Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) for adolescents, teens, and young adults

PHPs provide teens and youth with effective treatment for severe mental health conditions with the flexibility to return home to family in the evening.

We know how overwhelming it is to watch your teen struggle with serious mental health challenges or risky behaviors like self-harm or suicidal ideation. Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs) for adolescents, teens, and young adults are designed to provide the structured, hospital-level support youth need for stability and safety when they're a danger to themselves.

With PHPs, your teen receives intensive, compassionate care throughout the day and can return home to you each evening, blending the security of professional treatment with the comfort of family.

Talk to a PHP specialist

Learn more about PHP

Teens and adolescents in PHP program at Embark in group therapy session.

Teens and young adults talking to therapist at Embark's PHP program during group therapy session.

ON THIS PAGE: What is PHP How PHPs Can Help Payment Options Locations FAQs

Start healing: 866-479-3050

What is a PHP for adolescents, teens, and young adults?

A PHP for adolescents and teens is an intensive therapeutic day program offering family, group, and individual therapy for serious mental health challenges that allows youth to return home to family in the evenings.

PHPs, also commonly referred to as day treatment programs, partial care programs, and therapeutic day programs, are designed to help youth who may be experiencing mental health issues related to self-harm or suicidal ideation, providing a safe, structured, and healing treatment environment. PHPs are a good option for adolescents, teens, and young adults who need intensive therapeutic treatment during the day, but who don't need the 24/7 care environment of a residential treatment center.

Call us to see how PHP helps heal

Learn more about PHPs

Age range

Adolescents, teens, and young adults ages 9-28

Genders served

boys, girls, and LGBTQ+ youth

Conditions treated

mental health and co-occurring issues

Average treatment length

Treatment plans vary. Please consult an admissions counselor about your specific situation.

Therapy time commitment

5 hours a day or more

Weekly commitment

typically in the day

How do I know if my teen or youth needs a PHP?

Here are some of the biggest reasons a PHP program for teens, adolescents, or young adults can be necessary:

Daily struggles:

Everyday tasks or friendships become overwhelming.
Ongoing anxiety or depression:

Struggling with persistent symptoms.
Risky behaviors:

Escalating behaviors such as self-harm.
School issues:

When an adolescent, teen, or young adult is refusing school or struggling in an academic environment.

After inpatient care:

A step-down option for continued support post-residential treatment.
Instability:

Frequent emotional swings impacting daily functioning.
Outpatient therapy or IOP isn't enough:

Traditional outpatient therapy or an intensive outpatient program hasn’t been effective.

How can a PHP help my teen or youth?

Across all Embark outpatient programs in 2023, we helped adolescents, teens, and young adults reduce negative symptoms and increase their overall well-being. Here's how our PHP treatment has helped adolescents, teens, and young adults:

*All data collected from January 01, 2023 to December 31, 2023.

0%

decrease in anxiety

0%

decrease in depression

0%

decrease in distress

0%

increase in well-being

Talk to a PHP specialist

Learn about the benefits of PHP

Teen girl hugging mom during family therapy session at PHP program.

Group therapy area at Embark PHP program for adolescents, teens, and young adults.

Teen with therapist and family at PHP program after successful treatment.

What are the benefits of PHPs for teens and youth?

Our Partial hospitalization program for adolescents, teens, and young adults can meet your child’s needs in multiple ways. Here are some benefits of going to a partial hospitalization program:

Academic support:

Embark’s PHPs include educational support to help adolescents, teens, and young adults keep up with their studies while receiving treatment throughout the academic year.

Comprehensive daytime support:

PHPs provide a full day of structured therapy, giving teens and youth the focused care they need to work through serious mental health challenges.

A safe space to heal:

With a focus on safety and emotional stability, PHPs give teens a supportive environment to overcome risky behaviors and severe mental health conditions.

Crisis prevention:

By providing intensive care, PHPs help stabilize adolescents, teens, and young adults who are experiencing acute psychiatric symptoms, reducing the need for inpatient hospitalization.

