The Challenge
Adolescence is a time of profound growth and change. While our brain is
still developing, challenges in school, family, and our social relationships
can result in significant emotional distress leading to difficulties in
normal daily function. When feeling overwhelmed, and lacking effective
tools to manage and overcome life stressors, one is more likely to engage
in unhealthy and maladaptive behaviors that hinder growth and can be harmful.
In 2010, 30 percent of students in the Newport-Mesa school district reported
drug abuse, 50 percent reported alcohol abuse, and the numbers have continued
to rise. Suicide rates have doubled since 2010. In 2017, one of seven
people in this age group experienced a major depressive episode according
to a recent study. If you are a parent of a teen in Orange County today,
you likely have your own story – direct or indirect – to underscore
this unfortunate reality.
Just like physical health, the sooner a mental health or emotional concern
is identified and addressed, the better the outcome. Learn about
possible symptoms.
The Hoag Solution
Pickup Family Neurosciences Institute has launched a programmatic answer
to this glaring community need. ASPIRE (After
School Program: Intervention and Resiliency Education) is an intensive outpatient program
for adolescents, ages 13-17, with primary mental health disorders and
possible co-occurring substance abuse challenges. The program guides teens
and their families through an eight-week curriculum of skills-based training
in stress management, resiliency, interpersonal communication, mental
health and substance abuse education. The ASPIRE program at Hoag is now
accredited by the
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) for teens to
receive high school credits. Learn more about the
ASPIRE program.
For more information, or to
schedule a confidential
assessment, please
contact us.