Patient Referrals
When Making Referrals
We greatly value your trust when making referrals to ARCH. Here are a few things to keep in mind while connecting with our staff.
1. The admissions process starts with a phone call in order to gather information regarding your client. We value your collaboration and also ask to speak with potential resident’s guardian to determine appropriateness.
2. We will review insurance and have a financial discussion with the guardians about your client’s stay.
3. We are generally able to schedule an admission appointment within 24-72 hours of the first initial call.
We look forward to working with you and can provide weekly updates while your client is with us during their treatment stay.
Contacts for Referrals
Amara Townes and Laura Ezell are ARCH staff specifically dedicated to ensuring the referral partners feel at ease through the admissions process. Please contact either one of the directly with any questions.
Amara Townes
Amara Townes has been part of the Cumberland Heights team since 2012, working her way up from Administrative Assistant to her current role as Regional Outreach Coordinator for ARCH Academy. With a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from MTSU and a Master’s in Counseling from Trevecca Nazarene University, Amara brings a strong foundation in supporting teens and families.
Passionate about being a guiding light for those navigating recovery, Amara values being a calm and friendly voice during challenging times. After a four-year hiatus working with other behavioral health providers, she returned to Cumberland Heights to share the life-changing resources available through ARCH Academy.
Laura Ezell
Laura joined Cumberland Heights in 2011 and has been dedicated to the substance use treatment field since 2006. With experience working with both adults and adolescents across various levels of care—including outpatient, IOP, recovery residences, and residential treatment—she brings a well-rounded approach to supporting individuals in recovery.
In her current role, she is passionate about helping young people break harmful patterns and develop healthier coping strategies. Having started her own recovery journey as a teenager, Laura understands firsthand the impact of early exposure to recovery and is driven to guide others toward healing and transformation.
Adolescent Substance Use Screening Tool
Identify early signs of substance use and co-occurring concerns with our quick screening form designed for referring professionals. This tool helps you determine when a teen may benefit from a comprehensive assessment at ARCH.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is your admissions process and how do I make a referral?
To begin, call our Adolescent Admissions Coordinator at 615-906-6804 or our main admissions line at 615-356-2700. We’ll gather clinical and medical details, review insurance or payment options, and request records such as immunizations. You can also send documentation to admissions@cumberlandheights.org for review.
Do you share progress updates once a patient is admitted?
With a signed release of information, we can share updates according to your preferences for frequency and communication method. If you have questions or need updates, reach out directly to our Adolescent Admissions Coordinator.
Are you a licensed and accredited program?
We are licensed by the State of Tennessee as a primary substance use facility and accredited by the Joint Commission. Our school is also state-licensed and nationally accredited through Cognia.
What clinical approaches or modalities do you use in treatment? Can you handle complex cases around mental health or other behavioral and emotional concerns?
Our team includes licensed clinicians, medical staff, and professionals in recovery who bring both expertise and empathy. We use evidence-based therapies such as CBT, DBT, EMDR, and family therapy models. Psychiatric and medical providers manage medication needs. While we can support many co-occurring conditions, we are not equipped for severe autism spectrum disorders, violent behaviors, or active psychiatric emergencies. For case-specific guidance, our admissions team can consult on clinical fit.
What outcomes or success rates can you share with me?
Our Research Institute continually tracks outcomes to measure effectiveness. You can view our latest results at cumberlandheights.org/about/research-institute.
How do I know what level of care my patient needs?
Our admissions staff use the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) criteria to determine the most appropriate level of care. Through initial assessments and screenings, we provide recommendations based on each patient’s clinical and risk profile.
How do I talk to my patient and/or their parents about going to treatment?
Our admissions team can help you create a plan that fits your patient’s situation. It’s best to align all stakeholders beforehand and approach conversations when emotions are calm. Encourage open discussion, set clear boundaries, and take breaks if needed. If safety or impulsivity is a concern, our team can guide you on the safest way to have the conversation and collaborate with outside professionals as needed.






