Autism and Mental Health (Aspirations) Program

Our Autism and Mental Health Program, also known as Aspirations Program, is an intensive outpatient program specifically designed to assist adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in effectively managing anxiety and/or depression. The program addresses challenges in various areas, including social interactions, communication, school attendance and adaptation, emotional recognition and regulation, as well as issues related to anxiety, panic attacks, OCD, depression, low mood, motivation, self-care, and daily responsibilities.

Common conditions treated

  • Emotional recognition and regulation: refer to the ability to identify and manage one's own emotions as well as understand and respond appropriately to the emotions of others.
  • Issues related to anxiety and depression: persistent state of apprehension and worry, while depression is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in daily activities.
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder: a mental health condition characterized by persistent, distressing thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) performed to alleviate anxiety or prevent a feared event.
  • Social interactions: involve the exchange of communication, behaviors, and emotions between individuals within a social context.

Ages treated

  • 11 (in 6th grade) to 22 years old

Level of treatment offered

Treatment approach and techniques

Aspirations employs a distinctive approach with individual sessions focusing on personal treatment goals, family education sessions supporting habit modification at home, group therapy emphasizing skills in various areas, and optional tutoring services as part of the treatment as needed, benefiting both adolescents and their families.

Treatment hours (dependent on your level of care)

  • Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): 3 hours a day, 5 days a week
  • Counseling/medication management: By appointment (daytime, nighttime and weekend hours)

 

Linden Oaks locations