A partial hospitalization program (PHP) is a structured mental health treatment program that provides intensive support during the day while allowing teens to return home in the evenings. This level of care bridges the gap between inpatient treatment and outpatient therapy, offering comprehensive support without requiring overnight stays.
At the Ohio Center for Adolescent Wellness, our adolescent partial hospitalization program offers a peaceful, supportive environment where teens can receive intensive, personalized treatment. This approach helps them avoid a hospital stay while addressing their unique needs.
This program provides full-day care in a private, welcoming setting. It feels far from the clinical atmosphere of a hospital. Designed exclusively for teens, our PHP helps adolescents build skills they need to manage mental health challenges, behavioral concerns, or substance use issues.
Call us today to learn how our treatment programs can support your teen.
The Benefits of a Partial Hospitalization Program for Teens
A Partial hospitalization program provides adolescents with the structure and clinical support they need to stabilize while remaining connected to home. For many families, PHP becomes the “bridge” that helps a teen move from crisis to confidence without the disruption of a full inpatient stay. At the Ohio Center for Adolescent Wellness, we’ve seen how transformative this level of care can be when it’s built specifically for young people.
Structured Support Without Overnight Separation
Teens receive full-day therapeutic programming while returning home each night. This keeps them close to their support system and allows them to practice new skills in their everyday environment.
Intensive, Evidence-Based Treatment
PHP offers far more support than weekly therapy. Teens participate in multiple therapeutic modalities daily, including CBT, DBT, EMDR, family therapy, and experiential approaches, helping them make meaningful progress in a shorter period.
A Safe Place to Regulate Emotions
Teens struggling with anxiety, depression, self-harm, trauma, or emotional dysregulation often need a consistent, secure environment to stabilize. A partial hospitalization program provides that anchor, helping them learn to understand their emotions in real time.
Peer Support and Healthy Connection
Adolescents heal more effectively when they feel understood by others their age. Group therapies foster connection, build social skills, and reduce feelings of isolation.
Daily Monitoring and Clinical Oversight
Our clinical team checks in with each teen every day, adjusting the treatment plan as symptoms improve or new concerns arise. Parents get ongoing updates, so they never feel left in the dark.
Family Involvement and Education
PHP supports the whole family, not just the teen. Family therapy, parent coaching, and communication work help rebuild trust and create a healthier home environment.
Smooth Transition to Lower Levels of Care
Because PHP is part of OCAW’s full continuum of treatment, teens can move seamlessly into an intensive outpatient program (IOP) when they’re ready, ensuring support doesn’t suddenly stop.
Improved Functioning at Home and School
With stabilization comes clarity. Teens often return to school with better emotional regulation, improved focus, and healthier coping skills that support long-term success.
Who is Eligible for Our PHP?
Teens ages 13-17 with a diagnosed mental health condition who are medically and psychiatrically stable (meaning they are not an immediate danger to themselves or others and do not require 24/7 supervision) may be eligible for our partial hospitalization program. Our multidisciplinary team evaluates each adolescent’s specific needs through a comprehensive intake assessment to determine the most appropriate level of care.
Mental health conditions we treat include:
- Anxiety disorders: Persistent worry and fear that interfere with daily activities
- Depression: Persistent sadness and loss of interest in activities
- ADHD: Difficulty with attention, hyperactivity, and impulse control
- Bipolar disorder: Extreme mood swings between mania and depression
- OCD: Unwanted thoughts and repetitive behaviors
- PTSD: Trauma-related symptoms affecting daily functioning
- Self-harm behaviors: Intentional injury to oneself as a coping mechanism
- Substance use disorders: Problematic use of drugs or alcohol
- Co-occurring disorders: Multiple mental health conditions occurring together
Our team provides free insurance verification to help families understand their coverage options.
Daily Schedule: What to Expect in Our PHP
Our structured daily schedule typically runs Monday through Friday. It provides teens with consistent therapeutic support while maintaining flexibility for individual needs.
Sample Daily Schedule:
- 9:00 AM – 9:30 AM: Morning check-in and goal setting
- 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM: Individual therapy session
- 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM: Group therapy focused on coping skills
- 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM: Educational support and academic coordination
- 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Lunch and peer interaction
- 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Family therapy session (as scheduled)
- 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Holistic therapy activities (mindfulness, art therapy)
- 3:00 PM – 3:30 PM: Afternoon wrap-up and discharge planning
We provide educational support to help teens maintain academic progress during treatment. Our clinical team coordinates with school staff to ensure continuity of learning.
PHP vs. IOP vs. Inpatient Treatment: Which is Right for Your Teen?
Choosing the right program for your teen depends on the severity of their symptoms and need for structure. A partial hospitalization program is ideal for intensive support, while an intensive outpatient program works well for more flexible care.
