Youth Transport FAQ - Common Questions About Our Services

Interactive Youth Transport aims to create a higher standard for adolescent transport. It is rooted in clinical oversight, ethical frameworks, and the modern application of evidence-based adolescent behavioral healthcare.

We don't believe teen transport should feel impersonal or like an extraction. It should feel like a shift toward something better. That's why we prioritize a relational model—built on connection, safety, and comprehensive support. We use the transport window to help clients arrive more grounded and with greater readiness to integrate into treatment and opportunities for growth. We operate through strategic hubs that allow us to be a local resource anywhere in the country. We also created a specialized international program, Interactive International Solutions, to meet the unique and varied needs of overseas families.

We've built our culture around trust, professionalism, and a personal commitment to adolescent wellbeing. Families and providers know they can rely on us, even in the most complex or high-acuity cases, to manage every detail with consistency, empathy, and care. Since 2017, we've supported over 1,000 families across the country and internationally through some of the most difficult moments of adolescent care. We also offer expanded wraparound services should client needs fall outside of just transport through Coast Health Consulting, our partner program for Case Management, Coaching, and other resources for long term success.

Interactive Youth Transport is unique in its advanced clinical integration into the transport process. Clinical oversight is built in rather than bolted on. We use structured de escalation, program aligned handoffs, real time logistics, all utilizing a trauma-informed approach. IYT looks at each transport systematically, through a lens of forward momentum, taking advantage of openings to reach the adolescent, move them along the stages of change where possible, and prepare them for the best integration into care we can.

Our clinicians are part of the process, not just program development. They are available to staff, the client, their families, from the first call until after the transport is completed, and are there to support the entire process. IYT is constantly innovating to meet the evolving needs of teen transport, moving beyond its past limitations. We are always aiming to improve through new processes or tech utilization, anything that is a value add—all while delivering the same unmatched outcomes that IYT is recognized for.

We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Same day activation is possible. It all depends on the logistics and location. We have teams in major hubs that are access points to virtually anywhere in the country in the shortest amount of time. And within the confines of what is available in travel logistics we can operate at almost an immediate response rate.

Every transport consists of at least two staff members, with a lead and secondary. When prudent we increase team size per transport but a two person team approach is the baseline. Staff are gender specific to match the client. All are vetted, background checked, and certified in Nonviolent Crisis Intervention, CPR, and First Aid, and go through the State of Utah's registration process, as does our entire team roster to keep Interactive Youth Transport in good standing.

Intake call, brief clinical review, route and safety plan, coordination with the receiving program, and a transparent itemized quote and itinerary. You will know who is coming, when, and how we will manage known risks.

Only as a last resort to prevent imminent harm. We rely on verbal de-escalation and safe non-mechanical holds when absolutely necessary, with dignity and safety guiding every decision. When they are utilized, it is under strict protocols, and must be reassessed every 10 minutes and removed. Historically, even with the most high acuity cases, or clients that have had failed transition attempts in the past, our process is such that we are able to minimize the need for this as much as possible, and have maintained an average use of restraints under 2% of all transports.

A parent or legal guardian for adolescents, or the legal decision maker by court order or conservatorship. Paperwork is aligned before activation. In some states such as Washington and Oregon there are more complex regulations regarding adolescent intervention and transport at certain ages. We can still operate in these states—there may be some protocols and processes that need to be done. Please reach out to learn more and how to pre plan should you live in a state with such regulations. However we stay on top of and are constantly maintaining compliance with state and international law.

Yes within a non ambulance scope. Share diagnoses, medications, triggers, and needed accommodations and we build them into the plan and coordinate with receiving clinicians. We deal with all types of acuities and diagnoses, which are assessed on a case by case basis by our clinicians. We are able to handle a higher threshold of acuity than most transport companies because of this, but will also recognize, when necessary if a different plan of action is advisable. However we always work with and coordinate with the treatment center or destination program on their needs and clinical backing as well as families.

We agree on an update plan by text or call and stick to it. You get key milestone updates and immediate notice of any change, plus the lead agent's contact and our operations line. Typically first call will go through our admissions officer, who will coordinate key details and a quote will be provided promptly based on your needs. Should you decide to move forward you will remain in contact with the admissions coordinator as well as an interview and access to the clinical team member overseeing the transport. You will have access to both these people throughout the process. Within 24 hours prior to the transport after everything is planned the transport team lead will call and go over everything again from their on the ground perspective and introduce themselves, and coordinate last details prior to arrival.

