Denver7 Investigates has learned that many of the problems that led the state to shutdown Clear View in 2020 are continuing at what is now Johnstown Heights Behavioral Health. Read more from Chief Investigative Reporter TonyKovaleski:
JOHNSTOWN, Colo. — The mental health facility that once housed Clear View Behavioral Health – roughly an hour’s drive north of Denver – has a new name and new owners.
In 2020, the state shut down Clear View Behavioral Health following nearly two years of reporting by Denver 7 Investigates, exposing questionable management of medications, unsanitary conditions, holding patients longer than medically necessary and failing to investigate patient injuries.Denver7 Investigates spoke to four patients who stayed at Johnstown Heights while suffering from mental health issues.
Patient Two said they feel Johnstown Heights is trying to keep patients in the facility so that they can charge more money. Susan Kitchens, a state-licensed psychologist who treats Patient Two, said it broke her heart to learn that her patient was kept longer than needed. She is not affiliated with Johnstown Heights and treats Patient Two outside of the facility.“I would ask them to review cases, particularly involving holds where people were not there voluntarily,” Kitchens said.
Shortly after Denver7 Investigates went to Johnstown Heights, an internal email, later obtained by Denver7 Investigates through sources, was sent from the executive assistant to CEO Sean Peterson discouraging employees from speaking to the media. In its statement regarding an investigation, the state’s health department wrote, “If a patient, family member, staff member or member of the community has any current concerns about the facility, they are encouraged to file a complaint with CDPHE.”