Oppositional Defiant Disorder Treatment for Teens in California

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At Ascend Behavioral Health, we provide specialized treatment for adolescents struggling with Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), a condition that can significantly impact relationships, academic performance, and overall well-being. Our programs combine evidence-based therapies, parent management training (PMT), and structured support for both teens and their family members. With treatment centers across California — including Fresno, Visalia, and Bakersfield — we work closely with each teen and their caregivers to address the root causes of defiant behavior and restore healthy communication.

Whether your teen’s oppositional behavior stems from environmental factors, co-occurring ADHD, or other mental health conditions, our experienced clinicians tailor a treatment plan to their unique needs. From intensive family therapy to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and skills-based interventions, we focus on creating lasting improvements in behavior, emotional regulation, and parent-child interaction.

Key Takeaways
  • Ascend Behavioral Health provides specialized treatment for teens with Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) at centers in Fresno, Visalia, and Bakersfield, California.

  • Services include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), parent management training (PMT), family therapy, and school-based interventions, tailored to each teen’s unique needs.

  • What is ODD treatment? Treatment focuses on reducing oppositional behavior, improving emotional regulation, and strengthening parent-child communication through evidence-based therapies.

  • Licensed clinicians address co-occurring conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, and mood disorders, ensuring comprehensive care for adolescents and their families.

  • Programs are offered across different levels of care, including outpatient therapy, residential treatment, and school collaboration, helping teens build long-term coping skills and resilience.

 

Table of Contents

Guiding Families Through ODD Together

At Ascend Behavioral Health, we provide specialized treatment for adolescents struggling with Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), a condition that can significantly impact relationships, academic performance, and overall well-being. Our programs combine evidence-based therapies, parent management training (PMT), and structured support for both teens and their family members. With treatment centers across California — including Fresno, Visalia, and Bakersfield — we work closely with each teen and their caregivers to address the root causes of defiant behavior and restore healthy communication.

Whether your teen’s oppositional behavior stems from environmental factors, co-occurring ADHD, or other mental health conditions, our experienced clinicians tailor a treatment plan to their unique needs. From intensive family therapy to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and skills-based interventions, we focus on creating lasting improvements in behavior, emotional regulation, and parent-child interaction.

Understanding Oppositional Defiant Disorder

ODD is a type of disruptive behavior disorder often diagnosed in adolescents who exhibit persistent patterns of angry outbursts, irritable mood, and vindictive behavior toward authority figures. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), symptoms must persist for at least six months and cause significant impairments at home, school, or in social situations.

While occasional disagreements and temper tantrums can be part of normal development, the symptoms of oppositional defiant disorder are more intense and consistent. ODD symptoms can also overlap with conduct disorder, mood disorders, and anxiety disorders, making accurate diagnosis by a qualified mental health professional essential.

Therapists talking about Oppositional Defiant Disorder Treatment
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Ascend Behavioral Health | ascendstar 1

Common Symptoms of ODD in Teens

Recognizing odd symptoms early allows for early intervention, which can prevent the progression to more severe conduct problems.

Key signs include:

  • Persistent defiant behavior toward authority figures
  • Frequent arguments and refusal to follow rules
  • Deliberate misbehavior to annoy others
  • Blaming others for personal mistakes
  • Spiteful or vindictive actions toward peers or adults
  • Irritable mood and low frustration tolerance


These behavior problems can strain the child’s behavior patterns at home, in school, and in the community.

Causes and Risk Factors

ODD develops from a combination of environmental factors, pediatric developmental challenges, and sometimes underlying mental health conditions.

Potential contributors include:

  • Family conflict or inconsistent discipline
  • Exposure to positive reinforcement for negative behaviors
  • Co-occurring ADHD or hyperactivity
  • Genetic predisposition to impulse control issues
  • Peer influence and social skills deficits

Because oppositional behavior often coexists with other conditions like anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and conduct disorder, comprehensive assessment is critical to determine the right treatment of ODD.

Parents arguing about Oppositional Defiant Disorder Treatment

Why Early Intervention Matters

Without timely support, ODD can escalate into more severe conduct problems and disruptive behavior disorders in later adolescence. Early intervention improves problem-solving skills, reduces conflict with authority figures, and teaches healthier ways to manage anger and frustration.

