Ascend Counseling Programs

Our programs utilize evidence based practices, e.g., motivational interviewing, reality and cognitive behavioral therapy. Our programs are steeped heavily in the stages of change model. Program components focus upon increasing the offender’s motivation for long term substance use change/abstinence and reduction and to reduce recidivism. The majority of offenders that are court ordered have short-term motivation for change. Once an offender is motivated for long-term change regarding their issues with economic crime or substance use – they are more willing to voluntarily attend support groups for their addictions and seek additional counseling if needed. Our programs are highly interactive and the use of videos is used sparingly compared to other education based 1-2 day programs offered by other agencies.  Our programs are highly interactive.

Overview of Programs

Our programs are conveniently offered on Saturdays so attending generally does not conflict with work or school for our clients. Please see our programs page for a full description of each program.

After completion of our weekend programs – referral sources (usually the court/probation departments) will receive a faxed completion report if requested on each client detailing participation, progress, and additional recommendations for treatment within 2 business days after the offender’s completion. Due to our substance abuse clinicians being trained mental health providers as well as substance abuse providers, we often identify co-occurring disorders and will recommend mental health counseling in addition to any possible additional substance abuse treatment if needed.

Our 7 hour Drug & Alcohol Treatment Education Program can be utilized as an alternative to traditional short-term individual counseling. A major benefit of group therapy compared to traditional individual counseling is that it allows the client the opportunity for social comparison within their peer group vs. receiving feedback from a therapist/instructor only. Additionally, clients will have a higher completion rate in an intensive 1 day program vs. traditional outpatient programs due to being able to receive the same amount of hours of treatment in one day vs. spread out over 8-10 weeks.

The majority of court ordered clients exhibit limited motivation to change their substance use or criminal behavior long-term initially. Our programs focus on increasing that motivation for change by providing education, cognitive therapy, motivational interviewing, promoting self-evaluation for personal growth, and allowing clients to objectively assess the impact the criminal behavior and use of alcohol & drugs has had on their life & those around them. Our substance abuse programs are steeped heavily in cognitive behavioral therapy and the stages of change model. Once a client is motivated for long-term change regarding their substance use – they are more willing to voluntarily seek out A.A./N.A. and additional counseling if needed. Our economic crime program is primarily steeped in reality & cognitive therapy.

D.A.T.E. (Drug & Alcohol Treatment/Education) Program – Covers all topics covered in a typical A.H.S.E. but other drugs additionally.

The D.A.T.E. program is designed for individuals that have had legal problems as a result of their alcohol and or drug use. Most of our referrals are for OWI, OWVI, DUID, M.I.P. (alcohol & marijuana) and other drug possession & use. Additionally, offenders are also referred for jail diversion or probation violations involving alcohol or drug use.

7-8 Hour (1 Day) D.A.T.E. Program Components

• Participants share with the group the offense(s) that led to their referral to the program and discuss the consequences of that offense(s) with the group.
• Participants learn about the process of addiction including symptoms of abuse & dependency and discuss in an interactive exercise that challenges their preconceived beliefs.
• Didactic component focusing on the disease concept. Topics covered in this component are factors that impact addiction, current research, genetics, etc. Documentary is utilized as part of the component.
• Activity focused on the social & family impact of offender’s substance abuse/dependency. Participants document and discuss in group the social/family problems caused by their use.
• Education about the legal implications of alcohol & drug offenses focusing on additional DUI & drug possession. Participants discuss what impact that would have upon their life goals (career, education, family, etc.).
• Didactic information presented on the biological, psychological, and social consequences of alcohol, marijuana, opiates, stimulants, etc. Component includes videos and interactive small group exercises.
• Decision Balancing Exercises. Participants examine and document their perceived pro’s and con’s of their substance use and discuss with the group. Alternative actions are identified that could serve the same function as the participants’ perceived benefits of alcohol and drug use.
• The issue of self-medicating for a mental health or physical problem (depression, anxiety, social phobia, mood disorder, chronic pain, stress, chronic anger, etc.) with alcohol or illegal drugs is discussed and the long-term impact of self-medicating to receive short-term relief vs. seeking long-term solutions is discussed.
• Education is presented on relapse statistics and the importance of involvement in support groups and or seeking additional counseling (especially for mental health issues) is stressed. Information on the area agencies that provide mental health and substance abuse long-term treatment as well as listing of area support groups is provided to participants. Short HBO documentary on recovery is presented.
• Participants complete satisfaction surveys and discuss their experience in attending the program.
• Completion report is faxed (usually within 2 business days) to the referring agency which includes the offender’s participation, progress, and recommendations for additional treatment.