Partial Hospitalization for Mental Health at Children's Hospital Colorado

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. Each child and family works with a team.

Who we are

Our team members include:

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

Family participation is a vital part of the program.

Who we serve

We serve children and adolescents ages 6 to 17 years. Symptoms that may prompt a referral to the program include:

• High levels of emotional distress including depression, anxiety and mania
• Thought disorders
• Behavioral difficulties such as out-of-control anger
• Self-harm and other high-risk behaviors
• Suicidal thoughts and behaviors

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.-2:30 p.m. The average stay is about two weeks, but it 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 to help children and teens function better in their usual settings. We provide a supportive, structured program that includes:

• Individual and family therapy
• Group therapy
• Behavioral therapy
• Medication evaluation and management
• 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.