Ascent is designed to be an early intervention program that provides specialized,
coordinated services for those with recent onset of Schizophrenia symptoms or clients who are at risk for
the development of Schizophrenia. The program lasts for three years and is designed to increase independence
while helping clients return to their preferred life path before the onset of psychosis. Due to this, the
following criteria must be met before considering a patient for Ascent:
• The patient is between the ages of 15 and 29.
• The patient has a primary diagnosis of Schizophrenia, Schizophreniform Disorder,
Schizoaffective Disorder, Brief Psychotic Disorder, Unspecified Schizophrenia or Other Specified
Schizophrenia
• The onset of psychosis or the patient meeting full criteria for Schizophrenia is
less than two years.
• The patient's psychosis is not a feature of Bipolar Disorder or Major Depressive
Disorder, it does not have a primary cause related to trauma, the psychosis exists outside the use of
substances and it is not medically induced
• The patient does not have a developmental disorder that leads to significant
impairment in functioning (defined as leading to an IQ of less than 70)
• The patient is considered safe for our staff to meet in the community and is not
currently presenting with aggressive or threatening behaviors.
If the patient meets the above criteria, please complete the referral form below
and submit it. Please email ascent@diversushealth.org with any additional questions.
Is patient aware of referral
If so, have they expressed willingness to engage in services
Has patient experienced psychosis or met the full criteria for schizophrenia for
more than the past two years
Is patient currently engaged with substance use services