At Ascend Behavioral Health, we intervene early to:

  • Strengthen the parent-child relationship
  • Teach emotional regulation and anger management
  • Build positive communication patterns
  • Reduce negative peer influence in peer groups

Comprehensive Assessment and Diagnosis

The first step in treating ODD is a thorough evaluation by a qualified healthcare provider or psychiatry team. At Ascend Behavioral Health, we assess symptoms of ODD, review the teen’s family and school history, and screen for co-occurring conditions like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and anxiety disorders.

Our evaluations follow DSM criteria and involve input from parents, teachers, and other caregivers. This multi-source approach ensures the treatment plan addresses all contributing factors to the teen’s oppositional behavior.

Evidence-Based Treatment Approaches

Our programs integrate psychotherapy, structured training programs, and support for family members to address ODD effectively.

Treatment options may include:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Helps teens understand and change thought patterns driving defiant behavior.
  • Parent Management Training (PMT) – Trains parents in positive parenting techniques, positive reinforcement, and consistent discipline.
  • Family Therapy – Improves communication, reduces conflict, and strengthens the parent-child interaction.
  • Skills Training – Enhances social skills, emotional regulation, and problem-solving skills.

Admissions Process

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

Initial Assessment & Medication Evaluation

Making sure that you or your teen are assessed for optimal care.

Individualized Treatment Plan

We craft a treatment plan tailored to suite individual needs.

Medication Management

Our clinicians make sure there is access to needed medication.

Follow Up Psychiatry Visits

We make sure you or your teen are taken care of after stay.

Role of Parent Management Training (PMT)

PMT is a cornerstone of ODD treatment, especially for young children and adolescents. This method teaches caregivers to:

  • Recognize and reinforce positive behaviors
  • Avoid unintentionally rewarding misbehavior
  • Set clear and consistent expectations
  • Use structured consequences to reduce disruptive behavior


When combined with therapy for the teen, PMT helps create a stable and supportive home environment.

School-Based Interventions

Since ODD symptoms often manifest in the classroom, collaboration with schools is essential. Our team coordinates with teachers and school counselors to implement school-based strategies that support the teen’s academic and behavioral success.

These may include:

  • Classroom behavior plans with clear expectations
  • Opportunities for positive reinforcement during the school day
  • Modified assignments to accommodate impairments in attention or focus
  • Regular check-ins between the school and mental health professional
Therapist talking to a young girl about Oppositional Defiant Disorder Treatment
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Ascend Behavioral Health | ascendstar 1

Addressing Co-Occurring Conditions

Many teens with ODD also have ADHD, anxiety disorders, or mood disorders. At Ascend Behavioral Health, we address these co-occurring mental health conditions alongside ODD to ensure a complete recovery path. This may involve a combination of psychiatry services, psychotherapy, and skills training to manage multiple challenges simultaneously.

Parents often wonder about the difference between Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) and Conduct Disorder. While the two share some overlapping behaviors, they are distinct conditions that require different approaches to treatment. To better understand how they compare—and how early intervention can bring relief to your whole family—read our blog Conduct Disorder vs ODD: Our Clinical Perspective. 

Building Long-Term Skills for Well-Being

The ultimate goal of ODD treatment is not just to reduce oppositional behavior, but to equip teens and their family members with tools for lifelong success. Our programs focus on:

  • Healthy peer group interactions
  • Improved problem-solving skills
  • Effective anger management
  • Positive parent-child interaction
  • Resilience in the face of environmental factors

By helping teens replace negative behaviors with constructive alternatives, we lay the groundwork for improved relationships and academic achievement.

Oppositional Defiant Disorder Treatment at Ascend Behavioral Health

At Ascend Behavioral Health, our ODD programs are designed to address the unique needs of each teen and their family. Our multidisciplinary treatment team includes therapists, psychiatry providers, and mental health professionals who work together to create a personalized care plan.

We offer multiple levels of care throughout Fresno, Bakersfield, and Visalia, including residential treatment, outpatient therapy, and school-based support. If your child is showing signs of ODD symptoms or other behavior disorders, don’t wait for the problem to escalate. Contact Ascend Behavioral Health today to schedule a referral and learn how our compassionate, evidence-based programs can help your teen regain balance, strengthen relationships, and thrive in daily life.

Family getting Oppositional Defiant Disorder Treatment for their child in fresno visalia and bakersfield.
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