Cost depends on distance, mode of travel, timing, and case complexity. You receive a written itemized quote up front. We put enough due diligence into our planning phase that historically we have never had to alter a quote after the fact due to quote inaccuracies, or unforeseen costs. We value our clients faith in us and like to keep surprise price changes to a minimum where possible, ideally never occurring at all. If you have a transport you would like to inquire about please reach out through our Contact Us page, by calling or texting 214-296-9212, or emailing info@interactiveyouthtransport.com. We can typically provide a to the dollar quote within an hour of your call when needed.

Yes. We align on intake timing, safety notes, and preferred handoff so programs can start care without friction. Once we are engaged we take over the entire process, program coordination, logistical planning and execution, on the fly travel changes, or adaptations needed to be made en route. We take over with an earned expertise so your teen and your family can focus on what matters.

Yes. We are fully insured and compliant where required and we follow state specific rules that apply to youth transport. We were one of the first companies approved to operate in the state of Utah when they passed their new regulations regarding Teen Treatment Transport or Adolescent Transport.

Yes. We can stabilize on scene, facilitate a structured family intervention, and move directly into transport when the window opens. We have interventionists on staff but also work with some of the best interventionists in the country, and are able to mobilize clinical teams in almost any area of the country and internationally should the need of the client require it.

Interactive Youth Transport provides licensed adolescent transport services nationwide, operating through strategic hubs that allow us to be a local resource anywhere in the country. We maintain teams in major metropolitan areas including Dallas-Fort Worth, Los Angeles, and other key locations that provide access points to virtually any destination across the United States.

Some states like Washington and Oregon have more complex regulations regarding adolescent intervention and transport at certain ages. We remain fully compliant with all state-specific laws and can still operate in these states—we'll walk you through any additional protocols or pre-planning requirements during your intake call.

We also offer international transport services through Interactive International Solutions for families overseas. Contact us to discuss your specific pickup and destination locations.

Transport duration varies significantly based on each situation and what is clinically needed. We adapt our approach to fit the unique circumstances of every transport. A local transport within the same region might take 2-5 hours, while cross-country transports can extend considerably longer depending on logistics and travel method. Some situations require week-long medium holds to ensure proper stabilization and readiness for program placement, while more complex cases may need even longer engagements.

During your intake call, we create a detailed itinerary showing the complete timeline—including departure, any stops or holds, and estimated arrival at the receiving facility. Our quotes break down the expected timeline so you know what to expect. We coordinate arrival times with the destination program to ensure the smoothest possible handoff and best outcomes for your teen.

Yes, we are a trusted wilderness therapy transport provider working with all types of adolescent treatment programs including wilderness therapy, residential treatment centers (RTCs), therapeutic boarding schools, psychiatric facilities, and specialized programs. We've worked with hundreds of programs nationwide and understand the unique intake requirements and coordination needs for each type of facility.

We align with the receiving program before transport to ensure proper handoff procedures, required documentation, and any program-specific protocols are followed. Our clinical team coordinates directly with program admissions staff for seamless integration.

Yes, we regularly coordinate hospital discharges and psychiatric facility transfers. We work directly with hospital discharge planning teams and facility staff to ensure proper authorization, medical clearance, and safe transitions.

For hospital pickups, we review medical records, coordinate with attending physicians, ensure medication continuity, and build any medical needs or monitoring into our transport plan. Our staff are trained in crisis intervention and can manage clients transitioning from acute care settings.

We accept all major credit cards, bank transfers, checks, and PayPal. We also offer flexible payment options through PayPal's financing programs, including Pay in 4 (interest-free payments split over 6 weeks) for qualifying invoices.

Payment terms are clearly outlined in your quote. For most transports, we require payment before activation to secure your transport date and mobilize our team. We can discuss split payment arrangements on a case-by-case basis to make services more accessible.

Teen transport services are typically not covered directly by insurance, as most insurance plans classify transport as a non-medical service. However, some families have successfully submitted our invoices for out-of-network reimbursement, particularly when transport is part of a larger treatment plan.

We provide detailed, itemized invoices that families can submit to their insurance company. We recommend contacting your insurance provider before transport to ask about out-of-network behavioral health service reimbursement. We're happy to provide any documentation needed for your claim.

We understand that circumstances can change. Our cancellation policy is as follows:

Cancellations within 12 hours of the scheduled transport date: Interactive Youth Transport will refund 25% of the transport fee, excluding any costs already incurred prior to the cancellation.

Cancellations with more than 12 hours but less than 24 hours notice: Interactive Youth Transport will refund 90% of the transport fee, excluding any costs already incurred.

Cancellations made more than 24 hours in advance: Please contact us directly to discuss your specific situation and applicable refund options.

