Teen Bipolar Disorder Treatment in Fresno, California

Picture of Reviewed by: karen tsai

Reviewed by: karen tsai

At Ascend Behavioral Health, we understand that bipolar disorder in adolescents is a complex mental health condition that requires more than a one-size-fits-all approach. Our bipolar disorder treatment center in Fresno, California, offers a specialized treatment program designed to meet the unique needs of young people experiencing mood swings, manic episodes, and depressive episodes.

Our treatment team includes licensed clinicians, psychiatrists, and mental health professionals who work together to develop a personalized treatment plan for each teen. Whether your loved one needs a residential program, partial hospitalization program (PHP), or intensive outpatient program (IOP), we provide the right level of care to support recovery, stability, and long-term well-being.

Key Takeaways
  • Ascend Behavioral Health offers specialized bipolar disorder treatment for teens in Fresno, California, with additional services available to families in Bakersfield and Visalia.

  • Treatment options include residential care, partial hospitalization (PHP), and intensive outpatient programs (IOP), supported by psychiatrists, licensed clinicians, and mental health professionals.

  • What is teen bipolar disorder treatment? It combines medication management, psychotherapy (CBT, DBT, family therapy), and evidence-based support to stabilize mood swings and improve daily functioning.

  • The program addresses bipolar I disorder, bipolar II disorder, and cyclothymic disorder, while also treating co-occurring conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, or substance abuse.

  • Families benefit from evidence-based, clinically supervised care that strengthens communication, reduces relapse risk, and equips teens with long-term coping skills.

Table of Contents

Why Chose Ascend Behavioral Health

When your teen is struggling with bipolar disorder, finding the right mental health treatment program near you can make all the difference. At our Fresno location, Ascend Behavioral Health provides compassionate, clinically advanced care for adolescents facing the challenges of this mental health condition.

Our services for teen bipolar disorder treatment in Fresno include:

  • Comprehensive psychiatric assessment
  • Medication management for mood stabilizers, antidepressants, and antipsychotics
  • Access to multiple levels of care — residential treatment, PHP, and IOP
  • Individual therapy, group therapy, and family therapy options
  • Specialized tracks for bipolar I disorder, bipolar II disorder, and cyclothymic disorder
  • Integrated care for co-occurring substance abuse and other mental health disorders
teen bipolar disorder treatment center in fresno, visalia, and bakersfield.
Ascend Behavioral Health | ascednrstar 1
Ascend Behavioral Health | ascendstar 1

Understanding Teen Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder characterized by alternating periods of elevated and low moods. These shifts can severely affect a teen’s daily life, relationships, and academic performance.

Types of bipolar disorder that can occur in adolescents include:

  • Bipolar I Disorder – Involves severe manic episodes that may require hospitalization, often alternating with depressive episodes.
  • Bipolar II Disorder – Characterized by less intense manic phases (hypomania) but more frequent and severe depressive symptoms.
  • Cyclothymic Disorder – Involves chronic mood swings that are less severe but can still disrupt daily functioning.


Early diagnosis and treatment are critical. Without proper care, symptoms may worsen over time, increasing the risk of self-harm, substance abuse, and long-term mental illness.

Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder in Teens

Recognizing the symptoms of bipolar disorder in adolescents can be challenging, as some mood fluctuations are typical during the teenage years. However, in bipolar disorder, these changes are more extreme and disruptive.

Common signs may include:

  • Periods of unusually high energy levels or euphoria (mania)
  • Prolonged sadness or depressive symptoms
  • Extreme irritability
  • Changes in sleep patterns
  • Impulsive decision-making during manic episodes
  • Withdrawal from friends and family members during depressive episodes


When these patterns begin to interfere with school, friendships, and daily life, it’s important to seek evaluation from a mental health professional.

teen bipolar disorder treatment center in fresno, visalia, and bakersfield.

The Importance of Early Mental Health Treatment

Bipolar disorder in young people is a serious mental health disorder that often worsens if left untreated. Early intervention offers the best chance of stabilizing mood swings and preventing escalation into more severe episodes.

Effective mental health treatment can:

  • Reduce the frequency and severity of mood swings
  • Improve academic performance and peer relationships
  • Lower the risk of substance abuse
  • Teach long-term coping skills for mood regulation
  • Strengthen family support systems

Treatment Options for Teen Bipolar Disorder

Managing bipolar disorder typically requires a combination of psychotherapy, medication management, and supportive services tailored to the adolescent’s unique needs.

Common treatment options include:

  • Medication Management – Mood stabilizers, antidepressants, and antipsychotics may help regulate mood and prevent manic or depressive episodes.
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Addresses harmful thought patterns and promotes healthy behavioral changes.
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) – Teaches emotional regulation, mindfulness, and distress tolerance.
  • Family Therapy – Involves family members in the healing process to improve communication and reduce conflict.
  • Group Therapy – Creates peer support and builds social skills.

The Role of Residential Treatment

For some teens, outpatient therapy is not enough to address the complexity of their condition. In these cases, a residential treatment center offers 24/7 support in a structured environment.

A residential program provides:

Constant supervision for safety during high-risk periods

Daily therapy sessions tailored to the teen’s diagnosis

Consistent medication monitoring by the treatment team

Opportunities for experiential therapy such as art, music, or mindfulness activities

Admissions Process

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

Consent

Initial Assessment & Medication Evaluation

Making sure that you or your teen are assessed for optimal care.

Individualized Treatment Plan

We craft a treatment plan tailored to suite individual needs.

Medication Management

Our clinicians make sure there is access to needed medication.

Follow Up Psychiatry Visits

We make sure you or your teen are taken care of after stay.

Addressing Co-Occurring Conditions

It’s not uncommon for adolescents with bipolar disorder to experience additional challenges such as anxiety, ADHD, or substance abuse. This is why many of our programs include dual diagnosis treatment, allowing teens to work on multiple conditions simultaneously.

By treating all underlying factors together, we can reduce relapse risk, improve emotional stability, and promote sustainable wellness.

teen bipolar disorder treatment center in fresno, visalia, and bakersfield.
Ascend Behavioral Health | ascednrstar 1
Ascend Behavioral Health | ascendstar 1

Creating a Supportive Treatment Plan

A strong treatment plan is the foundation of recovery. This includes regular therapy sessions, psychiatric oversight, and family involvement to ensure that progress continues after formal treatment ends.

Our approach emphasizes:

  • Close communication with family members and loved ones
  • Collaboration between clinicians and outside referrals such as school counselors or pediatricians.
  • Building a sustainable self-care routine for long-term well-being

Get Help Today at Ascend Behavioral Health in Fresno

If your loved one is showing signs of bipolar disorder, don’t wait to seek help. Contact Ascend Behavioral Health today to learn how our teen bipolar disorder treatment in Fresno, California, can provide the foundation for lasting recovery and emotional stability.

We serve families throughout Fresno, Bakersfield, and Visalia, offering a continuum of care that adapts as your teen’s needs evolve. Whether your loved one needs the structure of inpatient care or the flexibility of outpatient services, our treatment team is here to provide guidance every step of the way.

family considering a teen bipolar disorder treatment center in fresno, visalia, and bakersfield.
Ascend Behavioral Health

Ascend Behavioral Health

I will be back soon

Ascend Behavioral Health
Welcome to Ascend Behavioral Health. How can we help you today?