Affordable care:

With many PHPs reimbursed by insurance, families can access quality treatment at a more manageable cost.

How effective are PHPs at helping teens and youth?

Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs) have proven to be highly effective in supporting adolescents and young adults facing mental health challenges. A study published in 2024 in the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry found that PHPs helped adolescents improve their mental health and functioning overall after discharge from the program.

Another study published in the International Journal of Eating Disorders found that Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs) are effective in treating children and adolescents with avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID). Adolescents and children in this study showed significant improvements in weight and reductions in ARFID symptoms from admission to discharge, with these gains generally maintained at six and twelve months after leaving the PHP.

Call us for a free assessment

Learn about PHP payment options

Parent hugging mom in family therapy session at PHP program for teens and adolescents.

What are my payment options for a teen or adolescent PHP?

In-network

Our PHPs for teens, adolescents, and young adults accept hundreds of insurance plans in all 50 states. Our in-network insurance options allow for seamless access to our services without having to worry about additional expenses.

Self pay

We accept a variety of payment options, including cash, credit, check, and direct deposit, to provide you with the flexibility and convenience you need when investing in your teen or young adult’s mental health treatment.

Out of network

Our out-of-network insurance options allow for seamless access to our services without having to worry about additional expenses.

Call to verify your insurance

What's a day at a PHP for teens, adolescents, and young adults like?

A day a PHP treatment program offers teens and young adults a balanced mix of structure, support, and therapeutic care. Throughout the day, they engage in group therapy, skills-building sessions, and evidence-based activities guided by expert clinicians, with breaks for reflection and safe socialization. In the evening, they come home ready to use their new coping skills in the comfort and support of family.

Here's what a typical day at PHP for teens and adolescents can look like:

Teen boy practicing mindfulness and DBT skills at PHP program at Embark Behavioral Health.

9:00 AM

Check-in and mindfulness

10:00 AM

Psychoeducation and skills groups

11:00 AM

Group therapy

12:30 PM

Lunch

Teens and adolescents working on school work during PHP program at Embark Behavioral Health.

12:30 PM

Academics and executive functioning

Therapist working with teen during experiential therapy session at Embark PHP program.

1:30 PM

Experiential and coping skills

Talk to a PHP specialist

Learn more about our PHP specialists

Who will be helping my teen or youth heal at a PHP?

Our team of healing PHP therapists, psychiatrists, counselors, and life coaches provides compassionate mental health treatment for children, adolescents, teens, and young adults by utilizing trauma-informed techniques.

Dylan Cernea

Clinical Support Staff

Read my bio

Samantha Morris

LMFT

Clinic Director

Read my bio

Carter Tipton

Clinical Support Staff

Read my bio

Cameron King

LMSW

Therapist

Read my bio

ADHDAnxietyBorderline Personality DisorderDepressionOppositional Defiant DisorderOut of Control BehaviorReactive Attachment DisorderSuicidal Ideation

925-592-4037

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Stories of healing

Our PHPs have helped thousands of adolescents, teens, and young adults overcome difficult mental health conditions and create lives filled with joy. Take a look at some of the stories of healing from teens and families we've helped below:

What can teens and youth expect at a PHP?

Structured partial hospitalization services

Young people who attend partial hospitalization programs typically receive five hours of clinical interventions (specialized therapies, group therapy, etc.), provided by a multidisciplinary team five days per week, as well as schooling and other activities. The length of the day can vary, and the longer the day the more experiential therapy activities are provided such as yoga, art, music, exercise, meditation, mindfulness, and offsite excursions.

Individual therapy:

During our young adult or teen PHP, youth will meet one-on-one with a trusted therapist to work on their thoughts and emotions in a supportive environment.

Group therapy:

Young people participate in group therapy sessions to share challenges, gain support, and learn skills like distress tolerance and interpersonal effectiveness.

Family therapy:

Our PHPs emphasize family involvement and support to help adolescents, teens, or young adults and their primary caregivers. Together, families explore their communication, address unhealthy patterns, and establish healthier family roles and rules.

