Prescription drugs come from doctors, so they must be safe, right? Not exactly. Just because a medication is prescribed doesn’t mean it can’t be dangerous. Maybe you’ve heard that ADHD meds help you focus or that painkillers make stress disappear. But misusing prescription drugs can lead to addiction, serious health risks, and choices you never…
When it comes to life at Ascend, we love sharing what happens behind the scenes. As you get to know our staff and how they interact with our clients, you get a better sense of how we help teens and their families heal from mental health concerns that are affecting the entire family system. Every…
For decades, scientists have been researching animal-assisted therapy in relation to behavioral problems, autism-spectrum symptoms, emotional well-being, and medical difficulties for people of all ages. These studies conclusively show that this therapeutic modality has massive benefits when used as an additive to established interventions, like CBT, family therapy, and recreational therapy. At Ascend, we use…
While Ascend places a focus on clinical therapy, we also believe in alternative solutions that may help us reach your teens. Creative therapy options, like experiential or recreational therapy, engage teens and empower them to rediscover interests, hobbies, and passions that can be vital tools for healing and growth. One experiential therapy we frequently encourage for…
Finding a treatment center that’s right for your teen’s unique needs should come first and foremost when searching for a residential treatment program. At Ascend, we offer a safe, compassionate space that ensures our treatment programs in a girls-only facility fulfill the needs of teens who are working to overcome trauma and anxiety. This approach…
As teens work through their mental health struggles, there are several therapeutic modalities that can help them heal. Talk therapy, or traditional therapy, allows them to discuss their feelings and confront concerns with a therapist. We also offer family therapy as a way to heal their entire support system and address problems in the home.…
At Ascend, we take a clinical approach to our treatment plans, including Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy among our therapeutic modalities. But we also incorporate experiential therapy as a complementary approach that provides more comprehensive treatment options to our clients. Experiential therapy, also sometimes called experiential learning, is a…
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…
Designer drugs, also known as club drugs, are often used in nightclubs and at parties by individuals looking to enhance their experience. However, these substances can cause lasting damage. The short and long-term side effects of designer drugs should not be overlooked — even if drug use is rare. If you or a loved one…