California Teen Center has announced updates to its virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), now offering adolescent mental health services beyond its in-person locations to families throughout the state. The program extends the center's clinical model to teens who previously could not access its Day and After School Programs in person.
More details can be found at https://teencenter.org
The move comes as families across California continue to face barriers to consistent adolescent care, particularly in regions without a nearby treatment center. California Teen Center's virtual IOP is intended to close that gap, giving teens access to the same licensed psychiatrists, therapists, and small group sessions used in its physical programs, regardless of a family's location.
The need for more accessible care reflects a broader national trend, the team explains. More than 5.3 million adolescents in the United States, or just over one in five, had a diagnosed anxiety, depression, or behavioral health condition in 2023, according to a national survey from the Health Resources and Services Administration. Separate federal data also shows that one in five teens report unmet mental health care needs, often because they cannot access nearby providers.
In California, those barriers are especially significant for families in rural and semi-rural communities, where the nearest adolescent treatment center may be hours away. By delivering individual therapy, small-group sessions, family involvement, and psychiatric oversight through secure video sessions several afternoons each week, California Teen Center's virtual IOP enables teens to receive structured, intensive care without the need for frequent long-distance travel.
"We built our reputation on small groups and close doctor involvement, and our virtual program was designed to carry that same level of care into a teen's own home," said Dr. Sayeh Beheshti, founder of California Teen Center. "Distance should never be the reason a struggling teenager goes without the structured support they need to get better."
About California Teen Center
California Teen Center is a doctor-owned adolescent mental health practice based in Yuba City, treating patients ages 8 to 19 for depression, anxiety, trauma, and related conditions. Led by psychiatrist Dr. Sayeh Beheshti alongside Dr. Lauren Armstrong, the center keeps group sizes small so that clinicians know every teen and family personally.
"Dr. Beheshti and Dr. Armstrong have both been incredibly helpful throughout our experience," one parent recently shared. "We used the telehealth option, and it made a real difference, not just for our teenager, but for our whole family. Having that flexibility while still getting quality care meant everything to us during a difficult time."
Interested parties can find more information by visiting https://teencenter.org