In Dickson City, a new sanctuary for youth grappling with mental health challenges and addictive behaviors has opened its doors. NextGen Counseling, the brainchild of Jon and Diane Wasp, aims to offer a safe and supportive environment for young people seeking guidance.
Jon Wasp, who has dedicated over two decades to behavioral health management, views NextGen as more than just a counseling center. “This is Main Street health care. Some kids need counseling, and we’re here to provide it,” he explained. The Wasps have invested their own resources to establish the center, emphasizing a commitment to making counseling a normalized part of growing up.
Services for Youth
NextGen is designed for adolescents aged 12-19, addressing issues ranging from substance use and gaming addiction to mental health struggles like depression and anxiety. The center offers a suite of services including behavioral health assessments, counseling, and outpatient treatment. Although they currently accept private insurance, they are in the process of securing a Medicaid contract.
Family involvement is a cornerstone of the therapeutic process at NextGen. Jon Wasp noted, “The more we can involve families, if the family unit is a positive support system, the more we can involve families, the better.” However, they are equally prepared to support youths without that familial backing.
Importantly, teens aged 14 and older can consent to their own treatment. Jon Wasp highlighted this autonomy, saying, “If you’re a kid who thinks that you need help, you can seek help without your parents’ permission.”
Focusing on Early Intervention
The Wasps are driven by the potential impact of early intervention in young lives. Jon Wasp explained the developmental differences in adolescents, likening it to a car’s acceleration and braking systems. His experience in behavioral health revealed early onset substance use, often beginning between ages 10 and 12.
Dr. Mark Albert, the center’s medical director, emphasizes the importance of intervening at a young age, stating, “If they’re starting at 11, 12, 13 or 14, that’s when you have to hit them.”
Addressing Gambling Addiction
Gambling addiction among teens is another critical focus. According to a Penn State report, a significant percentage of Pennsylvanians struggle with problem gambling. Jon Wasp noted the accessibility of gambling through mobile devices, which can lead to issues for adolescents.
Dr. Albert expressed concern over parental awareness of online betting, saying, “The gambling addiction is a big one here. All the sports bets, these kids are into that big time.”
The Road Ahead
NextGen faced several challenges before opening, including a fire next door that delayed their progress. Despite these setbacks, the center now operates, pending Medicaid and county contract approvals. Jon Wasp remains committed to providing help regardless of a family’s ability to pay, stating, “When it comes to paying for health care, that’s a me problem, not a kid problem.”
Looking forward, Dr. Albert is hopeful about the center’s potential to save lives and help young people. Jon Wasp echoes this optimism, aiming to guide adolescents towards brighter futures: “Their best days are ahead of them, and they just don’t even know yet.”
