When a teen is struggling with their mental health, treatment can help. In fact, professional treatment from an accredited provider can offer safe, effective support that teens can’t get from parents, guidance counselors, or mentors. There are several levels of care, ranging from inpatient care for immediate needs to outpatient care for flexible, individualized treatment. Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) offer treatment during the day, allowing teens to return home at night.

Family First offers a teen partial hospitalization program at our Palm Beach Gardens, FL, location, as well as our Pinnacle Day Program in Fort Lauderdale. We’re proud to support South Florida families and can work closely with yours to find treatment that works and fits your schedule. Call 888.904.5947 to get started.

PHP: The Basics

A PHP is a structured treatment program that provides comprehensive care during the day. Teens attend sessions most days a week, typically for several hours each day, but they are able to return home in the evenings. This balance allows them to receive the intensive support they need while staying connected to family and community life. PHP is often used as a step-down from inpatient care or as a step-up from outpatient treatment, providing flexible support when it’s most needed.

While enrolled in a PHP, teens have access to a variety of therapeutic services, including individual therapy, group therapy, and family counseling. They’ll learn skills to recognize and manage emotions, cope with stress, and improve relationships. This focused and supportive environment helps teens build stability while addressing the underlying issues contributing to their mental health challenges.

What’s Treated in a Partial Hospitalization Program?

Partial hospitalization care can be effective in treating a wide range of mental health conditions and concerns, including:

• Anxiety disorders
• Depression and other mood disorders
• Trauma-related disorders, like PTSD and CPTSD
• Self-harming behaviors
• Substance use issues

Each teen in a PHP will receive a personalized treatment plan, ensuring that they receive targeted interventions that address their unique challenges. By offering different therapies, PHP helps teens build coping skills, manage symptoms, and establish a healthy foundation for adulthood.

When Does Your Teen Need a PHP?

Knowing when your teen needs more help than traditional therapy can be difficult. A partial hospitalization program may be appropriate if your teen is:

• Struggling with severe anxiety or depression that impacts daily functioning
• Experiencing frequent mood swings or intense emotional outbursts
• Engaging in self-harm or other risky behaviors
• Having trouble coping with school, friendships, or family relationships
• Not responding well to traditional outpatient therapy

A PHP provides a higher level of care without the need for full-time hospitalization, making it a good fit for teens who need intensive support while still maintaining some independence at home.

Our Approach at Family First

At Family First, we don’t punish teens for acting out. Instead, we help them explore the root causes of their emotions so they can find healthier ways to express them. Our approach involves providing a safe and supportive environment where teens feel heard and understood. We focus on uncovering what is driving each behavior, allowing us to tailor treatment plans that truly address the needs of both the teen and their family.

Parents are an essential part of the treatment process at Family First. While teens receive over four therapy sessions a week, parents are also involved in creating and following through with the treatment plan. This family-centered approach helps ensure everyone is on the same page.

Our program groups are intentionally kept small—typically with 6–14 participants—so that each teen receives personalized attention and care. This allows us to meet every teen where they are and provide the individualized support they need to thrive.

Call Family First for Treatment

It’s not easy finding the right care for your teen. Our PHP is designed to provide compassionate, effective treatment that helps teens regain stability and move toward a healthier future. With a focus on personalized care, our team works closely with families to ensure every adolescent receives the support they need.

If your teen is struggling and you’re not sure what level of care is best, reach out to Family First online or at 888.904.5947 today.