E-Sun-Alee, Deer Lodge, TN - Eckerd Youth Alternatives

Help and Hope for Troubled Teens
at Eckerd Youth Alternatives'
E-Sun-Alee, Deer Lodge, TN

E-Sun-Alee, a nurturing outdoor residential treatment program for troubled boys and girls ages 10 to 18, combines fully accredited education with group and individual counseling, adventure programs and relationship and communication-building skills in a therapeutic outdoor setting. Individual treatment and education plans address special needs, while youths live, learn and grow in family-like small groups. Formerly troubled teens learn to build self-confidence, develop respect for self and others, accept personal responsibility and make good decisions.

Opening the door to a brighter future
The name E-Sun-Alee means “their tomorrow” in the Muskokee Indian language. E-Sun-Alee is one of 18 Outdoor Therapeutic Treatment Programs in Eckerd Youth Alternatives’ continuum of care for at-risk and troubled youth. Since 1988, Eckerd Youth Alternatives’ E-Sun-Alee has helped hundreds of troubled youth leave their pasts behind and open the door to a brighter tomorrow.

Serves boys and girls: 10 to 18 years
Average age at admission: 15
55 beds: 6 groups of 8 to 10 youths
1 to 3 counseling staff-to-child ratio
Fully accredited on-campus school


E-Sun-Alee is located on 326 beautiful acres in the Cumberland Mountain Plateau, convenient to Nashville, Knoxville and Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Referrals are accepted from parents, families, agencies, behavioral health professionals, and educational consultants.

Program activities

Hiking and camping
Challenge courses
Swimming and fishing
Canoe trips
Environmental conservation efforts
Community involvement
Woodworking

Certifications, Accreditations & Memberships

Southern Association of Colleges & Schools, Secondary Commission – Special Purpose Schools
TN Department of Education –
Special Education & General Education
Council on Accreditation of Services for
Families and Children, Inc. (COA)
National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSAP)

Grateful Parents Share Stories

“We are at last a family…”

“Without the Eckerd program my son would not have found his way to becoming the man he is and will be. I am so very proud of what he has done and the way he has chosen to live his life. He is a success. I thank you for him and I thank you for myself. I was fighting a losing battle and simply did not have the knowledge or resources to guide him. I do enjoy him now, we are at last, a family…I will forever be grateful to you all. Please feel free to share this letter.”
-- Mother of E-Sun-Alee graduate

You have provided the
missing link…”
“It goes without saying that EYA has no doubt saved this child we love from prison and even death. It is amazing to watch him work through something that he finds distressing. Our hearts go out to EYA. You have provided the missing link that we searched for. I hope you take great pride, knowing that this is a child that your efforts and skill saved from destruction.”
-- Parents of E-Sun-Alee graduate