(CERRITOS , CA – May 5, 2005) — Aspen Ranch, a Utah-based residential treatment center for teens, and SUWS of the Carolinas , a North Carolina-based outdoor therapy program, were featured on the May 5, 2005 segment of the nationally syndicated “Dr. Phil” show. Both are therapeutic programs of Aspen Education Group, the nation’s leading provider of educational opportunities that improve the quality of life for under-achieving children, young adults and their families.

The segment followed up on the progress of a student that Dr. Phil referred to Aspen ’s SUWS of the Carolinas program in December 2004. After a successful experience there, the student chose to continue his learning and growth experience at Aspen Ranch. Dr. Phil featured video clips from both facilities, as well as an interview with the student’s mother, Jennifer Sinclair of Ontario, Canada.

"For many, many months I saw my son spiraling downward and felt he needed some kind of intervention,” said Sinclair. “With the help of Dr. Phil, that intervention happened and we admitted my son first to a wilderness therapy program called SUWS of the Carolinas , where he was removed from all the bad influences and distractions in his life and participated in individual and group therapy. After 91 days he was sober, reflective and ready to go on to Aspen Ranch for more growth opportunities. SUWS of the Carolinas saved my child’s life, and Aspen Ranch is now nurturing his self-confidence as a young man and a leader."

  “Dr. Phil has been a tremendous influence on parents and youth, and has been particularly instrumental in helping families discover new hope through the life-changing experiences offered by the Therapeutic Education Industry and programs such as Aspen ’s,” said Elliot Sainer, chief executive officer of Aspen Education Group. “We’re very pleased that Dr. Phil has featured several Aspen programs over the past year, and believe this is a testament not only to the kind of quality programs Aspen offers, but to the important role our industry plays in saving families and changing lives. The ability to share these kinds of stories on a program that reaches millions of people allows us to bring hope into the lives of many families needing assistance.”

Aspen Ranch is a licensed residential treatment center for troubled teens between the ages of 13 and 17 who need an opportunity to make positive changes in their lives and overcome feelings of low-self esteem and anger due to academic underachievement, substance abuse, or family conflict. Aspen Ranch is noted for its unique equine therapy program that allows students to learn empathy, improve communication and enhance self confidence and self worth through their experience with the animal.

The SUWS of the Carolinas program is a therapeutic camping program for students 14 to 17 years of age who are suffering from low self-esteem, defiance issues, depression, attention deficit disorder, family conflict and other emotional and behavioral problems. SUWS of the Carolinas utilizes outdoor experiences and peer interaction in combination with individual and family therapy to help positively change the lives of young people who are experiencing difficulties at home or in school. Since its founding in 1981, SUWS of the Carolinas has helped hundreds of young people embark on a character-building journey through self-exploration and discovery.

Aspen Education Group offers a diverse range of educational programs, settings and solutions that improve the quality of life for under-achieving young people and their families. Through Aspen ’s 30 residential and outdoor programs in 11 states, parents can choose from a variety of therapeutic and academic environments. Students in Aspen ’s programs benefit from Aspen ’s two decades of experience helping tens of thousands of youths. For the last several years, Aspen Education Group has been named among the top 100 education companies by Eduventures, a leading independent research firm dedicated to learning markets. For more information, visit www.aspeneducation.com, or call (888) 972-7736 . For information about Aspen Ranch, visit www.aspenranch.com or call (435) 836-2080. For information about SUWS of the Carolinas , visit www.suwscarolinas.com, or call (828) 668-7590. To view a clip of this segment from the “Dr. Phil” show, go to www.drphil.com.