails Carolina, which was closed in February 2024 following the death of another young boy.
In response to the severe implications of these tragic events, Asheville Academy has expressed its condolences to the families affected, while also indicating that they cannot comment further due to ongoing investigations. Although the facility’s website remains active, its social media accounts have been deactivated, reflecting a significant shift in its operational status and community engagement.
The NCDHHS is continuing to monitor the situation closely, responding to the concerns raised by the public and media regarding the safety and mental health conditions of such facilities. This situation has prompted widespread attention and has led to increased calls for reviews and reforms within the therapeutic school system.
Anyone who is struggling with mental health issues or experiencing distress is encouraged to reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling or texting 988 or visiting 988lifeline.org for support.
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Additional Resources
- ABC News 4
- Associated Press
- WYFF4
- Spectrum Local News
- Google Search: Asheville Academy therapeutic school
