Aspire saved us. My teenager was going through a lot of issues and we needed help immediately. This was our first time in therapy. My son went unwillingly at first, but the group interactions with Jesse and John leading the sessions, were exactly what we needed. They use respect, tough love, talk in a way teens can relate, tell the truth, and make sure the parents are involved in the process. They taught us how to communicate (and really listen) as parents & son. After a few tough weeks, my son looked forward to group sessions. He trusted his counselors and so did I. Therapy is never easy & clean. It's hard work. What matters is the end result. Aspire counselors truly care about people. I can't say enough good things about our experience and the bond we made with the counselors. My son is absolutely thriving, out of his dark place and we're all hopeful and excited about the future. It's been 3 years since we went to Aspire and we all talk openly and fondly about that timeframe. My son is even considering a career in counseling because of Jesse and John and the other impactful counselors who helped us. If you need help, Aspire is a definite, viable solution. Don't hesitate to call them and find out more. It's a scary process, but not as scary as doing nothing. Hope this helps your decision. We'll always be grateful to Aspire! read more

The therapists and staff at the Simi Valley location are caring and understanding. I am being taught how to navigate my anxiety and ptsd. It's a long hard road working on yourself with lots of challenges to change your perspective of a situation to decrease anxiety and build a new narrative. Moving forward taking baby steps while getting support from the Aspire Staff. There is no pill or quick fix just you and your new "tool box". I am grateful to have them in my life. read more

I absolutely love the staff at the Simi Valley location. The therapists have been beyond helpful. My kid has improved drastically. His mood has improved. Even with being a teenager, he is now spending time with us and engages in topics. I love it! The therapists were able to do family sessions with us. They provided us with skills and educated us on my kid's diagnosis. The therapist educated us on CBT and DBT and how those skills work. Even I use them. We have seen our kid improve at school and home. The director has always made time for us. She has gone above and beyond. She has made herself available at all times of the day. We had a crisis one night and she stayed until 10pm deescalating, giving recommendations and even called in the morning to see how we were doing. They care about us. Gisela at the front is without a doubt the best! She got us in that same day! She is sweet and patient with us during the intake process. 5/5 would recommend. What I love the most is that my child is able to go even after graduating! They have alumni group every Wednesday and my kid looks forward to going each week. He continues to learn skills, processes things very different and he is able to communicate his emotions. Beyond happy with the services provided at Aspire. read more

The change in my child has been outstanding! Jadjira is an amazing Therapist and person. I don't know where we would be if it hadn't been for Aspire. Thank you so much read more

I'm really disgusted with this place. They made us read something by a guy that had zero background in psychology and no credentials called "eff your feelings," essentially dismissing people's emotions. It was a 'pick yourself up by the bootstraps' mentality. They kick out people for willing to challenge the material because again, their frame of reference is HIGHLY unprofessional and simply incorrect. Then, they make other clients harass and even intimidate clients who speak up about them not agreeing with how approaches are being concerned, treatment not being effective, and for just being honest? It is well within a patient's rights to give customer satisfaction feedback but instead you get told to "leave if you're so unhappy." (and you get accused of being resistant to treatment typical mental health gaslighting per usual, they have NO CLUE how to work with the mentally ill in the *slightest*) They really tell you that your feelings have no place and room, to just get over it and move on, & when you get rightfully upset at this, they attempt to gaslight you further and label YOU as the problem-instead of hearing out what you have to say. No joking, Kelly and Lena literally make 'I think you're wrong' facial expressions whenever you try to talk about your feelings. It genuinely further traumatizes people to be here and deal with the passive aggressiveness & be told that you're foolish for having appropriate reactions to being told your feelings are not only incorrect but that they deserve no understanding/empathy? Especially after the fact that people come here ALREADY traumatized ready to be vulnerable again but this place is a company. (It's also not for young people loads of ageism happening here!) They do not care about you getting better trust me. They promise 5 star treatment but they are running a scam...it's not even a "hospital" as promised in their 'part-hospitalization program' brochure. John Poleno liked social media comments that included name-calling of anyone who left a negative review and the headquarters themselves do not answer any calls/voicemails or get back to you despite giving them your information to leave complaints. They also take down any negative review: they talk behind former clients' backs and then beg their new clients to write positive reviews aimed at the negative ones in an attempt to counteract exposing the truth of what really goes down. read more

