; Help Aspen get Mental Health Treatment

For over two years my smart, beautiful and caring 15 year old niece, Aspen, has battles with mental health troubles including depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and OCD just to name a few. She went from being an honor roll student that excelled academically, socially, and athletically to a withdrawn teen who struggles to even speak at times. Aspen has been hospitalized on two separate occasions and continues to attend therapy twice a week. She did not ask for nor does she deserve this. Her provider believes that the next best course of action would be for her to attend inpatient mental health wilderness therapy at SUWS of Carolinas Wilderness & Adventure Treatment Center for Troubled Teens.  Initially Aspen was reluctant to attend thinking this program would be similar to the hospitalization stays she endured, however after reviewing information and conducting research herself, SHE vocalized and expressed that she WANTS to attend this program and WANTS to feel better. Treatment will likely last at least two months and consists of CBT, DBT, expressive arts therapy and canine therapy, motivational enhancement therapy, individual treatment planning, as well as academic components. The estimated cost for two months is $45,000.00. My sister, Amber, is a single parent and is already working two jobs to make ends meet (just copays for medicine and therapy for Aspen exceeds $500.00 per month). Amber must now also endure the turmoil of knowing this is the best treatment option for Aspen and having her daughter leave home to live in a residential setting and she is stretched to the breaking point both financially and emotionally. Aspen was accepted and entered the program today, which is amazingly wonderful. Amber and Aspen are both generous and caring people who help others any way they can. I desperately want to ensure that Aspen is able to complete this program to receive the help she wants and needs and to help ease the unexpected financial hardship for my sister. If you are able to contribute in any way to help Aspen get the help she wants, needs, and deserves, our family will be eternally grateful.