All refund calculations exclude expenses already incurred on behalf of the transport, including but not limited to travel arrangements, lodging reservations, staff mobilization costs, and other preparation expenses. If the receiving program cancels admission or circumstances change beyond your control, we work with families to find reasonable solutions. Contact us immediately at 214-296-9212 if plans need to change.

Generally, no. Our transport model works best when our trained staff can focus entirely on engaging the client and managing the therapeutic window. Parent presence can sometimes complicate the de-escalation process or create additional emotional dynamics.

However, we keep families informed throughout the entire transport with agreed-upon check-in points via text or call. You'll receive milestone updates and have direct access to the transport team lead's contact information. In rare cases where family presence is clinically indicated, we discuss this during intake planning.

Adolescent transport, also called teen transport or youth transport services, is a specialized behavioral health intervention that safely moves treatment-resistant teens from their current location to a therapeutic program when traditional methods have failed. Professional teen transport is typically needed when an adolescent refuses voluntary treatment, poses a safety risk during transition, has failed previous intervention attempts, or requires immediate placement in a higher level of care.

Interactive Youth Transport provides clinically integrated services that go beyond basic escort—we use the transport window therapeutically to help teens begin processing their situation, reduce resistance, and prepare for treatment engagement. Our trauma-informed approach recognizes that how a teen arrives at treatment significantly impacts their willingness to participate in care.

You may need professional adolescent transport services if your teen is refusing treatment despite serious behavioral health concerns, has explicitly stated they won't go voluntarily, has a history of running away or elopement, poses safety risks during transitions, has failed previous intervention or treatment attempts, requires immediate placement due to safety concerns, or has been recommended for transport by their therapist or treatment program.

Many families attempt to transport their teen independently before realizing the complexity involved. Professional transport services ensure safety, provide clinical support throughout the process, manage crisis situations with trained interventionists, coordinate all logistics and program handoffs, and reduce family conflict during an already difficult transition. If you're unsure whether transport is needed, our clinical team can assess your situation during a confidential intake call.

While the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, there are important distinctions. Teen escort services typically refer to basic supervision and accompaniment during travel, often with minimal clinical training or therapeutic intervention. Professional adolescent transport services like those provided by Interactive Youth Transport include comprehensive clinical oversight, crisis intervention capabilities, therapeutic engagement during transport, coordination with treatment programs and families, management of high-acuity or resistant clients, and structured safety protocols.

Interactive Youth Transport goes further by integrating licensed clinical professionals into every transport, using evidence-based de-escalation techniques, treating the transport itself as a therapeutic window, and maintaining an average restraint use under 2% through relationship-based approaches. We don't just move teens from point A to point B—we begin the treatment process during transport.

Yes, Interactive Youth Transport offers same-day emergency adolescent transport services when logistically possible. We operate 24/7 with teams stationed in major hubs across the country, allowing us to mobilize quickly for urgent situations. Same-day activation depends on your location, destination, team availability, and travel logistics.

When you call with an emergency transport need, our admissions team immediately assesses the situation, confirms legal authorization and program placement, mobilizes the nearest appropriate team, and provides a detailed timeline and quote. Even in emergency situations, we maintain our comprehensive intake process, clinical oversight, and safety protocols. Within the confines of available travel logistics, we can operate at almost an immediate response rate.

Treatment refusal is one of the most common reasons families contact Interactive Youth Transport. Our interventionists and transport specialists are specifically trained to work with adolescents who are resistant, oppositional, or outright refusing care. We use structured intervention techniques, relationship-building approaches, clinical de-escalation methods, and trauma-informed communication to help teens move from resistance toward acceptance.

Our process recognizes that forced compliance isn't therapeutic. Instead, we work to help teens understand the situation, process their feelings safely, identify the reasons behind their resistance, and find openings for engagement. Many teens who initially refuse become more open during transport when they're working with professionals trained in adolescent development and resistance. We can also facilitate structured family interventions before transport if clinically indicated, helping to shift family dynamics that may be contributing to treatment refusal.

Yes. Interactive Youth Transport operates Interactive International Solutions, our specialized program for international adolescent transport and intervention. We provide transport services from the United States to international treatment programs, from other countries to U.S.-based facilities, and between international locations when needed.

International transport requires additional planning around passport and visa requirements, customs and border procedures, international flight logistics, cultural and language considerations, and coordination across time zones. Our international team has experience working with families from around the world and understands the unique challenges of overseas transport. We maintain compliance with international laws and regulations governing youth transport. Contact us to discuss your specific international transport needs and receive a customized quote.