Understanding the differences between levels of care helps families make informed decisions about their teen’s treatment needs.
Level of Care | Structure | Hours per Week | Best For | Key Features |
Inpatient Treatment | 24/7 residential care | 168 hours | Teens requiring constant supervision | Medical monitoring, crisis stabilization |
Partial Hospitalization (PHP) | Structured day program | 25-35 hours | Teens needing intensive support but stable enough to go home | Comprehensive therapies, family involvement |
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) | Flexible scheduling | 9-15 hours | Teens transitioning from higher care or needing ongoing support | Skill application, community integration |
Our clinical team works with families to determine the most appropriate level of care. This decision is based on each teen’s individual assessment and treatment goals.
A Bridge to Healing
For teens who require more structure than outpatient treatment but don’t need overnight care, the PHP provides a critical step on the journey to wellness. Through a comprehensive evaluation, we assess each teen’s needs and determine the most appropriate level of care.
Many teens who enter PHP can be evaluated for a step-down to a lower level of care. This reduces the need for hospitalization and offers stability during a challenging time.
Care Tailored to Teens
Our approach is centered on the adolescent experience. PHP includes a blend of evidence-based therapies and holistic practices designed to engage teens, address their specific challenges, and promote growth.
Group Therapy
Led by licensed mental health clinicians, group therapy helps teens:
- Build emotional awareness
- Improve communication skills
- Practice conflict resolution
- Strengthen peer support
- Learn distress tolerance and coping strategies
Individual Counseling
Each teen meets regularly with their primary therapist to explore underlying issues, build insight, and develop personal goals.
Family Sessions
Families are an essential part of lasting healing. Sessions help parents learn supportive communication skills, understand their teen’s needs, and strengthen the family dynamic.
Experiential & Holistic Therapies
Based on clinical recommendations, teens may participate in:
- Art therapy
- Mindfulness and yoga
- EMDR for trauma
- Stress-reduction practices
- Recreation/experiential activities
Medication Management
Our psychiatric team provides ongoing assessments to ensure medications are safe, effective, and aligned with each teen’s treatment goals.
Skill-Building & Academic Support
We weave life skills and executive-function coaching into the program with:
- Study habits and organization
- Emotional regulation skills
- Social skills building
- Problem-solving and decision-making strategies
Additional Evidence-Based Therapies Offered in Our Partial Hospitalization Program
Our clinicians draw from a wide range of therapeutic modalities proven effective for adolescents:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) (including skills training)
- EMDR for trauma and PTSD
- Motivational Interviewing (MI)
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
- Attachment-focused approaches
This personalized, multi-faceted approach ensures teens receive the care they need to overcome obstacles and move forward with confidence.
Admissions Process and Insurance Coverage
Our streamlined admissions process is designed to reduce stress for families while ensuring teens receive appropriate care quickly.
Step-by-Step Admissions Process:
- Initial Contact: Call our admissions team to discuss your teen’s needs
- Intake Assessment: Complete a comprehensive evaluation, including clinical history
- Eligibility Review: Our multidisciplinary team reviews assessment results
- Insurance Verification: We verify coverage and discuss financial options
- Treatment Plan Development: Create a personalized care plan with family input
- Program Start: Begin PHP with a structured daily schedule and therapeutic support
We work with most major insurance plans. Our financial team provides transparent guidance about coverage and payment options to ensure families can access the care their teen needs.
Partnering with Families
We know that teens don’t heal in isolation; family plays a vital role in their recovery. Our PHP includes parent and caregiver support, equipping families with the tools to help their teens progress. Together, we create a foundation for lasting wellness and stronger connections.
Family therapy sessions are a core component of our program. They help improve communication and strengthen relationships. We also provide educational resources and support groups for parents to help them navigate their teen’s recovery journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
What therapies are included in a partial hospitalization program?
Therapies include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), family therapy, group therapy, and holistic therapies.
How long does a teen stay in a partial hospitalization program?
The average length of stay in a PHP for teens is 2–6 weeks, depending on individual needs and progress.
What happens after completing a PHP?
After completing PHP, teens typically transition to a lower level of care to continue their progress. This often includes an intensive outpatient program (IOP) or traditional outpatient treatment with aftercare support.
What is the role of the multidisciplinary team in a PHP?
A multidisciplinary team, including licensed clinicians, psychiatrists, and therapists, develops and oversees each teen’s treatment plan.
Your Teen's Path to Wellness Starts Here
We understand how challenging it can be when your teen is struggling with mental health concerns. Our team at the Ohio Center for Adolescent Wellness is here to help guide you toward the right solution for your family’s needs.
Call us today or reach out online to learn more about our partial hospitalization program in Ohio and schedule an evaluation. Whether your teen would benefit most from care with another provider or us, we’ll help you find the path forward.
