Ascend Behavioral Health is proud to serve the Central Valley. Discover the ways the Central Valley and Ascend can serve you!
Navigating the landscape of adolescent mental health can feel like walking through a maze without a map. Families often find themselves exhausted, searching for answers while watching their child struggle with emotions or behaviors that seem to spiral out of control. At Ascend Behavioral Health, we exist to provide that map and to walk alongside you every step of the way. We are a premier mental health treatment provider located in the heart of California’s Central Valley, dedicated exclusively to the unique needs of adolescents.
We were founded on a simple yet powerful premise: families in the Central Valley should not have to drive hours to Los Angeles or San Francisco to receive top-tier clinical care. We recognized a gap in local services and established ourselves as the first teen mental health Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) in the region. Since then, we have expanded to offer a full continuum of care, including residential inpatient treatment and Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP), across multiple locations. Our goal is to help restore healthy neuropsychological functioning in every child we serve, moving them from a place of suffering to a journey toward healing and wholeness.
When a child is in crisis, the entire family holds its breath. The stress of managing high-risk behaviors, school refusal, or severe mood swings can be suffocating for parents and siblings alike. Our mission extends beyond symptom reduction; we aim to help families breathe easier again. We strive to be a beacon of hope for those navigating the often broken and daunting mental health system.
We believe that every adolescent deserves access to compassionate, evidence-based care that addresses the root causes of their struggles. Whether a teen is dealing with anxiety, depression, or complex mood disorders, our purpose is to provide the tools necessary for stability. We do not just treat the diagnosis; we treat the whole person, helping them rebuild their self-esteem, repair family relationships, and rediscover a life worth living. By providing a clear path to recovery, we empower parents to step out of the role of crisis manager and back into the role of a supportive, loving parent.
The quality of care a patient receives is directly linked to the expertise and empathy of the people providing it. At Ascend Behavioral Health, we have assembled a multidisciplinary team of highly trained mental health professionals who specialize in adolescent psychiatry and psychology. Our staff is not only licensed and credentialed but also deeply passionate about working with the teen population. We understand that adolescents are not just “mini-adults”; they are in a critical developmental stage that requires a specialized approach.
Our treatment team includes:
This collaborative environment ensures that every aspect of a teen’s well-being is monitored and supported. We function as a cohesive unit, regularly reviewing treatment plans to ensure that we are meeting the evolving needs of each client.
Our clinical philosophy is grounded in a holistic, person-centered approach. We understand that mental health conditions often stem from a combination of biological vulnerabilities and environmental factors. Therefore, our process focuses on restoring healthy brain functioning while simultaneously teaching the skills needed to navigate the world effectively. We utilize evidence-based practices that have been proven to improve behavioral health outcomes for teens.
The treatment process at Ascend is designed to be comprehensive and adaptable. It begins with a thorough assessment to understand the specific challenges the teen is facing, whether that involves bipolar disorder, trauma, or substance abuse. Based on this assessment, we create an individualized treatment plan that may include a combination of individual therapy, family therapy, and group sessions.
We rely heavily on structured modalities such as:
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT):
To teach emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):
To help teens identify and challenge harmful thought patterns.
Experiential Therapies:
Utilizing art, music, or mindfulness to help teens express themselves when words are not enough.
By integrating these therapies, we help adolescents move from emotional chaos to a state where they can apply learned skills consistently in their daily lives.
Jason Christopherson serves as our Vice President of Pediatric Clinical Services, bringing a wealth of experience and a steadfast commitment to clinical excellence. In his leadership role, Jason oversees the therapeutic integrity of our programs, ensuring that Ascend Behavioral Health remains at the forefront of adolescent mental healthcare.
His philosophy centers on the belief that effective treatment requires a blend of rigorous clinical standards and genuine human connection. Under his guidance, our clinical teams are trained to look beyond behaviors to understand the underlying needs of the child. He champions a culture of continuous learning and improvement, ensuring that our staff is equipped with the latest research and therapeutic techniques. Jason’s leadership is instrumental in maintaining the high quality of care that families in the Central Valley have come to trust, fostering an environment where both staff and patients can thrive.
