What We Treat

Teen Mental Health Services in Fresno, CA

Adolescence is a crucial period of emotional and psychological development. During this time, teens experience significant changes that can impact their mental well-being, including academic pressures, social challenges, family dynamics, and biological changes. Ignoring mental health concerns can lead to long-term consequences, affecting a teen’s self-esteem, relationships, and ability to function in daily life.

Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders are one of the most common psychiatric conditions in children. They cause persistent and excessive fear, worry, and nervousness that interfere with a teen’s ability to function. This may manifest as intense stress about school, social situations, or even everyday tasks. Symptoms can include constant overthinking, irritability, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, rapid heartbeat, and trouble sleeping. Some teens may experience panic attacks, which are sudden episodes of overwhelming fear accompanied by physical symptoms like shortness of breath, dizziness, and chest pain. Left untreated, anxiety can lead to avoidance behaviors and significantly limit a teen’s ability to engage in normal activities.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that impacts a teen’s ability to focus, stay organized, and control impulsive behavior. Teens with ADHD may have difficulty paying attention in school, following instructions, completing tasks, or sitting still for extended periods. They may also experience hyperactivity, leading to excessive talking, fidgeting, or acting without thinking. ADHD can make school and social interactions challenging, often leading to frustration, academic struggles, and low self-esteem.

Depression

Depression in teens goes beyond occasional sadness—it is a persistent mental health condition that can deeply affect mood, energy levels, and overall outlook on life. A teen struggling with depression may experience feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, irritability, and emotional numbness. They may lose interest in hobbies, withdraw from family and friends, struggle with motivation, and experience disruptions in sleep and appetite. In severe cases, depression can lead to self-harm or suicidal thoughts, making early recognition and support crucial for a teen’s safety and well-being.

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder that causes extreme emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and deep depressive episodes. During manic episodes, a teen may feel overly energetic, talkative, and impulsive, engaging in risky behaviors or struggling to sleep. In contrast, depressive episodes bring intense sadness, low energy, and loss of motivation. These unpredictable mood swings can disrupt relationships, academic performance, and personal responsibilities. Since bipolar disorder typically develops in late adolescence, recognizing the early signs is essential in preventing long-term instability.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD in teens can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, such as abuse, violence, the loss of a loved one, or a serious accident. Symptoms can include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, emotional numbness, and heightened reactivity to certain triggers. Many teens with PTSD struggle with trust issues, social withdrawal, irritability, or difficulty sleeping. Trauma can affect a teen’s ability to feel safe, form relationships, or concentrate in school, making daily life feel overwhelming.

Eating Disorders

Eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder, are serious conditions that affect a teen’s relationship with food, body image, and self-esteem. Anorexia nervosa involves extreme food restriction and an intense fear of gaining weight, often leading to dangerous weight loss and severe health complications. Bulimia nervosa is marked by cycles of binge eating followed by purging through vomiting, excessive exercise, or laxative use. Binge-eating disorder involves consuming large amounts of food in a short period, often as a way to cope with emotional distress. These disorders can have devastating effects on a teen’s physical and mental health, increasing the risk of malnutrition, heart issues, and depression.

Insomnia and Sleep Disorders

Sleep is essential for mental and physical well-being, yet many teens struggle with insomnia, delayed sleep patterns, or disrupted rest due to stress and mental health conditions. Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to irritability, difficulty concentrating, poor academic performance, and increased risk of anxiety and depression. Some teens may develop nightmares, night terrors, or excessive daytime fatigue, making it hard to function in daily life. Sleep disorders often coexist with other mental health challenges, making proper assessment and treatment essential.

Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a serious mental health condition that affects a teen’s perception of reality, thoughts, and emotions. Symptoms often emerge in late adolescence and may include hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there), delusions (false beliefs), disorganized thinking, trouble concentrating, and difficulty expressing emotions. Teens with schizophrenia may struggle with paranoia, withdraw from social interactions, and experience changes in speech and behavior. Because schizophrenia can significantly impact daily life, early diagnosis and intervention are essential in managing symptoms and maintaining stability.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

OCD is characterized by intrusive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental rituals (compulsions) that a teen feels compelled to perform to reduce anxiety. Common obsessions include excessive worries about cleanliness, order, harm, or unwanted thoughts. Compulsions may involve repeated handwashing, checking, counting, or seeking reassurance. These behaviors can be exhausting, time-consuming, and disruptive to daily activities. Many teens with OCD experience distress and shame about their thoughts and behaviors, leading to social isolation.

Dual Diagnosis

Dual diagnosis refers to the presence of both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder in a teen at the same time. Many adolescents struggling with mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, or schizophrenia, may turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to cope with emotional distress. Unfortunately, substance use often worsens underlying mental health symptoms, creating a cycle that can be difficult to break.

How Do We Treat These Conditions?

At Ascend Behavioral Health, we take a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to treating mental health conditions in teens. Every adolescent is unique, so our treatment plans are personalized to meet their specific needs. We focus on building resilience, teaching coping skills, and fostering long-term emotional stability through a combination of therapies and structured support.

Therapeutic Approaches We Use:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Helps teens recognize and change negative thought patterns that contribute to anxiety, depression, and other disorders.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) – Teaches emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and healthy coping mechanisms, especially for teens struggling with self-harm or impulsivity.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) – A trauma-focused therapy that helps teens process distressing memories and reduce the emotional impact of past traumatic experiences.
Family Therapy – Strengthens communication and support within the family, helping both teens and their loved ones navigate challenges together.
Medication Management – When appropriate, medication may be used alongside therapy to help balance brain chemistry and alleviate severe symptoms.
Experiential and Expressive Therapies – Activities like art therapy, music therapy, movement therapy, and mindfulness practices help teens express emotions in non-verbal ways.
Nutritional Support – For teens struggling with eating disorders, a structured meal plan and education on healthy nutrition are essential parts of recovery.

Our Levels of Care:

Inpatient Residential Treatment – 24/7 care in a structured environment for teens needing intensive support.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) – A structured day program providing intensive therapy while allowing teens to return home at night.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) – A flexible treatment option offering continued therapy while balancing school and home life.
Outpatient Services – Ongoing support and counseling to help teens maintain progress and manage daily challenges.

Early Intervention Can Change Your Teen’s Life—Don’t Wait

Mental health struggles don’t go away on their own. The earlier a teen gets help, the better their chances of overcoming challenges and building a strong foundation for the future. Early intervention can prevent conditions from worsening, reduce the risk of harmful coping behaviors, and give your teen the tools they need to thrive.

If you’re unsure whether your teen needs treatment, we’re here to help. You don’t have to have all the answers—we’ll guide you through the process and ensure your child gets the right level of care. No matter how big or small the struggle feels, support is available, and healing is possible.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact Ascend Behavioral Health today to learn how we can help your teen find balance, confidence, and a healthier future.

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