Partial Hospitalization Program

When your child is struggling with their mental health, finding the right treatment program can feel overwhelming. At Hillcrest Adolescent Treatment Center, we provide a supportive and structured environment where teens can focus on healing and growth. Our Adolescent Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) offers comprehensive care for adolescents ages 12–18, combining evidence-based therapies with compassionate support tailored to each teen’s unique needs.

Hillcrest is a place where safety, family involvement, and expert care come together to create a pathway to recovery. Whether your teen is navigating depression, anxiety, trauma, or other challenges, our team is here to guide them toward a brighter future.

What Is a Partial Hospitalization Program?

A Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) is a highly structured, intensive level of care designed for teens who need more support than outpatient therapy but do not require 24/7 residential care. At Hillcrest, our PHP bridges the gap between these levels of care, providing daily treatment while allowing your teen to return home in the evenings.

PHP offers a balance of therapeutic services and a consistent routine that promotes emotional regulation, skill development, and personal growth. This program is ideal for adolescents who need focused care but also benefit from the stability of being with their families.

What Is a Partial Hospitalization Program?

A Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) is a highly structured, intensive level of care designed for teens who need more support than outpatient therapy but do not require 24/7 residential care. At Hillcrest, our PHP bridges the gap between these levels of care, providing daily treatment while allowing your teen to return home in the evenings.

PHP offers a balance of therapeutic services and a consistent routine that promotes emotional regulation, skill development, and personal growth. This program is ideal for adolescents who need focused care but also benefit from the stability of being with their families.

teens in group therapy during PHP program

How To Know a PHP Is Right For Your Teen

Understanding whether a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) is the right step for your teen can feel daunting, but you don’t have to navigate this decision alone. Every adolescent’s mental health journey is unique, but there are key indicators that suggest your child could benefit from the structured and intensive support that an Adolescent Partial Hospitalization Program offers.

Here are some common signs that it may be time to consider PHP. 

  1. Persistent Mood Changes: Has your teen been experiencing prolonged periods of depression, anxiety, or irritability that seem to affect their ability to enjoy life or complete daily activities? Emotional fluctuations are normal during adolescence, but when these mood changes are intense, frequent, or interfere with relationships and responsibilities, it may indicate a need for professional intervention.
  2. Challenges with School Attendance or Performance: Academic struggles often reflect underlying emotional challenges. If your teen is avoiding school, struggling to keep up with assignments, or experiencing a noticeable decline in grades, it could be a sign that they’re overwhelmed by mental health issues. PHP provides the focused care and coping strategies your teen needs to rebuild confidence and manage these challenges.
  3. Difficulty Managing Emotions or Behavior at Home: Are conflicts, outbursts, or withdrawal becoming a daily occurrence in your household? Teens who struggle to regulate their emotions or behaviors may feel misunderstood or unsupported, which can lead to further isolation or frustration. PHP helps teens identify triggers, process emotions, and develop healthier ways of communicating and responding to stress.
  4. Recent Trauma, Grief, or Significant Life Changes: Major events, such as the loss of a loved one, a family separation, or an unexpected transition, can deeply impact a teen’s mental health. If your teen is having difficulty processing these changes or their emotions are manifesting as anxiety, anger, or depression, PHP offers a safe space for healing and emotional exploration.
  5. A Need for More Intensive Support Than Weekly Therapy Provides: Sometimes, weekly therapy sessions aren’t enough to address the complexities of your teen’s needs. If they require daily therapeutic interventions, a structured routine, or a higher level of accountability, PHP bridges the gap between outpatient therapy and inpatient care, ensuring they receive consistent, focused support.

How To Know a PHP Is Right For Your Teen

Understanding whether a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) is the right step for your teen can feel daunting, but you don’t have to navigate this decision alone. Every adolescent’s mental health journey is unique, but there are key indicators that suggest your child could benefit from the structured and intensive support that an Adolescent Partial Hospitalization Program offers.

Here are some common signs that it may be time to consider PHP. 

