At Ascend Behavioral Health, we understand that the teenage years can be overwhelming, especially for adolescents who’ve endured a traumatic experience. Whether your teen is facing the aftermath of sexual abuse, bullying, loss, or exposure to violence, our trauma-informed programs offer compassionate, specialized care. Located in Fresno, Visalia, and Bakersfield, we provide evidence-based trauma therapy for teens that supports emotional healing, strengthens coping skills, and restores a sense of safety and self.
Through a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), and trauma-focused CBT (TF-CBT), we help teens process trauma while building practical tools for stress management, emotional regulation, and improved academic performance. Our treatment programs are designed with teens and their caregivers in mind—offering structured support, family therapy, and a safe space to explore complex emotions.
Trauma therapy for teens is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on helping adolescents recover from painful or distressing experiences. These can include one-time events, such as a car accident or natural disaster, or ongoing stressors like abuse, neglect, bullying, or instability at home. Unlike typical talk therapy, trauma treatment uses evidence-based therapies that target how trauma affects the brain, body, and behavior over time.
A teen who has been through trauma may experience flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, self-harm, or risky behaviors. Others may withdraw, act out, or develop mental health issues like depression or substance use struggles. Early intervention is key—trauma left untreated in adolescence can disrupt development, lower self-esteem, and interfere with relationships and well-being into adulthood.
Not all trauma looks the same. Some teens appear outwardly calm while battling internal distress. Others may show visible changes in mood, behavior, or sleep. If you’re wondering whether your teen could benefit from trauma therapy, here are some signs to look for:
It’s important to remember that healing takes time—and each adolescent has their own timeline. At Ascend, we create personalized treatment plans to meet your teen’s unique needs, strengths, and challenges.
At Ascend Behavioral Health, we use a variety of evidence-based and trauma-informed therapeutic approaches to address each teen’s history and current symptoms. Our trained mental health professionals assess your teen’s needs and match them with the most effective combination of treatments.
These may include:
We also incorporate holistic practices like mindfulness, journaling, creative expression, and body-based techniques to support a full spectrum of mental health and wellness.
The foundation of trauma recovery is trust. At Ascend, we ensure every therapy session is grounded in respect, emotional safety, and unconditional support. Many teens who have experienced trauma feel vulnerable or unsafe in traditional settings. That’s why we go the extra mile to make each of our locations a sanctuary of healing—free of judgment and full of warmth.
Our therapists are skilled in working with adolescents from diverse backgrounds, including LGBTQ youth, children in foster care, and those impacted by systemic or community-based trauma. We believe every teen deserves to feel seen, heard, and supported. With both in-person and flexible scheduling options, we meet your teen where they are—emotionally and logistically.
Healing from trauma isn’t just about the individual—it often requires mending and strengthening the family unit. Our family therapy programs invite caregivers, siblings, and other key family members into the healing process, helping everyone develop better communication, understanding, and shared coping mechanisms.
Parents often carry their own guilt, fear, or confusion when a child is in distress. Our therapists support families in learning how to show up with compassion, reinforce progress, and rebuild safety and trust at home. This collaborative model not only supports teen recovery but boosts the entire family’s well-being.
Trauma rewires the brain. Without effective treatment, many teens develop lifelong patterns of avoidance, emotional suppression, or reactivity. That’s why generic counseling approaches often fall short. Specialized trauma therapy is designed to go deeper—addressing the biological, emotional, and psychological impact of trauma in developmentally appropriate ways.
Teens experience the world differently than adults. Their brains are still developing, their identities still forming, and their social pressures high. A trauma-informed therapeutic approach helps them make sense of what happened, regulate their emotions, and shift harmful thought patterns—without reliving the pain unnecessarily.
At Ascend, our clinicians aren’t just therapists—they’re mental health allies trained to walk beside your teen through fear, confusion, anger, and grief toward greater clarity, courage, and resilience.
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
At Ascend Behavioral Health, we specialize in teen mental health. Our Central Valley-based trauma therapy programs are crafted exclusively for adolescents, taking into account the challenges, sensitivities, and strengths unique to this life stage. Whether your teen is dealing with a recent traumatic event or carrying the weight of past traumatic experiences, we’re here to provide hope, healing, and a clear path forward.
From the initial assessment to the last session, we tailor each treatment plan to your teen’s story, providing age-appropriate care rooted in evidence-based practice and deep compassion. With options for individual therapy, group therapy, and family therapy, your teen will be surrounded by skilled professionals and caring peers every step of the way.
We proudly serve Fresno, Clovis, and surrounding California communities and offer a free consultation to help you explore next steps. Whether you’re a concerned parent, a teacher, or a supportive family member, we invite you to connect with us today.
Contact Ascend Behavioral Health to learn more about trauma therapy for teens in Fresno, CA—and take the first step toward healing and hope.
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