We believe that the environment plays a crucial role in the healing process. Ascend Behavioral Health operates multiple facilities across the Central Valley, including locations in Fresno, Visalia, and Bakersfield. Each of our centers is designed to be a safe, welcoming sanctuary that feels far removed from a sterile hospital setting.
Our Fresno and Visalia locations serve as hubs for our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). These facilities provide structured daytime treatment in spaces that encourage peer interaction and therapeutic focus. They are accessible to families from surrounding areas like Clovis, Madera, and Tulare, making it easier to integrate treatment into daily life.
Our Bakersfield location is the home of our residential inpatient treatment program. This facility offers a small group setting designed for 24/7 support and stabilization. It provides a home-like atmosphere where teens can disconnect from the stressors of the outside world and focus entirely on their recovery. Whether inpatient or outpatient, our facilities are spaces where adolescents can feel a sense of belonging, which is often the first step toward recovery.
When you entrust your child to a mental health program, you need to know that they are safe. Ascend Behavioral Health adheres to the highest standards of safety and clinical compliance. We are fully certified by the State Department of Health Care Services (Certification Number: 100008AP), ensuring that our operational protocols meet rigorous state requirements.
Safety at Ascend goes beyond physical security; it encompasses emotional and psychological safety as well. We implement strict protocols regarding supervision, medication management, and crisis intervention. Our staff is trained to manage high-risk behaviors such as self-harm or suicidal ideation with calmness and expertise, ensuring that every child remains protected while they learn to manage their distress. We are committed to transparency and accountability, providing parents with the peace of mind that their loved one is in a facility that prioritizes their well-being above all else.
If your family is struggling, you do not have to navigate this journey alone. We invite you to visit our facilities, meet our dedicated team, and see firsthand how we are changing the landscape of teen mental health in California. Please reach out to us today to verify insurance or discuss the specific needs of your child. Let us help you find the path back to hope and healing.
We specialize in treating complex mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and PTSD. We also provide comprehensive care for co-occurring issues such as substance abuse, self-harm, and emerging personality disorders. Our team uses evidence-based methods to address both the primary diagnosis and any accompanying challenges simultaneously.
We offer a full continuum of care ranging from Residential Inpatient Treatment for teens needing 24/7 supervision to flexible outpatient services. For those who can live at home but need structured support, we provide a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). This allows your child to step down to lower levels of care as they progress in their recovery.
We operate treatment centers strategically located in Fresno, Visalia, and Bakersfield to serve families across the Central Valley. Our Fresno and Visalia locations focus on outpatient services like PHP and IOP, while Bakersfield is home to our dedicated residential program. Our admissions team can help you determine the best location for your child’s specific needs.
Parental involvement is a core component of our treatment philosophy, as we believe healing happens within the family system. We integrate family therapy and regular educational updates to ensure you are equipped to support your child’s growth. We view you as a partner in this process and work to improve communication and resolve conflicts at home.
We know that time is critical when a child is in crisis, so our admissions team works quickly to streamline the intake process. In many cases, we can begin the comprehensive assessment and insurance verification within 24 hours of your initial call. We handle the logistics so you can focus entirely on your child’s well-being.
Medication is not required for every client, but it is an available tool if deemed medically necessary for stabilization. Our board-certified outpatient psychiatry team conducts thorough evaluations and manages prescriptions in close collaboration with your family. We prioritize education and ongoing monitoring to ensure any medication used is effective and safe.
Yes, we work with most major insurance providers to make high-quality treatment as accessible as possible. Our admissions team will verify your benefits directly, explaining your coverage and any potential costs upfront. We aim to remove financial barriers so you can focus on your child’s recovery.
Ascend was the first teen mental health Partial Hospitalization Program in the Central Valley, founded to fill a critical gap in local care. We focus exclusively on the unique developmental needs of adolescents using evidence-based modalities like DBT and CBT. Our holistic, person-centered approach ensures we treat the root causes of distress rather than just managing symptoms.
We know that asking for help takes courage. Getting in touch is the first step. We’re here for you, no matter what. Once submitted, our admissions team will be in touch within 24 hours.
Or call us directly to get started: 559-472-3371
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