California Teen Center has expanded its Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for adolescents aged 12-17 struggling with self-harm. Available in person at its Yuba City facility and through a virtual IOP statewide, the program offers structured mental health support for teens who require more care than weekly therapy but may not need inpatient treatment.
More information is available at https://teencenter.org/
The announcement comes as concerns about adolescent mental health continue to grow across California, with data from the CDC showing that emergency department visits related to self-harm among teens aged 12 to 17 increased by 31% between 2020 and 2025.
"Seeking support early can give families more options," a California Teen Center spokesperson said. "A structured outpatient program may be appropriate for some adolescents before more intensive levels of care become necessary, following a comprehensive clinical assessment."
California Teen Center explains that its Intensive Outpatient Program typically involves 9 to 20 hours of therapy each week, giving adolescents structured clinical support while allowing them to continue living at home and attending school.
California Teen Center's IOP delivers clinical services including individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, psychiatric oversight, and academic coordination, all grounded in practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy.
Families can begin the admissions process by contacting the center by phone or through its online form before completing a confidential clinical assessment. If the program is clinically appropriate, the admissions team assists with scheduling and the next steps toward beginning treatment, helping families understand the process from the outset.
California Teen Center is licensed by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) and accredited by The Joint Commission. The center also works with major insurance providers, including Anthem, Blue Shield of California, Carelon, and Aetna, offering complimentary insurance verification to help families understand available coverage before treatment begins.
"While self-harm in adolescents is not the same as a suicide attempt, it is often a symptom of treatable mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, trauma, and mood disorders," the spokesperson added.
California Teen Center notes that its programs are intended for adolescents whose needs are appropriate for outpatient treatment following clinical assessment. Families who believe a teen is in immediate danger or experiencing an acute mental health crisis should call or text 988, call 911, or go to the nearest emergency department.
For more details, visit https://teencenter.org/