Vivant Behavioral Health: 13 Former Patients File Sexual Assault Suit against Mingus Mountain Treatment Center

February 10, 2025

PRESCOTT VALLEY, AZ — Her name is Melissa Catalano, or officially "M.C." in a recently filed lawsuit.

“It has taken a lot of time for me to understand that I didn’t deserve this,” she said. “It’s taken a lot of strength for me to come forward.”

She was 15 years old when she was sent to an all-girl behavioral health facility for troubled teens located in the mountains of Prescott Valley, according to the lawsuit.

“They would brag about what they would do to me,” she said.

Catalano is now one of 13 alleged victims who claim they were sexually assaulted or abused by staff at Mingus Mountain Academy, in the 55-page complaint.

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