The years between ages 12 and 17 are a critical period of emotional, cognitive, and social development. For many families in Bakersfield and across Kern County, this stage brings new challenges—sudden mood changes, anxiety, irritability, academic struggles, or behaviors that disrupt daily life. When mental health challenges emerge during adolescence, early, specialized support can make a lasting difference.
Ascend Behavioral Health provides developmentally appropriate mental health services in Bakersfield, CA specifically for adolescents ages 12–17. Our behavioral health services are designed to meet teens where they are emotionally and cognitively, while actively involving families in the healing process. We focus on evidence-based care, early intervention, and coordinated treatment planning to support long-term wellness and stability.
Adolescents are not simply “younger adults.” Between ages 12 and 17, teens experience rapid changes in brain development, emotional regulation, identity formation, and social awareness. Mental health conditions during this stage often look different than they do in adults—and even different from older teens.
Common adolescent mental health challenges may include:
Because these symptoms can overlap with typical adolescent development, they are sometimes misunderstood or minimized. Ascend’s clinicians are trained to distinguish between developmental changes and diagnosable mental health conditions, allowing for accurate assessment and timely care.
Ascend Behavioral Health delivers comprehensive adolescent mental health services across multiple levels of care, ensuring teens receive evidenced-based therapy that supports safety, stability, and long-term recovery. Our programs are designed to address both emotional symptoms and the family dynamics that influence recovery.
Services for adolescents ages 12–17 include:
Each adolescent receives an individualized treatment plan tailored to their mental health needs, developmental stage, and family context.
Family involvement is essential when treating adolescents. Teens remain deeply connected to their caregivers, home environment, and family relationships—even when they seek independence. Without family therapy, progress made in individual sessions often struggles to carry over into daily life.
At Ascend Behavioral Health, family therapy is a core component of treatment. These sessions help caregivers:
By empowering families, we help create an environment that supports lasting recovery and emotional well-being.
We also offer a dedicated parents and loved ones resource page where families can learn how to stay involved and support their child’s mental health journey.
Ascend’s clinicians provide evidence-based psychotherapy designed specifically for adolescents. Mental health treatment is structured, skills-based, and adapted to how teens learn and communicate.
We specialize in treating:
When medication is necessary, psychiatric care is provided with caution and close monitoring, ensuring decisions support healthy adolescent development.
Early intervention is one of the most important factors in adolescent mental health outcomes. Addressing symptoms between ages 12 and 17 can prevent the escalation of mental health challenges into adulthood.
Without timely care, untreated mental health conditions can contribute to:
Ascend Behavioral Health prioritizes prompt assessment, coordinated care, and ongoing monitoring so families do not have to navigate the healthcare system alone. Our providers work closely with loved ones, schools, social workers, and community resources throughout Kern County.
At Ascend Behavioral Health, we accept most major insurance plans and can quickly verify your benefits. Contact our admissions team today for a free, confidential review of your coverage options.
Adolescent mental health care rarely exists in isolation. Many teens require coordination between therapists, psychiatric providers, schools, pediatricians, and community services.
Ascend Behavioral Health offers integrated case management and referral support, helping families:
If a child experiences a life-threatening mental health crisis, families are encouraged to contact emergency services or local Department of Health hotline resources for immediate assistance.
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
Group therapy provides adolescents with a safe, structured space to connect with peers experiencing similar challenges. These sessions are led by licensed clinicians and designed specifically for teens ages 12–17.
Group therapy helps adolescents:
Group therapy complements individual and family therapy, reinforcing skills and promoting long-term wellness.
Mental health challenges affect every part of an adolescent’s daily life—from school performance to relationships and self-esteem. Ascend Behavioral Health focuses not only on symptom reduction, but on helping teens build skills that support long-term recovery services and overall well-being.
Treatment goals often include:
By addressing mental health early, adolescents gain tools they can carry into adulthood.
Ascend Behavioral Health provides specialized mental health services in Bakersfield for adolescents ages 12–17, offering evidence-based care, family-centered treatment, and coordinated behavioral health services throughout Kern County.
If your child is struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, behavioral challenges, or other mental health concerns that interfere with daily life, early support matters. Ascend’s clinicians are here to guide your family through assessment, treatment planning, and recovery with compassion and expertise.
Call Ascend Behavioral Health today to learn more about mental health help for your child in Bakersfield, CA and take the first step toward healing and stability.
Dr. Tatum received his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Rosemead School of Psychology. He has extensive experience developing and expanding behavioral health services, including residential, detoxification, and outpatient programs. As CEO of Sierra Meadows, his focus is on expanding access to care for the Central Valley.
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