Our Approach to Care in the Partial Hospitalization Program

Our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) provides stabilization for mental health concerns that affect school, family life and personal well-being — all while minimizing time away from home and school. 

Our PHP empowers parents and caregivers to play an active role in their child’s treatment and recovery, both in the program and at home because decades of research show that family involvement is crucial to successful mental health recovery.

Our team teaches families and children the coping and emotional-regulation skills they need during the program and beyond. In our PHP, children and teens spend a majority of their day in group settings, participating in experiential and exposure groups, where they can experience strong emotions in a safe environment with therapeutic support and practice applying the skills they are learning. The goal of these groups is to allow children and teens to more effectively use these skills at home and in their school and community.

How we work with your child 

Our PHP provides intensive, evidence-based treatment for children and teens ages 6 to 17 who are experiencing a mental health challenge. Once enrolled, participants join a program that runs for 12 weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Parent and caregiver involvement is a key component of our PHP, with families participating approximately three hours per week. 

Parents and caregivers join weekly groups focused on supporting them in learning strategies to help their child successfully use the skills they’ve learned in our PHP while at home and in their community. You'll also participate in daily check-ins and receive materials that help you learn the skills your child is learning in PHP. Each care plan is tailored to your child’s specific challenges and goals. The  PHP journey generally has three phases:

• Evaluation: We assess your child’s mental health needs, identify the right level of care and develop an individualized care plan.
• During treatment: Children learn and strengthen skills to manage emotions and behaviors, while families gain tools to support growth and recovery at home.
• After treatment: When the program ends, your family works with our care transitions team and peer supports to receive continued care at the right level for your child. We also work closely with partners in the community, including other mental health providers and schools, to support each child’s continued progress.

Your child's care plan may include coping and emotional regulation skill-building, experiential groups to practice new skills, creative arts therapy and working on daily school assignments. We group children with consideration for age and developmental abilities to ensure that care is relatable and effective. Your child’s treatment team may recommend individual and group-based accommodations and modifications as needed. Parents and caregivers participate in the program through family therapy, daily check-ins and education sessions to learn strategies that reinforce their child’s growth at home.

What is the Unified Protocol?

Our team uses an adaptation of the Unified Protocol for Emotional Disorders in Children and Adolescents that was specifically developed and evaluated for use in our PHP. The Unified Protocol is an evidence-based therapy model that helps children and teens build the skills they need to manage strong emotions and challenging behaviors. Rather than focusing only on a diagnosis, this approach is transdiagnostic, meaning it supports children experiencing a broad range of concerns, such as anxiety, mood changes, emotional dysregulation or high-risk behaviors. Our focus is on teaching young people skills to manage their internal experiences and external behaviors in safer, more effective ways, regardless of their diagnosis.

A key part of the Unified Protocol is exposure-based therapy. In a safe and supportive setting, children learn to confront, process and manage distressing emotions, gradually gaining confidence in their ability to handle hurdles. Through group skill-building and guided practice, they discover new strategies for responding to stress and navigating everyday challenges. Throughout treatment, our team provides thoughtful, trauma-informed and developmentally responsive care, honoring each child’s lived experiences and building on their strengths.  

Why a family-centered approach is important for care 

Families are not just participants in our PHP; they are essential partners in their child’s healing. Research shows that when caregivers are supported and empowered, children experience stronger and more lasting outcomes. 

Throughout the program, parents and caregivers learn practical tools to build on the skills their child is developing in treatment. By the time families transition out of the program and into outpatient support, they usually feel more confident in continuing progress at home, at school and in the community.