Ascent buys WayPoint Academy

The Ascent Family of Programs, a Springville-based operator of residential treatment programs, has acquired WayPoint Academy in Huntsville. Waypoint Academy provides clinical and educational services to adolescents who suffer from anxiety, OCD and other related mental health challenges.

“WayPoint Academy has great confidence in the Ascent Programs and their history of best-in-class treatment services,” a statement from WayPoint said. “They’re a valuable, trustworthy partner in the ever-changing world of behavioral healthcare.”{mprestriction ids="1,3"}

“This partnership will be a win-win for both programs and will lead to new opportunities and better services for all students and their families,” said an Ascent release. “Together, the organizations will improve the quality of help, which will make a difference to so many young people who are struggling with mental health problems.”

WayPoint Academy will join the other Ascent facilities, which include Red Cliff Ascent, Discovery Ranch, Oxbow Academy, Discovery Ranch for Girls, Oasis Ascent and Discovery Day Treatment.

The founders and operating partners at WayPoint Academy will continue in their roles, with Mike Bulloch as the executive director. Cheyenne Liang has been promoted to clinical director while Jared Balmer will continue in a consulting role. 

“WayPoint Academy is a shining example of the healing that can happen when a skilled and passionate team identifies an area of need and gets to work,” said Steve Nadauld, CEO of Ascent Family of Programs. “For over a decade, their treatment services for anxious adolescent boys is unique to the field. With the years of legendary treatment programs developed by Dr. Balmer added to that, we believe that we will be strengthened in the vision to provide top-notch clinical services across all programs.”{/mprestriction}