ASPIRE
After-School Program Interventions and Resiliency Education® (ASPIRE) helps children, teens and young adults with anxiety, depression or other symptoms related to a mental health condition.
The primary goal of ASPIRE is to promote emotional wellness of young people. Our three programs — middle school, high school and transitional age— provide a validating, supportive environment for participants to gain healthy behaviors and learn how to manage their feelings, emotions and personal interactions.
Although ASPIRE is appropriate for young people with symptoms of a serious mental health condition, the focus is to offer solutions and provide hope. A psychiatrist provides assessment, diagnosis and program leadership, and our mental health specialists work hard to create a positive learning environment. The programs help participants gain practical coping strategies through dialectical behavioral therapy and expressive arts. Participants take part in individual therapy, group sessions and activities that allow them to practice what they’ve learned in a supportive environment. And, the programs give family members an opportunity to learn and participate in therapy.
Children and Teens
The stress after a long day of school and lack of supervision can make after school a high-risk time when youth are more likely to make poor choices. ASPIRE provides structure and training during this time — when kids are most vulnerable — and helps them learn and apply a set of specific skills. The programs, led by a psychiatrist who specializes in child-adolescent behavior, offer an after-school format that provides treatment without impeding on young people’s lives.
Enrollment into the program is continuous, and participants may begin their program at any time.
- Middle School Program – Designed for those in sixth through eighth grades, this 10-week program requires a commitment of three afternoons a week. The program is offered at both our Mountain View and Los Gatos campus.
- High School Program – This WASC-accredited program is designed for students in ninth through 12th grades. The eight-week program requires a commitment of four afternoons a week. It’s offered at our Mountain View and Los Gatos campuses.
What to Expect
Example of a daily schedule for middle school and high school programs.
| Middle School Program (Grades 6th - 8th) | High School Program (Grades 9th - 12th) | |
| Program Length | 10 weeks | 8 weeks |
| Days and Time | 3 – 6 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesday, Fridays | 3 – 6 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays |
| Location(s) | 2400 Grant Road, Mountain View (Park Pavillion - ground floor), 825 Pollard Rd, Suite 201, Los Gatos, CA 95032 | 2400 Grant Road, Mountain View (Park Pavillion - ground floor), 825 Pollard Rd, Suite 201, Los Gatos, CA 95032 |
Quest Program
The Quest intensive outpatient program (IOP) is designed for adolescents ages 13-18 that are still in high school and have an identified substance use disorder or other habitual problem behaviors such as excessive screen use or video gaming. Youth in this program will also be experiencing symptoms of a co-occurring mental health condition.
The services provided will engage youth in identifying healthy new coping skills and providing a safe space to support developing, practicing, and hardwiring those skills so that they ultimately become new approaches in life management. The program also focuses on the development of safe peer relationships, and a focus on healthy family interactions with Saturday dedicated as a family involvement day.
What to Expect
Example of a daily schedule for Quest Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP).
| Quest High School Program (Ages 13-18) | |
| Program Length | 12 weeks |
| Days and Time | 3:30 - 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays Noon - 1 p.m. on Wednesdays for parents 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. on Saturdays |
| Location | 2400 Grant Road, Mountain View (Park Pavillion - ground floor) |
Young Adults
The eight-week Transitional Age Youth (TAY) Program is designed for young adults between 18 and 25 years old. The program meets four days a week and offers intensive outpatient care. Participants learn healthy living strategies and develop academic and career skills. The comprehensive treatment team includes a psychiatrist, clinical psychologist and/or marriage and family therapist, registered nurse, and an occupational therapist. The program is available at our Mountain View and Los Gatos campus.
What to Expect
Example of a daily schedule for Transitional Age Youth (TAY).
| Young adults between 18 and 25 years old - Transitional Age Youth Program (TAY) | |
|---|---|
| Days and Time | 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays 3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays No program on Wednesday |
Can ASPIRE Help?
If you or a loved one is showing signs of depression, anxiety or another mental health condition, the first step is to schedule a free assessment. Call us at 650-962-5855.
Learn more about ASPIRE by reading frequently asked questions about the program.
ASPIRE is supported by donations to El Camino Health Foundation.
