Family Therapy for Teens in Fresno, California

At our center, every aspect of care is backed by expert clinical supervision and a commitment to inclusivity. We provide research-based therapy in a space where all youth—including LGBTQ individuals and their families—feel safe, supported, and empowered to heal.

At Ascend Behavioral Health, we understand that when a teenager struggles with mental health, the entire family feels the impact. That’s why we offer family therapy for teens in Fresno, California—a structured, supportive way for family members to address challenges together. Located in the heart of the Central Valley, Ascend’s programs are designed to foster open communication, strengthen relationships, and improve the overall well-being of teens and their loved ones.

Our team of associate and licensed therapists, bring high-quality, evidence-based care to families in need. Whether your teen is enrolled in our Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program or receiving individual therapy, family counseling is often a key part of the treatment plan.

What Is Family Therapy for Teens?

Family therapy is a specialized form of psychotherapy that involves multiple family members working together to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and support a teen who may be experiencing emotional or behavioral issues. Unlike individual therapy, where the focus is on one person, family counseling explores how the family as a whole contributes to and is affected by the teen’s difficulties.

A family therapist helps family members develop insight into family dynamics, enhance empathy, and learn new strategies for addressing conflict. These sessions are not about placing blame; instead, they promote understanding, teamwork, and healing. Many families see improvements in areas such as school behavior, self-esteem, anger management, and peer relationships.

Why Teens and Families Seek Counseling

Adolescence is a period of immense change—emotionally, socially, and developmentally. Teens today face a unique combination of stressors such as social media, academic pressure, identity development, and post-pandemic mental strain. When mental health symptoms like anxiety, depression, or behavioral outbursts begin to surface, the entire household can be affected.

Common reasons families seek family therapy for teens include:

Frequent arguments and communication breakdowns
Sudden shifts in mood or behavior
Withdrawal or isolation from family and peers
School refusal or academic decline
Substance use or risky behaviors
Challenges adjusting to life transitions such as divorce, loss, or relocation

Working with a licensed family therapist allows families to address these concerns in a structured, safe space with professional support.

Our Evidence-Based Approach

At Ascend Behavioral Health, our clinicians are trained in multiple evidence-based therapeutic approaches tailored for families. These include:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps identify and change unhelpful thought patterns that impact behavior and emotions.
Solution-Focused Therapy: Emphasizes strengths and future goals rather than past problems.
Skills training for coping skills, anger management, and emotional regulation

All therapy is supervised by an experienced clinical supervisor, ensuring every session meets the highest standards of care. This oversight guarantees that our clients benefit from a consistent, research-informed approach across all aspects of treatment. Our clinical supervisors guide therapists in applying the most current and effective therapeutic practices, supporting both accountability and innovation within our team.

Just as importantly, our programs are designed to be inclusive and affirming for all individuals, including LGBTQ youth and their families. We recognize that identity plays a central role in mental health and recovery, and we strive to create a space where clients feel truly seen, respected, and supported. Our staff receive specialized training in cultural humility and LGBTQ-affirming care, so every person who walks through our doors knows they belong here.

Benefits of Family Counseling for Adolescents

Family counseling can create lasting improvements in the emotional climate of the home. Through guided sessions, families learn to recognize unhelpful patterns and replace them with constructive ones. This can lead to more stability, fewer arguments, and a greater sense of connection between parents and teens.

Benefits of family therapy at Ascend include:

Stronger communication and conflict resolution skills
A deeper understanding of emotional needs on all sides
Increased empathy between parents and teens
Tools for setting healthy boundaries and expectations
Reduced tension and improved day-to-day interactions

In some cases, couples therapy may also be recommended to help parents align on caregiving approaches, especially in co-parenting or blended family situations.

Comprehensive Levels of Care for Lasting Change

At Ascend Behavioral Health, we offer a full continuum of care to support teens and their families through every phase of treatment. Whether your child is experiencing a crisis or needs ongoing support, we provide options that align with their clinical needs and family circumstances—all incorporating family therapy as a core component.

Our levels of care include:

Inpatient Residential Treatment: A 24/7 structured environment for teens who require intensive, around-the-clock support for emotional or behavioral health crises.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): A full-day program offering therapeutic structure while allowing teens to return home in the evenings and stay connected to their families.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): A flexible option that includes several days of therapy each week, ideal for teens balancing school, home life, and mental health recovery.
Outpatient Services: Ongoing counseling services that offer continuity of care as teens transition into independent wellness and self-management.

Each level is designed to meet your family where you are—emotionally, developmentally, and logistically—while delivering the evidence-based, high-quality care Ascend is known for throughout Fresno, Clovis, and Fresno County.

Start Family Therapy in Fresno Today

If your family is struggling to navigate your teen’s emotional or behavioral challenges, you don’t have to go through it alone. Ascend Behavioral Health offers family therapy for teens in Fresno, California, delivered by compassionate, experienced therapists who are here to help you build stronger, more connected relationships. To learn more about our counseling services, or to schedule an intake session, call our phone number to speak with our care team. Let us help you and your teen find the tools, insight, and support needed to move forward—together.

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