Rehab Program for Teens in Fresno, California

At Ascend Behavioral Health, substance abuse program for teens provides expert psychiatric care, therapy, and support in a structured yet flexible setting. We help teens build coping skills, improve emotional well-being, and regain balance—empowering them to thrive at home, in school, and in daily life.

We Specialize in Treating Adolescent Substance Abuse at Ascend Behavioral Health

At Ascend Behavioral Health, we understand that substance abuse in teens often masks deeper emotional struggles. That’s why our approach to adolescent rehab goes beyond detox or short-term solutions. We specialize in helping teens uncover and address the root causes of their substance use—whether it’s anxiety, depression, trauma, or peer pressure—through a blend of evidence-based therapy and compassionate, age-appropriate care. Our goal is not just sobriety, but long-term mental and emotional well-being.

What sets our teen rehab programs in California apart is our deep commitment to adolescent development. We work exclusively with teens and understand the unique challenges they face. From building healthy coping mechanisms to reestablishing trust with family members, every part of our program is tailored to meet teens where they are—emotionally, psychologically, and socially—so they can heal in a way that’s sustainable and meaningful.

What Does Substance Abuse Look Like in Teens?

Trying alcohol or drugs for the first time is common during adolescence, often seen as part of curiosity, peer influence, or an attempt to manage difficult emotions. While most teens who experiment do not go on to develop serious issues, research shows that approximately 5% will develop problematic patterns of use that meet the criteria for a substance use disorder (SUD). This early exposure is critical—over 90% of adults with a SUD began using alcohol or drugs during their teenage years, highlighting the importance of early identification and support.

Substance abuse in teens can take many forms, and it doesn’t always present in obvious ways. Often, it’s a coping mechanism for emotional or psychological pain—like anxiety, depression, or trauma. While some signs are subtle, parents and caregivers can look for behavioral changes that may signal a deeper issue:

Mood swings or irritability: Sudden shifts in temperament, including increased anger or emotional outbursts.
Social withdrawal: Pulling away from family and longtime friends, or spending time with a new peer group.
Declining academic performance: Falling grades, missed assignments, or lack of interest in school.
Loss of interest in activities: No longer engaging in hobbies, sports, or activities they once enjoyed.
Increased secrecy: Hiding their phone, avoiding conversations, or being vague about their whereabouts.

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Evidence Based Treatments for Substance Abuse in Teens

At Ascend Behavioral Health, we rely on evidence-based treatments proven to help teens recover from substance abuse while addressing the emotional and psychological issues that often fuel it. Our treatment model integrates clinical therapies that are backed by research, tailored to adolescents, and delivered in a supportive, developmentally appropriate environment.

Key components of our teen substance abuse treatment program include:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a cornerstone of our teen rehab programs in California. CBT helps adolescents understand how their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected. Teens learn to identify negative thought patterns and replace them with healthier, more constructive ways of thinking. This empowers them to make better decisions, reduce risky behaviors, and build resilience in the face of stress, peer pressure, or emotional challenges.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical Behavior Therapy is especially effective for teens who struggle with intense emotions, impulsivity, or self-harming behaviors. DBT combines elements of mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. Through DBT, teens learn to manage overwhelming feelings without turning to substances—equipping them with lifelong tools for emotional balance and self-control.

Motivational Interviewing (MI)

Motivational Interviewing is a collaborative, empathetic approach designed to meet teens where they are emotionally. Rather than forcing change, MI helps teens explore their own reasons for wanting to live a healthier life, fostering internal motivation. This approach is particularly effective for adolescents who may be ambivalent about treatment or unsure if they want to stop using substances.

Family Therapy

Substance abuse doesn’t occur in a vacuum—it often affects the entire family system. That’s why we involve parents and caregivers through structured family therapy sessions. These sessions focus on improving communication, repairing trust, and establishing healthy boundaries. When the family unit heals and works together, the teen is far more likely to succeed in long-term recovery.

Group Therapy

Teens often feel alone in their struggles, but group therapy shows them they’re not. In a safe, supportive environment, adolescents can connect with peers who are facing similar challenges. Facilitated by licensed therapists, group sessions promote insight, accountability, and a sense of community—elements that are essential for emotional growth and sustainable recovery.

Additional Treatment Services We Offer

complement their primary clinical care. At Ascend Behavioral Health, we offer a range of supportive therapies designed to engage teens creatively, physically, and emotionally. These adjunct treatments help reduce stress, increase self-awareness, and provide healthy outlets for expression—enhancing the overall effectiveness of their recovery journey.

Some of the most popular adjunct treatments we integrate into our teen rehab programs include:

Art and Expressive Therapy

Creative expression gives teens a safe outlet to explore emotions they may not yet have words for. Through drawing, painting, music, or journaling, adolescents can process trauma, reduce anxiety, and build self-esteem. Art therapy is especially valuable for teens who struggle to express themselves in traditional talk therapy.

Mindfulness and Meditation

Mindfulness practices like guided meditation, deep breathing, and body scans help teens reconnect with their bodies and stay grounded in the present moment. These techniques reduce stress, improve emotional regulation, and foster a sense of calm—making it easier to manage cravings and triggers.

Physical Activity and Movement

Exercise isn’t just about physical health—it’s also deeply therapeutic. Activities like yoga, hiking, or team sports promote the release of mood-boosting endorphins, reduce anxiety, and help teens rebuild a healthy relationship with their bodies. Movement-based therapies also provide structure and enjoyment, which are essential in early recovery.

Nutritional Education

Substance use can take a toll on a teen’s physical health, including their relationship with food. Our nutritional support focuses on rebuilding physical wellness through balanced meals, education about healthy eating habits, and discussions about how nutrition supports mental clarity and emotional stability during recovery.

Academic Support

We know that school doesn’t stop when treatment begins. That’s why we offer academic support to help teens stay on track with their education. From tutoring to structured study time, we work closely with families and schools to ensure that recovery doesn’t come at the cost of academic progress.

These adjunct therapies don’t replace evidence-based treatment—they enhance it. By addressing the whole person, not just the diagnosis, we help teens at Ascend rediscover their strengths and build a well-rounded foundation for lifelong healing.

Start the Healing Journey Today

If your teen is struggling with substance abuse, you don’t have to navigate it alone. At Ascend Behavioral Health, we’re here to help your family find clarity, support, and real solutions. Our team is ready to guide you through every step of the process with compassion and care. Call us today or fill out the confidential form on below—because healing starts with a single step, and we’ll walk it with you.

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