Pickup Family Neurosciences Institute Brings Teens Mental Health Services to Irvine
IRVINE, Calif., September 5, 2018 --- Pickup Family Neurosciences Institute at Hoag announced today that the acclaimed ASPIRE program for teens struggling with anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions will now be offered in Irvine.
An evidence-based intensive outpatient program for teens and their families, ASPIRE (After-School Program for Interventions and Resiliency Education®) uses dialectical behavioral therapy and expressive arts to help teens develop and practice healthy behaviors and coping strategies. ASPIRE also helps teens build interpersonal relationships through educational groups, skills groups and weekly family meetings, requiring parents or guardians to participate during the course of the program.
According to the recently released 2018 OC Community Indicators Report – an annual assessment of major issues impacting the health and well-being of children and adults – there has been a 99% increase in major depression hospitalizations among children and youth since 2007. Major depression remains the most frequent diagnosis for a behavioral health admission for youth (0-17).
“Mental health continues to be a growing concern in our community and we are proud to expand the offerings in Irvine for teens and their families who are seeking help for depression and other mental health issues,” said Sina Safahieh, M.D., board certified in child and adolescent psychiatry and program director of ASPIRE at Hoag. “The resources we offer through ASPIRE provide teens and their families effective tools and resiliency training to manage mental health issues, and navigate future life stressors in order for them to thrive and succeed in life.”