Oasis Ascent

"Our son went there for a few months for mental health and behavioral problems. Our son will be changed for the better because of the staff and culture that he was shown. He left uplifted and more positive for his future. He also has been to another residential program in Utah and Oasis was far superior. Oasis also was really great at keeping kids busy and active while there with many great off campus activities."

"My son, Niko, was blessed with an opportunityto attend Oasis. Prior to this, Niko had run away from home, grappling with mental health challenges, family issues, and substance abuse. In the weeks leading up to his enrollment at Oasis, he had fled from another local program, finding himself in serious trouble. As parents living out of state, we felt utterly lost in our efforts to support Niko. However, fate intervened, and we discovered Oasis. Initially, Reggie and Aaron, both from Oasis, interviewed Niko where he was being held. They recognized his potential and ultimately welcomed him into their program. Reggie, Niko’s therapist, played a pivotal role. Not only did he guide Niko through the program, but he also became our family therapist during our weekly sessions. Over the course of 60 days at Oasis, Niko diligently worked on self-improvement, acquiring new tools and techniques. He formed positive connections with fellow clients and staff members. Reggie’s bond with Niko was instrumental in breaking through to him, allowing Niko to openly discuss his feelings and thoughts. During our road trip back to Minnesota, Niko spoke fondly of other staff members, each of whom had connected with him in their unique way. These connections left a lasting impact, and Niko will truly miss them."

"I’m a gangster now!"

"So far so good. My son was there and just staeted and it seems like they are doing the right thing."

"Oasis Ascent changed their name to try to shed the poor reputation they had when they were called Discovery Academy and Discovery Connections. Discovery Academy is part of a larger company (Ascent Behavioral Health or Ascent Inc.) that owns several treatment centers and schools. I worked as a math teacher at Discovery Academy while it was renewing its educational accreditation (as opposed to its therapeutic accreditation). Once we passed accreditation, the company decided to reorganize so that they could claim that all of the therapy centers and schools that the company owned were accredited as satellite campuses of Discovery Academy. I said to the principal that this seemed dishonest and that it might make us lose accreditation, but she said that worrying about that wasn't part of my job. About a month after I left Discovery Academy the school was inspected by the accrediting board; they ceased to be a accredited school in July of 2022."