Meet The Team
Denise Belk, Ph.D, LCSW
Chief Executive Officer
Dr. Belk has worked in integrated care settings for the past 20 years providing administrative oversight, case management, caregiving, and mental health services to individuals ranging from adolescence to geriatric. Additionally, she received her undergraduate degree from Geneva College, a master’s degree from CU Boulder and from Metropolitan State University of Denver, and her Ph.D. from the Colorado School of Mines. Dr. Belk integrates natural and applied sciences to inform her understanding of addiction. Her appreciation for experiential interventions is the cornerstone of Ascent’s clinical programming.
Caitlin McTague, LSW, LAC
Chief Operating Officer
Caitlin has worked with individuals with dual diagnoses for over 15 years. Her professional journey has encompassed pivotal administrative roles, including program and curriculum development. Complementing her administrative expertise is her extensive clinical background, characterized by her adeptness in engaging with individuals, families, and systemic dynamics.
Rebecca Walush, MA, CST, MFTC, LPC, LAC, NCC
Clinical Director
Rebecca received her Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Argosy University, Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Colorado Christian University, and Marriage and Family Training from The Colorado School for Family Therapy. She is currently pursuing her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from California Southern University. Rebecca is a Licensed Addiction Counselor, Licensed Professional Counselor, Marriage and Family Therapist Candidate, and National Certified Counselor.
She is also a Certified Sex Therapist, Certified Systemic Art and Play Therapist and Gottman Method Therapist Level 1 and 2. Rebecca is approved in the Driving with Care (DWC) curriculum for DUI classes and is state approved to teach Certified Addiction Counselor classes. She is also an adjunct facility for the Colorado School for Family Therapy where she teaches Ethics and clinical classes. Rebecca has been working in the addiction field since 2013 and has owned and operated a private practice since 2017 where she supervises clinicians from across the state and provides contract services and consulting.
Rebecca is an extraordinary addition to our team! Her wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to support individuals in recovery makes her an incredible clinical director.
Ron Arner, MA, MS, LPC, LAC, NCC
Clinical Director
Ron received his Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health counseling from Regis University in 2013 and has been dual-licensed (LPC and LAC) since 2017. He has worked with a variety of dual-diagnosis clients at Arapahoe House and Jefferson Hills and currently works part-time at Children’s Hospital in the Psychiatric Emergency Department.
Ron has maintained a private practice since 2013, which he expanded in 2021 to include training and supervision. He currently provides clinical supervision for several substance use treatment providers and is also approved to teach addiction classes for the State of Colorado.
We provide the help you need
Contact us today to learn more about our treatment center.