Aspire is amazing!! Everyone is so helpful and understanding. I got very lucky I found this program. My therapist Kelly has helped me through really hard times. She helped me realize the great things in life and was understanding when I said I didn't believe her. All the staff is amazing and you will be lucky to learn and grow at this treatment center. read more

This place is full of caring and compassionate people whose genuine passion is to help people get on track and get sober! John is amazing and it shows in what he does everyday! I've been sober for 4 and a half years and wouldn't be where I am today with out his help! If you or someone you know is needing to take the first step in their journey to sobriety, this is the place. You absolutely won't regret it!! If I could give them 100 stars I would :) read more

From the core of my soul and heart I cannot say enough positive things about Julie Romero, the Lead Substance Abuse Counselor at Aspire. This woman goes above and beyond and saves lives. She never gave up on me. She has the education, the personal experience, and the passion and heart that sets her above the rest and is the reason she was able to get through to me when no one else could. I tried the other mental health services Aspire offers. Their other therapists and IOP services mean well, but if you are struggling with an addiction and all else has failed, Julie is the one who can save your life... with all my being I believe the only reason I'm not dead or in jail, and am still fighting and getting stronger is because this woman has the know-how to truly help people in a way other therapists and licensed specialists cannot. Thank you Julie for all you have done for me and my family. read more

I am so lucky to have found this place and have Valerie as my counselor. She has been an amazing help to me and i've only had good interactions with the other counselors they are all so nice! read more

I just finished with Aspire and I'm pleased with the positive results. Aspire has individual, group, Art, Music and Yoga weekly. This is a place for all people with different ethnic backgrounds. My issues with PTSD were met pretty well and I thank all the counselors at Aspire. read more

Literally saved my life, fantastic, caring people, take the first step, would recommend

The counselors at Aspire are top notch. They truly care about the people needing guidance and help. I've learned so much about coping strategies and getting a better understanding about alcohol addiction. I've also learned to forgive myself which has been incredibly difficult for me to do. My counselor, Kimberly, is nothing short of amazing. She is always there for me, to listen to me and help me sort though my difficult situation. She is knowledgeable and very kind. I have tremendous respect for her and truly appreciate any chance I get to speak with her. This place is the real deal and I wholeheartedly recommend Aspire Counseling. read more

Joining Aspire has been the best and most effective thing I've ever done for my mental health. The entire staff is understanding, patient, knowledgeable, and incredibly kind. The therapists on staff, Lena and Kelly, are both amazing in group settings, and individually. The materials they use for group sessions vary in topic and source (all extremely reputable), and are always simply references- with the main information coming from the therapists. They treat everyone with the utmost respect and professionalism, even in the extremely rare occurrence that someone is rude, obnoxious, or disruptive. I spent many months at Aspire, and never once did I see any semblance of disrespect towards any client, even when, to be frank, it would have been well deserved. They work to meet everyone where they're at in the moment, but you have to truly be ready to make some life changes, and trust the process. And once you are, this place and these people will do everything they can to get you on a healthier path and in a better place! read more

I have nothing but GREAT things to say about Aspire the staff truly cares and they really do want to see there clients thrive in every way possible!!! John is amazing he doesn't beat around the bush and truly cares, he's a man of his word. What is really great about this place is they know how to help or deal with different personalities they don't only stick to one moto they genuinely get to know you and find a way to get you on the right track and sober!! read more

Aspire has been a true God send. All of the staff are incredibly knowledgeable, caring and understanding. My mental health and sobriety have been significantly improved and facilitated by Aspire. Kelly is my personal therapist and has made incredible headway with me that I had not achieved in 26 years of therapy prior to coming to Aspire. If you are prepared to do the work of getting better, which does require accountability for your own behaviors, etc., then there is no place better than Aspire to come to. I would and do recommend this place to any and all. It won't always be easy, but it will be life changing. read more

Aspire has been awesome. I've been coming here for a few months and everyone that works here is so genuine and caring. Shannon at the front desk always has a smile and friendly greeting. Jill, the art couch is one of the kindest, most amazing people I've ever met. She is fantastic at helping each person develop creativity. Lena is very professional and has helped me so much with seeing things more clearly and making decisions. Valerie leads awesome groups and always has a smile and great laugh. Julie has helped me tremendously with her groups and individual sessions. Besides the regular counselors Shelby, Cynthia, and Stephanie provide amazing support and tools during music therapy and yoga. This is a very comprehensive program and it has been tremendously helpful for me and my family. read more

