Jared Balmer PhD

Jared grew up in Switzerland where he completed his undergraduate studies in microbiology. After moving to the U.S., he completed an M.Ed. in Educational Psychology and a Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy, both from Brigham Young University. His post-doctoral internship included extensive training with the late Milton H. Erickson, M.D., and Ray Becvar, Ph.D. in strategic therapy. Jared has taught as an adjunct faculty member at Brigham Young University, St. Louis University, and the University of Missouri at St. Louis (UMSL). He was a founding member of the St. Louis Family Institute. Courses he taught included: Parenting, Professional Studies, Family Law, Child Development, Parent-Child Relationships, Family Life Education, and Advanced Practicum in Family Therapy. Jared has published a number of professional articles and lectures on adolescent treatment-related topics to lay and professional audiences nationwide. He is the recipient of the 2004 National Leadership Award of the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSAP). He is a member of the Behavioral Health Advisory Board of the Joint Commission of Health Care Organizations (JCAHO).

Jared’s professional career centers on adolescents and their families. He is one of the pioneers of a multi-disciplinary approach in the private sector of the residential treatment arena, integrating education, milieu therapy, recreational therapy, psychiatry, and psychotherapy. While living in the mid-west, he founded two treatment centers that served students with severe conduct and related disorders. Since returning to Utah, Jared co-founded Rivendell Psychiatric Hospital, Island View RTC, The Oakley School, and the Aspen Institute for Behavioral Assessment. Drawing on his vast experience and passion for working with adolescents, he has joined forces with other seasoned professionals to create WayPoint Academy, a specialized residential treatment facility for males with anxiety and relation problems. Jared is the youngest of three children who found himself often in trouble with his teachers, much to the dismay of his parents. He is married with three children and has three grandchildren. He is passionate about mountaineering, skiing, trekking, canyoneering, mountain biking, and horsing around with his grandkids Gab, Greg, and Elliott.