A Safe Place Empowerment Network – Just another WordPress site

Mission

ASPEN is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to create a safe place for individuals and families dealing with Mental Health and Substance Use. We do this by providing “judgement and barrier free environment which will help in evolve and become their true authentic self. We strive to help people put their pieces back together.

Vision

Our vision is to improve the lives of those living with mental illness and provide emotional wellness for individuals and families as we strive to deliver services and support necessary to improve the quality of life for living with mental illness and substance use disorders.

Core Values

Compassion * Acceptance * Respect * Empowerment * Sincerity

Compassion

Compassion toward the community we serve.

Acceptance

Acceptance of everyone’s right to compassionate care.

Respect

Respect of everyone’s unique path toward their own healing.

Empowerment

Empowerment for everyone to have a voice and participate in their own care.

Sincerity

Sincerity in how we treat each other every day.

What We Do!

Psychotherapy

Intensive Out Patient IOP

Counseling

Substance Use Groups

Veterans Services

Primary Care Provider

Domestic Violence Counseling

Anger Management

Grief Counseling

Medication Assistant Recovery

Our Approach

At A Safe Place Empowerment Network (ASPEN), we take a holistic, person-centered approach to healing and transformation. We recognize that every individual’s journey is unique, and we are committed to walking alongside each client with dignity, compassion, and respect.

We focus on addressing the root causes of mental health and substance use challenges by integrating evidence-based practices, trauma-informed care, and community support. Our services are designed to empower individuals to take charge of their recovery, build resilience, and achieve sustainable wellness.

Our approach includes:

Individualized Treatment Plans: We tailor every plan to meet the specific needs of each client, ensuring culturally competent and responsive care.
Comprehensive Services: From psychotherapy and substance use counseling to case management and peer support, we provide wraparound care that meets people where they are.
Collaborative Partnerships: We work closely with community agencies, treatment courts, and local organizations to provide seamless, coordinated care.
Empowerment Through Education: We believe knowledge is power. We educate clients, families, and the community to break stigma and promote long-term healing.
Recovery-Oriented Environment: Our programs promote accountability, hope, and peer connection to support individuals through every phase of their recovery journey.

At ASPEN, we don’t just treat symptoms—we nurture potential and empower lives.

About Us

A Safe Place Empowerment Network (ASPEN) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit behavioral health organization based in Gastonia, North Carolina. Founded on the belief that healing and recovery are possible for everyone, ASPEN offers trauma-informed, person-centered care to individuals and families impacted by mental health challenges, substance use disorders, and social disparities.

Originally established in 2004 as the Woman of Integrity Support Center in Brooklyn, NY, our organization rebranded and relocated to Gastonia in 2022 to address the broader needs of our evolving community. Today, ASPEN serves as a hub for hope, empowerment, and restoration.

We provide a wide range of outpatient services, including:

Individual psychotherapy
Group therapy (SAIOP, SACOT)
Case management and peer support
Recovery support and relapse prevention
Community outreach, education, and advocacy

We are a DHHS-approved site, a committed community partner, and an emerging leader in integrated care for underserved populations—including veterans, justice-involved individuals, and those experiencing housing instability.

At ASPEN, we are more than a treatment center—we are a safe place where people are met with compassion, dignity, and the tools to rebuild their lives

Our Services

At A Safe Place Empowerment Network (ASPEN), we provide a wide range of trauma-informed, evidence-based services designed to meet the needs of individuals and families facing mental health and substance use challenges. Our goal is to create a safe, supportive space where healing, empowerment, and transformation can take place.

Mental Health Services

Individual Psychotherapy (Children, Adolescents, Adults, and Seniors)
Group Therapy
Grief and Loss Counseling
Trauma-Informed Therapy
Depression and Anxiety Support
Anger Management

Substance Use Treatment

SAIOP: Substance Abuse Intensive Outpatient Program
SACOT: Substance Abuse Comprehensive Outpatient Treatment
Relapse Prevention Support
Recovery Maintenance & Aftercare
Harm Reduction Education

Integrated Case Management

Personalized Service Planning
Housing, Employment, and Benefits Navigation
Community Resource Linkage
Reentry Support for Justice-Involved Individuals

Veteran Services

Partnership with Veterans Treatment Court
Behavioral Health Support for Veterans
Peer Support and Advocacy

Peer Support Services

Certified Peer Support Specialists
Lived Experience-Based Recovery Coaching
Empowerment & Goal-Setting Workshops

Community Engagement

Community Education and Mental Health Awareness Events
Narcan Distribution, Hygiene Drives, and Street Outreach
Collaboration with Local Agencies, Schools, and Faith-Based Organizations

Additional Services

Walk-in Appointments Available
Telehealth Therapy Options
Bilingual Services (as available)

At ASPEN, we believe healing begins with connection, compassion, and a commitment to walk alongside every person we serve. Our services are designed to restore dignity, rebuild lives, and support long-term recovery.

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