At Ascend Behavioral Health, we know that being a parent to a child who is struggling with mental health challenges can feel overwhelming. You may feel uncertain about where to start, how to navigate insurance, or how to make sure your child receives the right care. You’re not alone—our team is here to help you every step of the way.
This page will walk you through what to expect from our programs, the admissions process, and how we support families through every part of the journey toward healing.
When you reach out, your call connects directly to our admissions specialists—a compassionate team trained to understand your situation and guide you with care. They’ll answer all your questions about our programs, levels of care, and what to expect during treatment. Whether you’re calling for the first time or following up, you’ll always be met with empathy and support.
Click here to contact our admissions team.
After learning more about our programs, we’ll review your insurance coverage so there are no surprises. Our internal billing team will verify your benefits, explain what’s covered, and outline any potential costs. This step ensures you fully understand your financial options before moving forward.
Once insurance verification is complete, we’ll contact you to review your payment options and confirm your child’s admission.
Our outpatient programs (PHP, IOP, and OP) often have immediate availability and can typically admit within a day or two.
Our residential program has limited capacity, but we’ll always communicate clearly about openings and waiting times to help you plan with confidence.
Before admission, one of our licensed clinicians will complete a pre-admission assessment with you and your child. This allows us to understand their symptoms, assess safety and readiness, and determine the most appropriate program level. We prioritize your child’s well-being and ensure each placement supports both their progress and the integrity of our group environment.
On your admission date, you’ll come to our main center in Fresno, Visalia, or Bakersfield. Parents are welcome to stay through the intake process to provide comfort and reassurance.
Your child will meet with a licensed therapist or psychiatrist for a full evaluation and personalized treatment plan.
If admitted to a residential home, our team will gently transition your child into the program and ensure they feel safe and supported.
For outpatient admissions, your teen will meet their therapist, case manager, and join their first group therapy sessions to start building trust and structure right away.
We know that cost can be one of the most stressful parts of seeking mental health care for your child. At Ascend, we want to make it easier. Our internal billing and insurance team handles all verification, communication, and paperwork—so you can focus on your family, not the finances.
Here’s what you can expect:
(Please note: We do not accept Medi-Cal or Medicare at this time.)
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
Talking to your child about entering treatment can feel difficult, but preparation can make the process smoother. Here are a few ways to help them feel supported before admission:
Our team is here to help you start these conversations and guide your family through the transition with care and empathy.
The length of your child’s treatment depends on their specific needs, diagnosis, and progress. On average:
Our team regularly reviews progress and adjusts each treatment plan to make sure your child is improving and supported at every stage.
Absolutely. We believe that parents are a vital part of the healing process. Throughout your child’s time at Ascend, you’ll be invited to participate in:
Our goal is to equip you with tools to support your child’s mental health long after they leave our care.
Our programs are designed specifically for children ages 9–12 and teens ages 13–17. We understand that each age group has unique emotional and developmental needs, so we tailor our approach accordingly.
This age-specific approach allows us to meet each child where they are—emotionally, mentally, and socially.
That’s completely normal, and it’s exactly why our admissions process is so personalized. When you contact us, we’ll begin with a phone consultation to learn about your child’s symptoms, needs, and current level of functioning.
Our clinical team will guide you step by step, ensuring your child receives care that truly fits their needs.
We know that parents need care too. From the very beginning, we offer parent education, emotional support, and ongoing communication. You’ll never be left wondering what’s happening in your child’s care.
We also provide resources, family therapy, and workshops that teach practical tools for handling emotional stress, improving family communication, and creating a supportive home environment.
Many parents tell us that, through this process, they not only see their child heal—but also grow stronger as a family.
Preparing your child for treatment can make the transition smoother and reduce anxiety. We suggest:
Our admissions team can help guide you through these conversations, offering tips and language to use that feel supportive rather than intimidating.
Graduation from Ascend isn’t the end of care—it’s the beginning of a stronger, more confident future. Upon discharge, we create a personalized aftercare plan that may include ongoing outpatient therapy, medication management, school coordination, or continued family counseling.
We remain available as a long-term resource for your family, helping you maintain the growth and progress your child achieved during treatment.
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