Medication management and psychiatric evaluations:

Can be provided by licensed professionals to ensure that medication, if necessary, is effectively supporting a teen's treatment and recovery.

Life skills training and development:

We help teens learn important life skills such as problem-solving, decision-making, stress management, and conflict resolution, preparing them to handle everyday challenges.

DBT and stress reduction skills:

Our PHPs incorporate techniques like mindfulness practices, meditation, and relaxation strategies to help teens manage stress and develop healthier responses to anxiety or negative emotions.

Aftercare:

Our PHPs include discharge and aftercare support to make sure that adolescents, teens, and young adults are transitioning back to everyday life or a different treatment level after attending our PHP.

Academic guidance:

PHPs provide dedicated academic time and resources, allowing teens to keep up with schoolwork in a supportive setting. With guidance from staff, teens build skills to manage both their studies and their well-being, ensuring they don’t fall behind while they focus on healing.

Healing PHP therapy

We know that treatment is not one-size-fits-all, which is why Embark PHPs offer an array of healing therapies that will meet the individual needs of your child.

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)

DBT is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy that’s also known as “talk therapy.” Participating in DBT in a PHP can help your child overcome negative thinking patterns and implement positive behavioral changes.
Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT)

TF-CBT treats behavioral and emotional issues related to traumatic experiences. Participating in cognitive behavioral therapy in a PHP can help your child resolve the lingering effects of trauma.
Experiential therapy

Experiential therapy is a hands-on approach to healing that includes experiential practices such as art therapy, adventure/outdoor therapy, and animal-assisted therapy. Used as part of our intensive outpatient treatment, this therapeutic approach can help your child heal by engaging their physical, emotional, and relational aspects.
Attachment-focused therapy

Embark’s PHPs offer attachment-focused therapy specifically designed to address and heal attachment disorders like Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) and other issues stemming from early attachment trauma.
Other therapies

In addition to our attachment-focused therapy, Embark offers a variety of other therapeutic approaches and therapies to address the unique needs of each adolescent, teen, or young adult and help them heal.

Call for a free assessment

Improved mental health conditions

Our PHPs are designed to help youth and teens heal. Each teen or adolescent’s mental health PHP treatment plan is carefully designed to help your child heal from a variety of challenges so they can grow and thrive.

We know that disorders come in all shapes and sizes, so our PHP treatment helps adolescents, teens, and young adults address behavioral health conditions like anxiety, depression, and ADHD in a safe, secure environment.

Here are some of the mental health conditions a PHP can help treat in teens and youth:

ADHD

Anxiety

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

Depression

Eating Disorders

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

Out-of-Control Behavior

Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD)

Suicidal Ideation

Technology Addiction

Is your teen struggling with a different mental health condition?

Contact us and we'll help you figure out if a PHP is the best option to help your adolescent, teen, or young adult, or if another treatment option will be the best fit.

Call us to start healing today

PHP FAQ

What about school, given PHP treatment is during the day?

PHPs for teens offer an academic enrichment program that focuses on executive functioning skills. Clinics have case management services that connect students with their school district to facilitate independent study and keep them current on their academic progress.

What’s the difference between PHP, IOP, and a Residential Treatment Center?

PHPs are more comprehensive than intensive outpatient programs (IOPs), but less so than residential treatment centers (RTCs), since clients still live at home with their families when they are not in the program. Students live at home with families when they are not at the program.

When it comes to IOP vs. PHP, PHPs provide a higher level of care for teens and young adults struggling with severe mental health conditions like suicidality or self-harm, with daily, intensive therapy sessions lasting several hours each day under close supervision. IOP, while still focused on healing, is more flexible, with fewer sessions each week, allowing teens and young adults to balance therapy with school and other daily activities.

How does the referral process work for an Embark PHP?

Young people are generally referred to PHPs when they are experiencing acute psychiatric symptoms that are difficult to manage but do not require 24-hour care. The goal of treatment is to stabilize the client and prevent or reduce inpatient hospitalization.

Are there any specific criteria that determine if a teen is suitable for a partial hospitalization program?

