August 30 is National Grief Awareness Day, a chance to bring more understanding to a topic that often gets brushed aside. For teens, especially, the different types of grief can be confusing and isolating. They may not have the words…
Every July, BIPOC Mental Health Month highlights the mental health needs and experiences of people of color, including Black and Indigenous communities. The month encourages both reflection and action, from raising awareness to creating real change in how mental health…
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”…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
For teens exploring their gender identity, gender-affirming care is about more than just physical changes — it’s a journey toward feeling like yourself. But what exactly does it involve? From therapy and outward expression to medical options like hormones, this…
Tourette Syndrome is more than its stereotypes — it’s a condition often misunderstood, leaving teens and families searching for clarity. Many people think they know what Tourette Syndrome is, thanks to exaggerated portrayals in media, but the reality is far…