This place has completely changed my life for the better. I was a nervous wreck at first but from the moment I arrived, the staff was so welcoming and compassionate. The knowledge and guidance the directors and counselors present is so incredibly helpful and relatable. With the help of my counselors, I was able to complete the program and get my life on an even better track than before. Thank you Aspire for all that you do! read more

John, Jesse, and Kim are amazing staff members here. They work with you well to get the help and resources you need. If you work the program right, you can do amazing things and new opportunities will present themselves to you. Thanks guys! read more

Aspire is amazing, I loved working with Kelly because she makes me feel comfortable and heard. I would highly recommend Aspire!! They have art, yoga and good informative groups. read more

Aspire Counseling Services is more than a community...it is a family. It is more than just a place to "work on yourself." Aspire Simi Valley, specifically, has the absolute best staff from anywhere you could find. There are no false negative stigmas. We are all humans on a journey to have a therapeutic experience. The moment you walk through the door, especially if you feel uncomfortable, just walking through those doors will change your life. Aspire will challenge everything you thought you knew about yourself. You want to find out who you are? Start asking questions... you find out who you are from finding out who your not. After torturing yourself with years of building up there huge walls we encourage you to take a risk and start building yourself up! Start slowly breaking down the lies you tell yourself, each one, one at a time you will be able to break them down. Maybe not alone maybe with your counselor or therapists but you take the leap and we are here to catch your fall! you realize it's not as easy as you thought. Using over decades of years of drugs and alcohol and/or not understanding your mental health ? You will find out who you are from who you are not. Could it be so scary that your life could start to get better. Listened to the Counselors and Therapists and recovery workers. In this day and age it's getting harder and harder to feel completely SAFE in a community. Aspire is a place that you will not only learn about yourself but also learn from your peers. Wednesday's group is always an amazing experience. Shayna had a strong bond with each client and co workers. Although, I am no longer there, there is an amazing group of people who still work full time to make sure they help everyone who walks through the door and that way no one gets lost in the shuffle. If you want to be sober enough and prove your ready to change your life then this place is for you! Kelly is AN OUTSTANDING FACILITATOR she always brings her most authentic self to any group she runs of even if she has time to fit your into some one on one counseling. Jesse is a genius to say the least. He is more of a realist and his groups and sessions are unbelievable! He will tell you exactly what you need to hear in a way you can feel it sink into your soul. Kim is a pleasure to work with... she tells you the truth no matter what and for this I will always be grateful!She has the biggest heart and always goes above and beyond with clients and activities. The lastly, of course there is John Poleno... he is the glue that holds it all together. Not only does he push his clients to the next level but he's right by their side showing people that they can do this. They can live this life by taking it one day at a time. Hour by hour.... minute by minute. John is beyond a saint in Simi Valley. He never takes a day off work because he loves what he does so much. He is humble and smart. Come check this place out! We are the new instant help. Just walk through those doors! read more

I was in a really bad place when i found Aspire. It was certainty time for me to learn how to heal mentally and also get help with my disease. I remember walking through the doors for the first time. I was extremely scared, upset and disappointed in myself. Upon walking in with tears and completely breaking down, I was welcomed by kim and john. Kim looked at me and said its ok "you're in the right place". She was very comforting and took me through intake very kindly and easily. In these type of life situations it's easy to feel uncomfortable in your own skin, vulnerable and scared but not with Aspire and the staff. They welcomed me with open arms and no judgement what so ever. Especially since a majority of the staff have been in my exact shoes, at one point of their own personal life. The only one thing they cared about, was to help me get my life back, guide me through their amazing program and support me. I myself have been in their Partial inpatient program and intensive out patient program. They're two different programs and I highly recommend both of them. ALL the staff from directors to counselors, to independent teachers and independent instructors have been nothing short of incredible. There is no discrimination here, age, race or personal identity. ALL are welcome. Aspire has been changing my life and the person that I'm becoming day by day. The facility it self is clean beautifully decorated. It has a very calming atmosphere. If i could give aspire a 10/10 I would :) read more