Partial Hospitalization for Mental Health

About the Partial Hospitalization Program

The Partial Hospitalization Program at Children's Hospital Colorado provides intensive treatment for children and teens with psychiatric difficulties that prevent them from functioning in their home, school or community.

We treat children and teens who require more intensive services than can be offered in a traditional outpatient setting, who are at risk of psychiatric hospitalization, as well as those who have stepped down from an inpatient hospital stay.

Who we are

Our team members include:

• Psychiatrists
• Advanced practice nurses
• Psychiatric nurses
• Psychologists
• Behavioral health clinicians
• Educational specialist
• Occupational therapists
• Creative arts therapists
• Mental health counselors
• Skilled trainees

Because each child and family works with a team, your participation and partnership is a vital part of the program.

Who we serve

The Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) provides comprehensive, multidisciplinary treatment for children and adolescents who have psychiatric challenges. Symptoms that may prompt a referral to our program include:

• Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
• High levels of emotional distress, including depression and/or anxiety that prevent participation in school, family activities and previously favored extracurricular pursuits, or that are causing the patient physiological pain or discomfort
• Self-harm or other high-risk behaviors
• Behavioral challenges, including yelling, minor aggression and trouble regulating emotions
• School anxiety and refusal

For children and adolescents who have Medicaid and/or CHP, please contact your Medicaid provider. A care manager can assist the family in finding care for their child.

Services we provide

We provide evaluation and intensive mental health treatment for children, teens and their families. Our program runs Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The average stay is about two weeks, but this varies based on the individual treatment needs of patients and their families.

Our services are directed at stabilization of serious mental and behavioral health challenges that prevent youth from functioning optimally at school, at home and in the community. This includes children and adolescents between the ages of 6 and 17 who are experiencing distress that exceeds traditional outpatient treatment but are able to remain stable with support; those who are stepping down from higher levels of psychiatric treatment including inpatient treatment; and those who are not in emergent condition but who require immediate, intensive care in order to maintain stability.

We provide a supportive, structured program that includes:

• Individual and family therapy
• Group therapy
• Behavioral therapy
• Medication evaluation and management
• Psychoeducation series for parents
• Creative arts therapies

Our practices are based on the best evidence and research. An educational specialist is available to help children maintain their skills and make a successful transition back to school, and we work closely with partners in the community, including other mental health providers and schools. We also work to make sure that patients have ongoing support and treatment after they leave the program.

What to expect from the Partial Hospitalization Program

• Two parent/family meetings per week
• Daily parent check-in group
• Psychoeducation series for parents
• Coordination with community providers and school when appropriate
• Occupational therapy evaluation
• Individualized treatment planning