The Heart of Ascend Recovery Partners: Dean Gustar

The Heart of Ascend: Dean Gustar, Counsellor, Consultant, Supervisor & Leader 

Welcome. While Ascend Recovery Partners is built on a wide network of trusted professionals, I am the founder, the lead strategist, and the dedicated heart behind our mission.

My journey and my passion are centered on one core principle: to bring compassion, connection, and kindness to help improve the world, one client at a time. 

My Commitment to a Grounded Approach

For over 20 years, my career has been dedicated to navigating the most complex challenges in mental health and addiction treatment, culminating in key leadership and clinical roles at some of the world's most intensive treatment centers, including The Kusnacht Practice.

My experience isn't limited to the therapeutic chair; it spans the full spectrum of recovery:

• Integrated Clinical Leadership: Serving as a Head of Clinical Operations and Relapse Prevention Specialist, I’ve managed comprehensive treatment programs and ensured therapeutic integrity.

• Consulting & Supervision: I have worked as a Consultant and Supervisor, helping teams and individuals maintain quality, integrity, and ethical standards in high-stress environments.

• Crisis Intervention: My background includes extensive work in crisis intervention and risk management, allowing me to maintain a calm, grounded presence when clarity and strategy are needed most.

This unique combination of deep clinical knowledge and operational leadership allows me to serve clients not just as a counsellor, but as a strategic partner who can design and execute highly effective, accountable recovery and wellbeing plans.

The Personal Why

My passion lies in creating a safe, authentic, and compassionate space for every client. I believe the most effective path forward begins with a single, focused conversation—a moment where everything else fades away and we can truly address the challenges of life together.

Ascend was founded to bring this grounded, humanistic approach directly to those seeking meaningful, lasting change for themselves, their loved ones, or their organization.

I look forward to meeting you and starting that first conversation.

– Dean Gustar