What is self-esteem? Self-esteem has to do with a person’s opinion of themselves. It’s connected to their sense of identity, belonging in the world, and self-confidence. Some of the beliefs associated with self-esteem include feelings of competency and worth, as well as various emotional states, like shame, pride, triumph, and despair. For teens, self-esteem is…
Teens who have been through traumatic experiences or who are struggling with their mental health often look for outlets to process their issues. Working with an experienced therapist can provide teens with a safe space to talk through any challenges they face and become their healthiest, happiest selves. If you’re curious about some of the…
Some individuals feel that gendered pronouns like “he” or “she” don’t reflect who they are. Because they want to choose pronouns that more accurately reflect their experience, many people choose to use alternative gender pronouns. Making gender more inclusive is an important step to supporting the mental health of transgender and non-binary people. If you’re…
For parents of teens, conversations about sexuality and sexual orientation can be challenging. You want to use the appropriate language when helping your teen navigate these topics while encouraging them to be smart and safe about the activities they engage in. Understanding the different types of sexual orientations and their definitions can be helpful for…
Substance abuse involves both physical and psychological components that are interconnected, and psychological dependence is an important and often overlooked part of this condition. Many people associate substance use with physical symptoms, like addiction, changes in weight, hair or tooth loss, and other health concerns. But behavior is a much more complex and invisible result…
Often found at clubs, raves, and parties, club drugs can be tempting for teens as they offer the promise of increased energy and an altered mood. Individuals attending parties might take drugs offered by their friends or even by strangers in the crowd. While all illicit substances can be dangerous, club drugs have the potential…
Because our dedication to our work always comes first, Ascend constantly searches for amazing people with a passion for helping others. When it comes to making sure our facilities are running smoothly, Ascend needs the power of a superhero. Since those don’t exist, we’ve got Jaq to take care of business. She’s our Director of…
If you’re the parent of a child with a disability or one who’s suffering from behavioral health disorders, you might have concerns about whether they’re receiving the help they need in the classroom. Whether they’re about to start school or they’re struggling mid-school year, understanding your child’s right to free appropriate public education (FAPE) can…