Mission & Vision
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 people 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 individuals with mental health and substance use disorders.
A safe place to begin
Care that honors your whole story
Compassionate mental health, substance use, and primary care support designed around you.
Care that meets you with dignity
Compassionate mental health, substance use, and primary care support for your whole health.
Whole-Person Care
A Safe Place to Begin
Compassionate mental health, substance use, and primary care support centered on your dignity, goals, and wellbeing.
Our Services
Care that meets you where you are
Mental Health Care
Support for emotional wellbeing, healing, and everyday resilience.
Substance Use Support
Respectful, person-centered support for recovery and next steps.
Primary Care
Whole-health care that connects physical and emotional wellbeing.
Our Approach
Care built on trust
At A Safe Place Empowerment Network, we create a welcoming space where people can be heard, respected, and supported.
Our integrated approach brings mental health, substance use, and primary care together so you can focus on what matters most: your whole health.
What You Can Expect
Support with dignity
Every step is designed to help you feel safe, informed, and empowered.
A Listening Ear
Care begins with your story, your needs, and your voice.
Connected Care
Services work together to support your mind and body.
Hopeful Next Steps
We help you identify practical paths forward at your pace.
You Are Not Alone
Take the next step
Reach out today to learn more about care and support that feels right for you.
Start a conversation
Send a confidential inquiry and our team will help you explore your next step.
Monday–Friday 8am–6pm; closed Saturday and Sunday.
Request support
Our values
A foundation of safety and hope
Compassion
We listen with care and meet each person without judgment.
Respect
Your voice, choices, and lived experience matter here.
Empowerment
We help you build practical tools for your next step.
Connection
Whole-person care is stronger when community is part of healing.
What we offer
Support for your whole health
Care designed to help you feel heard, supported, and connected to the resources that fit your needs.
Mental Health Care
Thoughtful support for emotional wellness, healing, and everyday resilience.
Substance Use Support
Compassionate, recovery-focused care that honors your goals and your pace.
Primary Care
Practical health support that connects mind, body, and wellbeing.
Our approach
Whole-person care starts with trust
We create a welcoming space where you can explore what you need, set meaningful goals, and move forward with support.
Our team brings mental health, substance use, and primary care together so your care feels connected, respectful, and centered on you.
Connect with care
Share a little about what you need, and our team will help guide you toward the right next step.
Monday–Friday 8am–6pm; closed Saturday and Sunday.
Start a conversation
Our promise
Support built on dignity
Compassion
We meet every person with warmth, patience, and care.
Respect
Your voice, choices, and lived experience matter here.
Connection
Care is stronger when people, families, and communities are included.
Hope
We help you take practical next steps toward wellness.
Whole-person care
Care for every part of life
Explore integrated support that meets you where you are and helps you move forward.
Mental Health Care
Thoughtful support for emotional wellness, healing, and resilience.
Substance Use Support
Nonjudgmental guidance for recovery, stability, and renewed possibility.
Primary Care
Everyday health support that connects physical and behavioral well-being.
Our approach
A care network that sees you
A Safe Place Empowerment Network brings mental health, substance use, and primary care together so support feels connected, personal, and easier to access.
We lead with trauma-informed care, practical resources, and a deep belief in every person’s capacity to heal and grow.
You do not have to navigate this alone
Reach out when you are ready. Our team is here to listen, help you understand your options, and connect you with care.
A first conversation can be a meaningful next step.
Start with a conversation
Share what support you are looking for, and we will help guide your next step.
Monday–Friday 8am–6pm; closed Saturday and Sunday.
Request support
Our Values
Core Values
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 & Sincerity
Empowerment for everyone to have a voice and participate in their own care. Sincerity in how we treat each other every day.
What We Do!
Psychotherapy, intensive outpatient support, counseling, recovery services, and coordinated care.
Psychotherapy
Individual psychotherapy for children, adolescents, adults, and seniors.
Intensive Out Patient IOP
Structured outpatient treatment and support.
Counseling
Trauma-informed counseling for healing and growth.
Substance Use Groups
Support groups for recovery and relapse prevention.
Veterans Services
Behavioral health support, peer support, and advocacy for veterans.
Primary Care Provider
Integrated primary care support.
Domestic Violence Counseling
Compassionate counseling and safety-focused support.
Medication Assistant Recovery
Medication assistance recovery and ongoing care.
Whole-Person Care
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, comprehensive services, collaborative partnerships, empowerment through education, and a recovery-oriented environment.
Our Story
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.
Be the change you wish to see in the world.
Dr. Wanda Jones, Executive Director
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, and 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.