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Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for Teens in California
At Ascend Behavioral Health, our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for teens offers structured, compassionate mental health care while allowing adolescents to stay connected to school and family. Located in Fresno and Visalia, California, we provide age-specific support designed to help teens and pre-teens heal, grow, and thrive.
What is an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)?
An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for teens in California is a structured yet flexible mental health treatment option designed for adolescents who need more support than traditional outpatient therapy but do not require inpatient or residential care. IOP provides a higher level of care with multiple therapy sessions per week while allowing teens to continue their daily routines, such as attending school and spending time with family.
At Ascend Behavioral Health, our teen IOP in California offers a mix of group and individual therapy to help adolescents navigate the challenges of mental health disorders. Group therapy fosters peer support, social skills, and shared experiences, while individual therapy allows for personalized care and deeper emotional exploration. Located in Fresno, within the San Joaquin Valley, our program creates a supportive environment where teens can develop coping skills, improve emotional regulation, and build resilience—all while remaining connected to their home life.
Typical IOP Schedule at Ascend Behavioral Health
At Ascend Behavioral Health, we recognize that mental health challenges can affect adolescents differently based on their age and developmental stage. To provide the most effective support, we offer two separate Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) tailored to different age groups:
Junior IOP (Ages 9-12)
Designed for younger adolescents who need structured mental health support in a setting that fosters emotional growth and early intervention.
Teen IOP (Ages 13-17)
A program specifically for older teens, focusing on the unique emotional, social, and mental health challenges they face during adolescence.
Structured, Age-Appropriate Support
Both programs follow a structured yet flexible schedule, ensuring that participants receive the care they need while balancing school, family life, and social responsibilities.
What to Expect in Our IOP Schedule:
- Frequency: Sessions are held 4 days per week, providing consistent support.
- Time Commitment: Therapy runs 3 to 4 hours per day, with schedules designed to accommodate school hours.
- Therapeutic Approach: A mix of group therapy, individual therapy, and psychoeducation tailored to each age group.
- Family Involvement: Regular family therapy sessions to strengthen communication and support at home.
- Experiential Activities: Skill-building exercises, mindfulness practices, and creative therapies to promote emotional regulation and personal growth/
Our Junior IOP incorporates more interactive, hands-on activities to help younger participants develop emotional awareness and coping skills, while our Teen IOP includes more in-depth discussions and therapeutic techniques suited for older adolescents.
As teens progress in the program, session frequency may gradually decrease to encourage independence while ensuring continued support. Our goal is to provide a smooth transition to a lower level of care, equipping adolescents with the skills they need for long-term mental wellness and resilience.
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Our Program
At Ascend Behavioral Health, we believe that every teen deserves access to thoughtful, individualized mental health care that meets them where they are. Our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for teens and adolescents is rooted in compassion, clinical excellence, and a deep understanding of the unique challenges young people face today. We know that adolescence is a time of emotional growth, identity formation, and social pressures—which is why our program is built to support teens through these formative years while helping them manage and overcome mental health disorders.
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all care. That’s why we offer tailored treatment plans, a blend of therapeutic modalities, and a team of licensed mental health professionals dedicated to helping each teen make meaningful progress. From day one, our goal is to help teens gain the tools and confidence they need to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives—while offering families the guidance and reassurance they deserve. Our Program Includes:
Initial Psychiatric Evaluation
Every teen begins their journey with a comprehensive assessment by a licensed mental health professional. This evaluation helps us understand their unique needs, determine an accurate diagnosis, and develop the most effective treatment plan.
Individualized Treatment Plan
No two teens are the same, and neither are their treatment plans. We create a customized roadmap for healing, addressing their specific challenges while helping them build confidence and coping skills.
Case Management
Families are not alone in this journey. Our case managers work closely with parents and guardians to ensure seamless coordination of care, monitor progress, and provide continuous support every step of the way.
Weekly Individual Therapy
One-on-one sessions with a dedicated therapist allow teens to explore their thoughts and emotions in a safe space, identify triggers, and develop personalized coping strategies to manage their mental health.
Daily Group Therapy
In our structured group sessions, teens engage with peers who understand their struggles. Through guided discussions and activities, they develop essential social skills, emotional regulation, and a sense of belonging.
Experiential Therapy
Healing isn’t just about talking—it’s about doing. We incorporate art therapy, movement therapy, mindfulness exercises, and other hands-on activities to encourage self-expression, emotional release, and personal growth.
A Safe and Supportive Environment for Lasting Change
We know that seeking treatment for a teen can be overwhelming for both adolescents and their families. That’s why Ascend Behavioral Health creates an environment where teens feel heard, understood, and empowered. Our experienced clinical team is dedicated to helping each teen regain control of their life, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and build the resilience needed to thrive beyond treatment.
Benefits of an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for Teens
A teen’s mental health journey requires the right balance of structured support and personal growth. At Ascend Behavioral Health, our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for teens is designed to help adolescents develop the skills needed to manage mental health challenges effectively while still maintaining their daily routines. Here’s how an IOP can positively impact a teen’s mental health:
Helps Teens Develop Emotional Regulation Skills
Many teens struggling with mental health disorders experience intense emotions, mood swings, or difficulty managing stress. Through individual and group therapy, IOP teaches healthy coping mechanisms that help teens recognize their emotions, regulate their responses, and avoid unhealthy behaviors.
Reduces Feelings of Isolation and Loneliness
Mental health struggles can feel isolating, especially for teens who believe no one understands them. IOP provides a supportive peer environment where adolescents connect with others facing similar challenges. Through group therapy, teens gain a sense of belonging and validation, reducing feelings of loneliness and increasing self-confidence.
Encourages Self-Awareness and Personal Growth
Through structured therapy sessions, teens learn to identify triggers, understand thought patterns, and develop healthier ways of thinking. IOP encourages self-reflection, helping teens gain a stronger sense of self-awareness and empowering them to take control of their mental health.
Improves Communication and Relationship Skills
Many teens with mental health challenges struggle with expressing their emotions or maintaining healthy relationships with family and peers. IOP incorporates family therapy and social skill-building exercises to teach effective communication, conflict resolution, and boundary-setting, which strengthen relationships at home and in social settings.
Encourages Independence and Self-Empowerment
Unlike inpatient or residential treatment, IOP allows teens to apply the skills they learn in therapy to their real lives in real-time. This hands-on approach helps them build confidence in their ability to manage mental health struggles on their own, creating a sense of empowerment and independence.
At Ascend Behavioral Health, we believe in helping teens build resilience, develop emotional strength, and create a solid foundation for lifelong mental wellness. Our teen IOP program provides the tools and support necessary for adolescents to navigate their mental health challenges while continuing to grow, learn, and thrive.
Let’s Find the Right Path to Healing for Your Teen
At Ascend Behavioral Health, we understand that navigating your teen’s mental health journey can feel overwhelming. You want the best for your child, and finding the right treatment can be a difficult decision. That’s why we’re here to provide guidance, support, and expert care every step of the way. Our team is dedicated to ensuring that your teen receives personalized, evidence-based treatment tailored to their unique needs. Whether they need Intensive Outpatient (IOP), outpatient therapy, or a higher level of care, we will work closely with you to create find the right mental health program for lasting recovery.
Your teen deserves to feel supported, understood, and empowered on their journey to better mental health. Don’t wait to take the first step—reach out today to connect with our compassionate team and explore the best treatment options for your child.
Get Started Today
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
