ASPIRE utilizes a framework of dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), an evidence-based approach to treating mental health concerns, including symptoms and behaviors associated with depression and anxiety. DBT teaches the following behavioral skills:

• Mindfulness – The practice of being fully present in the moment
• Distress tolerance – Learning how to manage emotional pain in difficult situations
• Interpersonal effectiveness – Practicing how to ask for what you want and say no to unhealthy behaviors, while maintaining self-respect and healthy relationships
• Emotional regulation – Learning how to be mindful of your emotions, increasing positive emotions and reducing emotional vulnerability
• Walking the middle path – Acknowledging and accepting different points of view or opinions for a given situation - even if you don’t agree with them

The dialectical behavioral skills in ASPIRE can help with the following:

• Symptoms of depression or anxiety, including suicidal thoughts or self-harming behaviors
• Emotional dysregulation or mood changes
• Change in sleeping patterns or appetite
• Loss of self-esteem and expression of worthlessness or hopelessness
• Loss of interest in favorite activities and hobbies; isolation
• Unexpected and dramatic decline in academic performance
• Impulsivity and outbursts that are out of character
• Irritability and conflict with family or friends

Group therapy, individual sessions, and parent coaching are facilitated by licensed clinicians trained in adolescent mental health and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).

• Teens attend group on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday for three hours each day (schedule is subject to change)
• Parents/guardians attend on Mondays for the skills-building group and on Thursdays for the multi-family group
• Weekly 30-minute individual session with teen
• Weekly phone call check-in with parent/guardian
• Breaks and snacks provided to the teens
• Parent/guardian and teen equipped with a binder of DBT skills
• Teens provided with sensory boxes to reinforce mindfulness

Board-certified psychiatrist and nurse practitioner will meet with the teens throughout their time in the program to oversee treatment progress and provide medication support services as needed. ASPIRE patients are not required to take psychiatric medication to participate in the program.

The ASPIRE Program is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), the organization responsible for evaluating the quality and effectiveness of higher-education institutions in California.

This distinction allows teens who complete the program to be eligible to receive up to five semester credit hours to be applied toward their high school graduation, pending school approval.

ASPIRE is contracted with most commercial insurance plans. Program fees and copays vary based on individual plan contracts. Insurance benefits will be confirmed prior to initial assessment and coverage information will be provided to the family.

Psychiatry fees are billed by the physician and are separate from program fees. Our ASPIRE psychiatrist is an out-of-network provider and is not contracted with insurance plans. A superbill for psychiatric services rendered will be provided to the family to submit to their insurance for potential reimbursement. As part of the IOP level of care, participants will receive a psychiatric assessment and follow-up appointments as determined by the ASPIRE team and family.

An ASPIRE team member will conduct a telephone screening with the parent/guardian to determine if the presenting concerns can be adequately addressed within the program. If it is determined that the ASPIRE program is not the best fit for the family, appropriate resources and/or referrals will be provided that may be a better match.

If ASPIRE is a fit, then we will move forward with admission in a timely manner so your teen can begin group therapy.