When you’re struggling with your mental health, getting the right kind of help can make a huge difference. But figuring out what kind of help you need? That’s not always easy. You might hear terms like “residential treatment” or “IOP” and wonder what they actually mean. That’s where understanding the levels of care for mental…
At Ascend, we want you to connect with our team on every level before entering into our care. Whether you’re the teen in treatment or you’re part of the family, our blog is here to provide guidance and insight into what happens in our treatment programs. From residential to outpatient support, there are a ton…
When life feels heavy, moving your body might not be the first thing you think about. But getting active — even just a little — can seriously help your mind feel stronger, calmer, and more energized. So, why does physical activity improve mental health? Let’s break down the benefits of physical activity on mental health…
Are you ready for another look behind the scenes at some of the team members who make Ascend such an amazing place? We’re here with A Day in the Life of one of our Primary Therapists. Meet Emily and learn more about what she does to enhance our residential treatment programs, ensuring your clients thrive.…
Living with a chronic illness isn’t just about managing physical symptoms. It can also affect how you feel emotionally, socially, and mentally. So, can chronic illness affect mental health? The answer is yes — and for many teens, it already does. If you’re dealing with a condition like asthma, diabetes, migraines, arthritis, or something else,…
At Ascend, we hope to enhance transparency for incoming clients and their families by sharing a day in the life of one of our staff members each month. For the March spotlight, we’ve chosen to highlight one of our farm techs. With spring nearly sprung, she seems like the perfect choice to introduce you to…
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…
If you’ve spent any time online, you’ve probably seen people arguing about gender-affirming care for teens. Maybe you’ve heard things like, “Kids are too young to make these decisions!” or “This kind of care is dangerous!” But here’s the thing — gender-affirming care isn’t new, and it’s not exclusive to transgender people. Every day, people…
If you’ve been waiting for another episode of A Day in the Life, it’s finally here! This month, we’re covering a staff member who takes on two roles at Ascend as both a Mentor and our Boxing Instructor for the Trails House. Wondering what he does? Follow along as we take a look at a…
Social media is part of your world — it’s how you connect with friends, share your life, and find communities that get you. So, when people start talking about banning teens from social media to “fix” mental health, it can feel frustrating or even unfair. Will staying offline really solve the bigger issues you’re facing?…