Note for readers: This post discusses self-harm. Self-harm is a complex and sensitive topic that can be difficult to talk about. Teens who are struggling with self-harm might not understand exactly why they do it, which makes it even harder to cope. However, understanding different self-harm motivations can help teens to identify and address the…
If you’ve been around here long enough, you know all about our staff spotlights, where we showcase a day in the life of one of our team members. If not, welcome! Today, we’re taking a look behind the scenes at what a Strategic Growth Manager does. Meet Noah! He’s our Strategic Growth Manager, and his…
Mental health is just as important as physical health, yet many people neglect their mental wellness due to stigma, lack of awareness, or fear of judgment. And while many people are trained in what to do if they see someone in a physical health crisis, like abdominal thrusts if someone is choking or CPR if…
Mental health facilities like Ascend provide essential care for individuals struggling with mental health and addiction issues. Unfortunately, a shortage of beds in mental health facilities has led to long wait lists before admittance. The lack of beds for teen mental health treatment, in particular, has kept teens from being able to access the care…
On the Ascend blog, we like to take a moment every month to give you a look behind the scenes at what happens at our facilities. This month, we’ve chosen to highlight someone who’s integral to our operations: Assistant Facility Manager for Encino and Tarzana, Aida! Learn more about how she helps ensure the houses…
Mental health is just as important as physical health, yet it still carries a social stigma that makes it difficult for many people to discuss openly. This is especially true for teenagers, who are often afraid of being judged or misunderstood. Mental health advocacy for yourself is crucial, though, as it allows you to take…
Mental health is both a major focus of public health initiatives and a deeply private subject. While greater awareness of mental health conditions is helping to reduce the stigma around seeking care, it also highlights the need for privacy. Anyone seeking help for mental health issues has the right to be informed about and protected…
The teen years are a time of exploration and growth. For many teens, it’s also a time of stress, confusion, and difficulty managing emotions. Resilience is an important trait for teens to develop during this time to ensure they can bounce back from any setback. But what is resilience? Learn about what resilience is and…
At Ascend, we’re constantly trying to highlight the amazing work our staff does to show them some appreciation and to show you a little bit about what we do behind the scenes. As we grow, we bring on more and more staff that help our clients thrive and ensure the smooth operations of every facility.…
Do you ever notice your teen having difficulty in social situations, or that they feel overwhelmed when interacting with others? Maybe they shut down when talking to family members, or they avoid hanging out with friends even when invited. Teens can struggle with confidence in social situations for any number of reasons, from mental health…