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Our mission is to help individuals build strong, meaningful relationships with their peers by addressing and enhancing any skills deficits they may have

Evidence-Based Peer Group Therapy

Ascent provides group therapy and one-on-one services. We help individuals with depression or anxiety develop their skills and grow social and emotional bonds with peers. Our expert-designed program from UCSF and Stanford Medical School has fostered lasting social abilities and friendships for over a thousand participants.

Ascent’s program curates groups of peers and creates a safe and conducive space for them to practice their skills in order to unlock deeper social and emotional bonds with one-another - and it works.

Where Science, Data, and Medicine Intersect

Ascent brings together the latest advancements in science, data, and medicine to provide group therapy for individuals with depression or anxiety. Our expert facilitators lead groups that leverage artificial intelligence to collect metrics on each learner's skills development and create personalized care plans.

Our science team, headed by Dr. Bennett Leventhal and Dr. Young Shin Kim, conducts research on the efficacy of our Peer Group Therapy and measures the significant improvements our learners experience. Dr. Leventhal is a Professor of Psychiatry with 50+ years of experience working with patients with mental health challenges.

Dr. Young Shin Kim is a Professor of Psychiatry at UCSF and Director of the Center for Autism. She has received awards for her scientific achievement and is a key member of our science team in our evidence-based, innovative approach to group therapy.

Dr. Bennett Leventhal — Bennett Leventhal, MD

Tackling Big Challenges

Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, California, Ascent was founded by Hye Ryeon Lee, PhD to tackle the biggest challenges individuals with mental health challenges face.

Individuals with depression or anxiety have unique life experiences that can make it challenging to connect with members of their local community. Ascent offers these individuals the opportunity to connect with peers to learn, laugh, and grow with one another.

Learn about our approach

Meet Your Peer Group Facilitators

The mission of every Ascent group facilitator is to create a safe and conducive space for their peers to be able to practice their skills in order to unlock deeper social and emotional bonds with one-another.

In addition to having years of experience providing therapy to individuals with mental health challenges, Ascent’s group facilitators go through Ascent’s Facilitator Training Program, where they become adept at applying Ascent’s program and tracking peers’ progress.

Featured Facilitators

Michelle Miller

Michelle received her Bachelor’s degree in Cognitive Science from University of California Santa Cruz and in Communication Science and Disorders from University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. She has worked with children on the autism spectrum as a Board Certified Autism Technician, ABA clinic supervisor, and instructional aide for 6 years.

Merci Hercules, MS

Merci received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from Purdue University. Both degrees in Psychology with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis. She has worked as a behavioral therapist with children diagnosed with ASD for 4 years. Merci is dedicated to helping children and their families overcome any challenge.

Nicole Zuniga

Nicole graduated from California State University Northridge with her Bachelors in Psychology. She has worked with children, teens and young adults on the autism spectrum for more than 6 years as a Registered Behavior Technician. Nicole has a passion for helping families and their loved ones overcome any challenge.

Hosanna Kim, MD

Hosanna received her MD from Kyunghee University School of Medicine. Her research is focused on neurodevelopmental factors in autism, as well as gene and environment interactions related to the onset and progression of autism. Outside of work, she likes hiking and yoga.

Faraz Fadavi

Faraz graduated from Stanford University with Honors in Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence Track). Faraz has previously led an Artificial Intelligence-driven Electronic Medical Record company and is deeply passionate about applying technology to radically improve people’s lives.

We’re Hiring

We are a group of ambitious, creative, outcomes-obsessed individuals dedicated to the mission of creating a safe and conducive space for peers to be able to practice their skills in order to unlock deeper social and emotional bonds with one-another. Join us and you’ll be surrounded by passionate team players who are top performers in their field.

Apply Now

Ascent is looking to hire diligent, warm-hearted facilitators to work with individuals with depression or anxiety. All candidates must have a bachelors degree in a related field, 5+ years of experience as an RBT or BCBA, and excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ascent Autism is looking to hire dedicated Program Managers to manage peer group facilitators and develop programming. All candidates must have a masters degree in a related field, 5+ years of experience as a BCBA, and excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Our customer success team supports families as they onboard onto Ascent’s service and help families navigate service plans, billing, and other needs. All candidates must have a masters degree and excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Developed by experts, delivered to your home