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
Veterans Treatment Court Approved Provider
MAR – Medication Assistance Recovery
AMH- Advanced Medical Homes
Assessment
Groups
Family Therapy
Domestic Violence Counseling

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 are provided remotely, allowing individuals the convenience and comfort to connect with mental health professionals from any location, at any time. Each person participating in one or more program, therefore, has the ability to sustain support and treatment, as well as continued education and awareness.

At A Safe Place Empowerment Network (ASPEN), we provide comprehensive, compassionate, and culturally responsive behavioral health services designed to support individuals and families on their journey to recovery and wellness.

Our services include:

Mental Health Counseling
We offer individual and group therapy using evidence-based approaches to address depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, and other mental health challenges.
Substance Use Treatment
Through structured programs like SAIOP (Substance Abuse Intensive Outpatient Program) and SACOT (Substance Abuse Comprehensive Outpatient Treatment), we help individuals overcome addiction and build sustainable recovery.
Case Management & Peer Support
Our team helps clients navigate resources for housing, employment, benefits, medical care, and more. Peer support specialists bring lived experience to encourage and guide clients through recovery.
Veteran Services
We proudly work with Veterans Treatment Court and other partners to support veterans facing behavioral health and substance use issues, providing tailored care and advocacy.
Community Engagement & Advocacy
ASPEN hosts events, educational workshops, and outreach initiatives that promote awareness, reduce stigma, and build a stronger, more informed community.
Crisis Intervention & Wraparound Support
We meet people where they are—in times of crisis or transition—and surround them with the support needed to heal, grow, and thrive.

Whether someone is taking their first step or continuing their recovery journey, ASPEN is here to provide a safe, empowering space every step of the way.

Executive Director

Nurse Practioner

Social Workers (s)

Social Media

Peer Support

Case Manager

Front Desk

Interns/Volunteers

At A Safe Place Empowerment Network (ASPEN), we are committed to serving individuals and families impacted by mental health challenges, substance use disorders, and social barriers that affect overall well-being. Our doors are open to all who are seeking hope, healing, and a supportive path to recovery.

We proudly serve:

Adults and adolescents living with mental health and/or substance use challenges

Veterans navigating civilian life while managing behavioral health needs

Justice-involved individuals, including those referred through treatment courts

Unhoused and underserved populations in need of stability and support

Individuals in recovery seeking relapse prevention and empowerment tools

Families seeking guidance to support loved ones through recovery journeys

Community members looking to access preventative services, case management, and peer support

Whether you’re in crisis, in recovery, or simply in need of a safe space, ASPEN is here to walk alongside you—empowering change, restoring dignity, and nurturing growth one step at a time.

What Makes Us Unique

A Safe Place Empowerment Network (ASPEN) stands apart because we combine clinical excellence with compassionate community care. Our approach goes beyond traditional treatment—we meet people where they are and walk with them as they build a better future.

Here’s what sets us apart:

Lived Experience Meets Professional Expertise
Many of our team members are in long-term recovery or have personal connections to the communities we serve. This allows us to offer not only clinical support but also deep empathy and understanding.
Whole-Person Care
We focus on the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Our services include evidence-based therapy, substance use treatment, case management, wellness groups, and community events that foster connection and empowerment.
Community-Based & Culturally Responsive
Rooted in Gastonia, NC, we understand the unique needs of our local population. We offer culturally relevant care that respects diversity and promotes inclusion.
Accessible and Welcoming
We break down barriers to care by offering flexible hours, walk-ins, sliding scale fees, and telehealth options. Everyone deserves access to quality behavioral health services—without judgment.
Advocacy & Social Impact
ASPEN is not just a provider—we are a movement. We work with courts, schools, housing programs, and recovery networks to advocate for lasting change and reduce the stigma around mental health and addiction.