Mental Health Services in Bakersfield, CA

Transformative Mental Health Program for Teens. Find healing for the whole family at Ascend Behavioral Health Bakersfield.

Treating the Teens of Bakersfield

At Ascend Behavioral Health, we’re proud to now serve the Bakersfield community with the same care, compassion, and commitment that’s helped so many families across Central California. We understand how tough it can be to watch your teen struggle with anxiety, depression, ADHD, or other mental health challenges—and how important it is to find the right support close to home. That’s why we’ve brought our teen-focused mental health programs to Bakersfield. Here, your child will find a safe space to heal, grow, and rediscover who they are, with a team that truly cares and walks with you every step of the way.

Our Bakersfield Facility

Our Bakersfield location is nestled in a quiet, residential neighborhood on the west side of the city—far enough from the rush to offer peace, but still close to the families we serve. It’s a warm, welcoming space where teens can step away from the pressures of daily life and focus fully on their healing.

This beautiful 5-bedroom home offers over 2,500 square feet of thoughtfully designed space, giving each teen the comfort and calm they deserve. As a residential facility, it provides around-the-clock support in a setting that feels more like a home than a hospital. It’s a place where young people can settle in, feel safe, and start building the tools they need for lasting mental wellness.

Why We Offer Treatment in Bakersfield

Our journey began in Fresno and Visalia, where we’ve helped countless teens and families find hope and healing through compassionate, evidence-based mental health care. As our programs grew, we started hearing from more and more families in Bakersfield—parents who were willing to travel long distances just to access quality care for their teens. They told us there weren’t enough local options that truly understood adolescent mental health.

We knew we could help. Opening a location in Bakersfield was a natural next step—an opportunity to bring our trusted programs closer to families who need them. Now, teens in Kern County can receive the same high-quality support for any mental health condition, without having to leave their community. It’s our way of showing up for Bakersfield the way this community has shown up for us.

Services We Offer At Our Bakersfield Location

At Ascend Behavioral Health in Bakersfield, our focus is on creating a comprehensive, teen-centered residential program that supports healing on every level—emotionally, mentally, and socially. Our services are thoughtfully designed to give each adolescent the tools, guidance, and space they need to find lasting wellness. From evidence-based therapies to creative outlets and community-building activities, every aspect of our program is built with care.

24/7 Live-In Mental Health Program

Our Bakersfield location offers 24/7 residential treatment in a comfortable, homelike setting. Teens live on-site in a safe, structured environment where they can step away from the stressors of daily life and focus completely on healing. With round-the-clock support from licensed professionals, they receive personalized care, daily therapeutic activities, and consistent routines that promote growth and stability.

Psychiatric Care

Mental wellness often begins with understanding what’s happening beneath the surface. Our psychiatric services include regular evaluations, medication management (when appropriate), and close collaboration with therapists to ensure each teen receives a treatment plan that supports their emotional and neurological needs. Our psychiatrists specialize in adolescent mental health, so care is always age-appropriate and respectful of each teen’s unique journey.

Individual Therapy

One-on-one therapy is a cornerstone of the care we provide. These private sessions give teens a safe, judgment-free space to open up, explore their emotions, and build coping strategies that work for them. Our licensed therapists work with each teen on issues like anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem, and more, always focusing on progress at a pace that feels comfortable.

Group Therapy

Group therapy helps teens feel less alone in their struggles. In a supportive peer setting, they learn communication skills, emotional regulation, and how to build healthy relationships. These sessions also create space for shared learning, empathy, and self-reflection—guided by therapists who ensure the environment remains safe, respectful, and productive.

Experiential Therapies

Healing isn’t just about talking—it’s also about doing. That’s why we offer experiential therapies like art therapy, music, mindfulness exercises, and movement-based activities. These creative outlets help teens express themselves in new ways, process emotions nonverbally, and discover strengths they may not have realized they had.

Therapeutic Events & Activities

We regularly plan therapeutic events and structured activities that give teens a chance to connect, unwind, and enjoy being themselves. From group challenges to community-building events and fun, purposeful outings, these moments allow for joy and connection while reinforcing important therapeutic goals.

A Safe Space for Growth and Healing

Everything we do at Ascend Bakersfield is rooted in the belief that healing happens when teens feel seen, heard, and supported. Our residential program is more than just treatment—it’s a place where young people can pause, reflect, and begin to move forward with hope. We’re here to guide them through every step with compassion, professionalism, and care that truly meets them where they are.

Common Concerns About Our Residential Facilities

We know that sending your teen to a residential mental health program is a big decision—one often filled with questions, emotions, and uncertainty. Below are some of the most common concerns parents share with us, along with how we address them at Ascend Behavioral Health in Bakersfield.

Will It Feel Like a Hospital?

Not at all. Our Bakersfield facility is designed to feel warm, safe, and comfortable—more like a home than a clinical institution. With shared living spaces, private bedrooms, and a calming atmosphere, we’ve created an environment where teens can relax, feel at ease, and focus on their healing.

Is My Teen Going to Be Safe?

Safety is our top priority. Our residential program includes 24/7 professional supervision, secure routines, and continuous emotional support. Every team member is trained to handle a wide range of mental health challenges while ensuring a stable, respectful, and protective setting for each teen.

Will I Be Involved in Their Care?

Absolutely. We view parents and guardians as key partners in the healing process. We offer regular updates, family therapy, and open lines of communication so you’re never left in the dark. You’ll be a vital part of your teen’s journey—every step of the way.

Will My Teen Feel Alone or Out of Place?

It’s natural to worry about your child feeling isolated, but our group-oriented approach helps teens connect quickly. Through group therapy, shared experiences, and meaningful daily activities, teens build bonds with others who truly understand what they’re going through—often for the first time.

We’re Here to Support the Whole Family

Every concern you have is valid, and we’re here to walk with you through each one. At Ascend, we aim to support not just the teen, but the entire family. Our Bakersfield team is compassionate, experienced, and always available to answer questions, provide reassurance, and guide your family toward healing.

Start Your Teen’s Healing Journey in Bakersfield

If your teen is struggling with their mental health, now is the time to take that first step toward healing—and you don’t have to do it alone. Our mental health programs in Bakersfield offer a safe, supportive environment where teens can reset, grow, and rediscover their strength. Reach out to Ascend Behavioral Health today to learn more about how our team can help your family move forward with hope, clarity, and care—right here in the Bakersfield community.

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:
559-550-5633