Teens best suited for PHP typically have moderate to severe mental health needs, such as depression, anxiety, or self-harm behaviors, and require more intensive support than outpatient therapy can offer. PHP is ideal for those who can safely return home in the evenings and benefit from structured day treatment to help stabilize their mental health and develop healthier coping strategies.

Contact Our Team to Learn More About PHP Treatment Options

What does partial hospitalization mean?

Parents are often put off by the phrase “partial hospitalization”. The term is mainly a vestige of the past when PHPs were attached to hospitals and existed primarily to serve adults. A preferred, and more appropriate, name for a PHP is a “Therapeutic Day Program” or School. Insurance companies still use the same definition for a robust therapeutic day program.

Teen and young adult day treatment takes place in a reassuring, non-institutional, comfortable environment where adolescents, teens, and young adults can receive non-judgmental therapy, engage in therapeutic activities, and work on schoolwork during the day.

Contact Our Team to Learn More About PHP Treatment Options

Who benefits the most from PHPs?

Many types of young people can benefit from PHP. Some may need more comprehensive care after attending an IOP. Or they may be ready for less intensive care and a return to their home and families after a stay at an RTC.

No matter where your teen or young adult is in their healing journey, it’s important to have a thorough evaluation performed to determine what level of care is ideal for them. With that being said, PHPs are not appropriate for young people who have never received mental health care or treatment, or those who are actively risks to themselves or their communities.

How long is the duration of a partial hospitalization program?

A partial hospitalization program is a comprehensive, short-term treatment program. Each patient’s length of stay will depend upon the patient’s individual treatment needs – but typically lasts between 1 and 4 months.

What happens after PHP treatment is completed?

Many clients will continue to “step down” in their level of care by going to a less restrictive option, such as an IOP or minimal outpatient sessions as they transition to support with their therapist. Continued support will help the client keep the gains they made during their PHP treatment.

What is the average cost of partial hospitalization programs?

The cost of a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) with insurance can vary based on your specific plan and coverage. Many insurance providers cover some or all of the costs associated with PHPs, but factors like deductibles, co-pays, and network coverage can influence out-of-pocket expenses. Our team at Embark is here to help you understand your insurance benefits and work with you to make treatment as accessible and affordable as possible.

Please note Embark Behavioral Health does not accept Medicare or Medicaid.

Contact our Team to Find Out More About Insurance for PHPs

What are the success rates of partial hospitalization programs for teens?

PHPs have shown significant success in helping patients decrease the number of post-discharge hospitalizations as well as the total suicide risk for youth after discharge from a PHP, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry.

How does family involvement play a role in the success of a teen’s treatment in a partial hospitalization program?

Family involvement is key to a teen’s success in PHP. At Embark, we include family therapy as a core component, helping to strengthen family communication, address any conflicts, and build a supportive home environment. By participating in the healing process, families learn valuable skills to reinforce their teen’s progress, creating a lasting foundation for emotional health and resilience.

What is the goal of day treatment?

The goal of a Therapeutic Day Program (TDP) is to help young people grow and heal their relationships, and their internal wounds, and improve their self-worth, coping skills, and other vital elements that lead to a more joyful-filled life.

These programs help young people understand their emotional, mental, or behavioral health challenges, adjust to medication schedules, build coping skills, and set recovery goals that will enable them to live more fulfilling lives.

What aftercare options are available for teens completing a partial hospitalization program?

Upon completing PHP, Embark offers several aftercare options to support ongoing progress, including Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs), outpatient therapy, and family support services. Our team works closely with families to create a personalized aftercare plan that ensures continuity of care, helping teens maintain the skills they’ve gained and continue their journey toward lasting wellness.

Are there any partial hospitalization programs that specialize in specific mental health conditions like anxiety or depression?

Yes, at Embark, our Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs) are tailored to meet the specific needs of teens and young adults struggling with a range of mental health challenges, including anxiety and depression. Our specialized PHPs provide focused, evidence-based therapies designed to help young people manage these conditions in a structured, supportive environment. With a blend of individual, group, and family therapy, we help build the tools they need to find relief and resilience while staying connected to family each evening.

