Bethesda PA Treatment & Healing was founded in the Central Susquehanna Valley in 1983, beginning with the support of a start-up grant from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.  President Jerilyn A. Keen began her career with Bethesda in 1985 as a Caseworker.  From Caseworker to Supervisor, Ms. Keen grew with the demands of the agency and eventually became Managing Director and Vice President of the company in 1995.  On July 1, 2000 , Mrs. Keen was confirmed as President of what was known as BDTC, Inc.  With over 22 years of experience in counseling and the juvenile justice field, President Keen leads a very effective team of managers and therapeutic staff.

In October of 1983, the Agency was incorporated and was subsequently granted the status as a private, non-profit, 501(c)(3) corporation in 1986.  The organization originated as an intensive community-based program designed to provide the intensity of a residential facility without removing youth from their home or community.  We achieved national model status with the U.S. Department of Justice for three consecutive years beginning in 1991.  The program has continued to develop and grow to provide a comprehensive menu of youth services.  Our target population is both male and female, dependent and delinquent youth, ages 10-18.  The average length of stay for each client is six to nine months.  Although clients are referred to Bethesda mostly to avoid more costly residential or out of home placements, our services are also utilized as a means of providing prevention and aftercare services as well.

Over the years our focus has expanded throughout Pennsylvania.  Presently, Bethesda PA Treatment & Healing operates ten licensed treatment facilities located in Bloomsburg, East Stroudsburg, Honesdale, Lehighton, Middleburg, Milton, Scranton, South Montrose, State College and Williamsport.  From these locations we serve 26 counties and over 65 school districts.  The agency serves a daily population of more than 500 youth.  The success and growth of Bethesda is attributed to the high quality of services provided to the clients, parents and referring agencies by a trained and committed team of staff.  The Agency provides one of the most comprehensive program structures in the state, with a multi-faceted service menu designed for many types of need.

Bethesda PA Treatment & Healing is licensed by the Department of Public Welfare to provide Day Treatment, Foster Care, "Be Challenged" Outdoor Weekend and Group Home services.  In addition, Bethesda is licensed by the Department of Health and the Bureau of Drug and Alcohol Programs to provide Outpatient Drug and Alcohol Counseling which is also Medical Assistance approved.  The Alternative Education Program is approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.  The Agency also has a mental health license to provide Intensive Adolescent Day Treatment services, a Medical Assistance approved program.

Bethesda PA Treatment & Healing utilizes intensive counseling, education and community service to hold youth accountable for their actions while healing their heart.  Youth are encouraged to evaluate the consequences of their actions through the four-fold goal.  The primary goal of our Agency is to intervene with each youth and family with the least restrictive form of treatment, at the proper level of intensity.  As an Agency, we have diversified our services in order to offer a broad range of interventions focused on “guiding people of the path to change.”