  1. Persistent Mood Changes: Has your teen been experiencing prolonged periods of depression, anxiety, or irritability that seem to affect their ability to enjoy life or complete daily activities? Emotional fluctuations are normal during adolescence, but when these mood changes are intense, frequent, or interfere with relationships and responsibilities, it may indicate a need for professional intervention.
  2. Challenges with School Attendance or Performance: Academic struggles often reflect underlying emotional challenges. If your teen is avoiding school, struggling to keep up with assignments, or experiencing a noticeable decline in grades, it could be a sign that they’re overwhelmed by mental health issues. PHP provides the focused care and coping strategies your teen needs to rebuild confidence and manage these challenges.
  3. Difficulty Managing Emotions or Behavior at Home: Are conflicts, outbursts, or withdrawal becoming a daily occurrence in your household? Teens who struggle to regulate their emotions or behaviors may feel misunderstood or unsupported, which can lead to further isolation or frustration. PHP helps teens identify triggers, process emotions, and develop healthier ways of communicating and responding to stress.
  4. Recent Trauma, Grief, or Significant Life Changes: Major events, such as the loss of a loved one, a family separation, or an unexpected transition, can deeply impact a teen’s mental health. If your teen is having difficulty processing these changes or their emotions are manifesting as anxiety, anger, or depression, PHP offers a safe space for healing and emotional exploration.
  5. A Need for More Intensive Support Than Weekly Therapy Provides: Sometimes, weekly therapy sessions aren’t enough to address the complexities of your teen’s needs. If they require daily therapeutic interventions, a structured routine, or a higher level of accountability, PHP bridges the gap between outpatient therapy and inpatient care, ensuring they receive consistent, focused support.
teens enter PHP program
When You’re Unsure, Let Us Help

It’s not always clear whether your teen’s struggles warrant PHP, but you don’t have to make this decision on your own. At Hillcrest Adolescent Treatment Center, our compassionate admissions team is here to help. Through an initial consultation, we’ll take the time to understand your child’s challenges, discuss their unique needs, and guide you toward the most appropriate level of care.

Making the choice to seek treatment can feel overwhelming, but remember: early intervention can make all the difference in your teen’s recovery journey. Reach out to Hillcrest today to learn how our Adolescent Partial Hospitalization Program can help your teen build the skills and resilience they need for a brighter future.

What Teens Will Experience at an Adolescent Partial Hospitalization Program

At Hillcrest, we create a structured and engaging environment where teens can focus on recovery while feeling supported and understood.

Engaging and Experiential Support

Our PHP is designed to keep teens actively engaged in their treatment. Alongside evidence-based therapy, we offer experiential activities like art therapy, mindfulness exercises, and recreational outings to foster creativity and connection.

Safety and Compassion

Your teen’s safety is our top priority. Hillcrest provides a secure, welcoming space where adolescents can openly express their feelings without fear of judgment. Our trained staff ensures each teen feels valued and cared for every step of the way.

Family Involvement

We believe family is a cornerstone of healing. That’s why we prioritize family therapy and regular communication with parents and guardians. At Hillcrest, families are active participants in their teen’s treatment journey, gaining tools to build stronger relationships and support long-term recovery.

Medication Management

For teens who need medication as part of their treatment plan, our team of psychiatrists provides careful oversight and ongoing support. We work closely with families to ensure medications are used safely and effectively to support your teen’s progress.

Life Skills Training

A key component of our Adolescent Partial Hospitalization Program is equipping teens with practical tools to thrive beyond treatment. 

Through life skills training, teens develop:

  • Healthy coping mechanisms for stress and emotions.
  • Communication and conflict resolution skills.
  • Time management and personal responsibility.
  • Techniques for maintaining positive mental health habits.

Structured Schedule

Teens thrive with structure, and our PHP offers a predictable daily routine that combines therapeutic activities with opportunities for relaxation and reflection. 

A typical day includes:

  • Morning mindfulness or grounding exercises.
  • Individual and group therapy sessions.
  • Skill-building workshops.
  • Breaks for meals, snacks, and socializing.
  • Experiential activities or educational support.

Individual Therapy

Each teen receives one-on-one therapy sessions with a licensed counselor to explore personal challenges, set goals, and celebrate progress. Individual therapy provides a safe space to address deep-seated emotions and develop a personalized plan for growth.

Group Therapy

Group therapy helps teens build connections and find shared understanding with peers. Led by experienced therapists, these sessions foster teamwork, empathy, and communication while addressing common issues like anxiety, self-esteem, and relationship challenges.

Aftercare

Recovery doesn’t end when PHP concludes. Hillcrest provides robust aftercare planning to ensure your teen’s progress continues. We collaborate with families to identify next steps, whether that’s transitioning to outpatient therapy, community resources, or academic support.

The Benefits of an Adolescent PHP

Choosing an Adolescent Partial Hospitalization Program for your teen can offer:

  • A higher level of care than traditional outpatient therapy.
  • A supportive and structured environment tailored to teens’ needs.
  • Family-focused healing and communication strategies.
  • A bridge between crisis care and long-term stability.
  • Tools and skills that empower teens to navigate life’s challenges with confidence.

Find the Support Your Teen Needs at Hillcrest Adolescent Treatment Center

At Hillcrest, we’re dedicated to helping teens and their families heal, grow, and thrive. If your child is struggling, our Adolescent Partial Hospitalization Program offers the expertise, compassion, and resources needed for lasting recovery.

Help your teen reclaim their well-being with Hillcrest’s supportive PHP. Contact us today to schedule a consultation or learn more about how we can help your family. Together, we’ll find the path forward.

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