What is the intake and admissions process like for an embark PHP for adolescents, teens, or young adults?

Here’s a breakdown of Embark’s PHP intake and admissions process:

Initial Consultation: Start with a phone consultation where we’ll learn about your family’s needs and answer any questions about the program.
Comprehensive Assessment: Our team will conduct an assessment of your child’s mental health history, current challenges, and treatment goals to determine if PHP is the best fit.
Program Planning: Once PHP is confirmed as the right choice, we’ll work closely with you to establish a schedule that meets your family’s needs.
Insurance Coordination: Our team will walk you through the insurance process, helping you understand coverage and costs, so you can focus on supporting your child.
Seamless Transition: We ensure a smooth start to PHP, with a caring team ready to support your teen’s journey to healing every step of the way.

Each step is designed to make the process as supportive and easy as possible for your family.

Call our PHP Team to Begin Healing

Interested in learning more about partial hospitalization for teens?

The best way to determine which type of therapy or treatment is right for your teenager is to speak with our mental health team.

Our mental health professionals will consider your child's symptoms and treatment history, as well as outline what you and your family want out of therapy to recommend the best next steps specific to your situation.

If you think one of Embark's partial hospitalization programs may be right for your daughter or son, contact us to learn more today.

Find a program

Call now: 866-479-3050

Young adult girl smiling during PHP program at Embark while talking to therapist.

What if my teen or young adult needs a different level of care?

If a partial hospitalization program isn't the best fit for your teen or youth, don't lose hope. At Embark, we offer a variety of treatment options throughout the U.S. that are here to help your family heal. Here are some steps up in treatment that can provide a higher level of care or treatment if your adolescent, teen, or young adult needs intensive care:

Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs)

If a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) provides more therapy and treatment than your teen needs, you can take a step down in treatment with IOP, which is a form of outpatient care. IOPs offer structured support with a more flexible schedule, allowing teens to attend therapy sessions several times a week while continuing with school and other daily activities with fewer sessions and fewer total sessions per week in comparison to PHP.

Find out how IOPs help youth heal

Residential treatment centers

At Embark, our Residential Treatment Centers (RTC) offer 24/7 care, providing a safe, immersive environment for teens with complex mental health needs, unlike the part-time care of IOP or PHP. Teens receive round-the-clock therapeutic support for deeper healing. If your teen or young adult needs 24/7 treatment or needs to be removed from the home environment to heal, an RTC can help them heal.

Find out how RTCs help youth heal

Need help finding the right program?

Talk to our program specialists, we'll help you find the right option for your adolescent, teen, or young adult.

Start your healing journey today!

866-479-3050

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Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) for adolescents, teens, and young adults

PHPs provide teens and youth with effective treatment for severe mental health conditions with the flexibility to return home to family in the evening.

What is a PHP for adolescents, teens, and young adults?

Age range

Genders served

Conditions treated

Average treatment length

Therapy time commitment

Weekly commitment

How do I know if my teen or youth needs a PHP?

Daily struggles:

Ongoing anxiety or depression:

Risky behaviors:

School issues:

After inpatient care:

Instability:

Outpatient therapy or IOP isn't enough:

How can a PHP help my teen or youth?

0%

0%

0%

0%

What are the benefits of PHPs for teens and youth?

Academic support:

Comprehensive daytime support:

A safe space to heal:

Crisis prevention:

Affordable care:

How effective are PHPs at helping teens and youth?

What are my payment options for a teen or adolescent PHP?

In-network

Self pay

Out of network

What's a day at a PHP for teens, adolescents, and young adults like?

9:00 AM

10:00 AM

11:00 AM

12:30 PM

12:30 PM

1:30 PM

Who will be helping my teen or youth heal at a PHP?

Dylan Cernea

Samantha Morris

Carter Tipton

Cameron King

Find a PHP treatment center that best fits your teen’s or young adult’s needs

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