Addressing Teen Mental Health with the ASPIRE Program
For parents, it can be heartbreaking to imagine—or experience—your child struggling with their mental health—but that reality is more common than many realize. In a 2023 CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) report, 4 in 10 high school students reported feeling persistently sad or hopeless, and 1 in 5 admitted they had seriously considered attempting suicide. Alarmingly, nearly 1 in 10 teens reported having attempted suicide. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among adolescents and teens ages 10–14 and the third leading cause for those ages 15–24. As compared to their peers, female students and those who identify as LGBTQ+ are even more likely to report mental health challenges and suicidal thoughts.
Today’s teens are under an incredible amount of pressure. From academic demands to social media to uncertainty about the future, they’re navigating numerous stressors, while also undergoing significant emotional and physical development. While many teens are in crisis, they often suffer in silence rather than reaching out for help. And even when they do seek support, real help has historically been challenging to find.
Introducing ASPIRE®: After-School Program Interventions and Resiliency Education
Early and effective intervention is not only important, but potentially life-saving. That’s why MarinHealth is excited to launch ASPIRE (After-School Program Interventions and Resiliency Education)— an 8-week intensive outpatient program designed specifically for young adults ages 12-17 who are struggling with anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health conditions.
ASPIRE is a proven, evidence-based approach that was first created by El Camino Health and is now used by healthcare facilities throughout the Bay Area and beyond. ASPIRE gives young people the tools they need to develop emotional resilience, improve problem-solving skills, and build healthy relationships. For adolescents and teens experiencing difficulty managing emotions, facing social challenges, or struggling with stress, ASPIRE offers a safe, supportive environment where they can learn lifelong coping strategies and foster healthy relationships.
Why After School?
The hours immediately following school dismissal can be risky for adolescents. Without structure or supervision, teens may engage in harmful behaviors or isolate themselves during this vulnerable time. ASPIRE is intentionally scheduled after school, Monday through Thursday, providing meaningful structure while allowing teens to maintain their school and home routines.
By addressing mental health needs during this time, ASPIRE reduces the risk of negative behaviors and provides a positive outlet for growth and connection.
ASPIRE is run by an expert clinical team, including a lead psychiatrist who specializes in caring for adolescents and teens, and licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs). The program integrates multiple therapeutic approaches, including:
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
At the core of ASPIRE is DBT, a structured therapy designed to help individuals regulate emotions, tolerate distress, and improve relationships. Participants are taught five key skill sets:
- Mindfulness: Becoming fully present in the moment.
- Distress Tolerance: Coping with pain and stress without worsening the situation.
- Emotional Regulation: Understanding and managing emotional responses.
- Interpersonal Effectiveness: Building and maintaining healthy relationships.
- Walking the Middle Path: Acknowledging multiple perspectives and embracing balance.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors, helping teens better manage symptoms of anxiety and depression.
- Individual, Group, and Family Therapy
Participants attend regular individual and group therapy sessions, where they explore their emotions, practice new skills, and build peer support. A parent or guardian is required to participate for 1.5 hours on Wednesdays to support their child’s growth and learn strategies for reinforcing skills at home.
- Creative Expression and Skills-Building Activities
ASPIRE incorporates art therapy, recreational activities such as movement and yoga, and real-world scenarios that help students practice new skills in a safe environment.
- Medication Management
The program includes psychiatric evaluation and medication management under the supervision of Dr. Veronica Searles Quick, a fellowship-trained psychiatrist who specializes in adolescent mental health.
If your teen is struggling with emotional challenges, ASPIRE may be the support they need to get back on track. To join the program, call 415-925-8450 or visit mymarinhealth.org/ASPIRE to submit an inquiry form. Following a phone screening, you and your child will be invited to come in for an in-person assessment to learn more and ensure the program is a good fit. Learn more about how ASPIRE can help your teen build resilience and thrive.
