Teen Mental Health Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

HopeWay’s Teen Mental Health Program runs Monday–Friday, 8:30am–3:30pm. Teens receive a full day of structured therapeutic programming designed to support emotional regulation, skill-building, and overall teen mental wellness. Click here to view an example schedule.

Length of stay varies based on the individual’s symptoms and clinical progress. On average, clients are in our Teen Mental Health PHP for eight to ten weeks. Our Clinical & Medical Teams meet weekly to review each client’s progress and determine ongoing treatment needs based on medical necessity.

Caregivers know their teen best. Any noticeable change in a teen’s typical behavior pattern can be a sign that they may benefit from therapy. This may include shifts in how much they socialize, sleep, or eat, as well as increased isolation or difficulty managing emotions. Many families seek support when teens struggle to complete daily tasks or show early warning signs of teen mental health concerns. In some cases, acute symptoms may indicate a need for more urgent assessment or hospitalization.
 

It is normal for teens to feel sad or stressed at times when something sad or stressful happens. However, persistent patterns of these behaviors can signal a need for professional support.

• Signs of teen depression may include extremely low moods, feelings of hopelessness or helplessness, low self-esteem, loss of motivation, withdrawal from activities, or changes in sleep and appetite.
• Common signs of teen anxiety include rumination, difficulty concentrating, sensitivity to criticism, avoidance, social withdrawal, declining grades or school refusal, sleep disturbances, headaches, stomachaches, or substance use.

It’s completely normal for teens to experience stress as they navigate school, friendships, and growing independence. However, when stress becomes overwhelming, persistent, or begins to impact daily functioning, such as changes in mood, sleep, appetite, school performance, or social withdrawal, it may signal something more serious. If these concerns continue or intensify, a mental health evaluation can help determine what support your teen may need.

• Inpatient: A locked unit for individuals who are unsafe to themselves or others. This is typically a short-term stay (3–6 days) focused on safety and stabilization.
• Residential Treatment: A voluntary, longer-term program compared to inpatient treatment. Clients see their psychiatrist and therapist weekly, attend daily group therapy, have 24/7 access to medical staff, and receive medication support. Residential treatment provides an opportunity for clients to receive 24/7 care while learning the tools to effectively manage their mental health condition.
• Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): A 5-day-a-week program that provides a similar therapeutic structure to Residential Treatment but allows clients to return home at night. This is the model used in HopeWay’s Teen PHP program.
• Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): Typically 3–5 days a week for 3–4 hours per day.

Determining the appropriate level of care can feel overwhelming. Our Admissions Team, made up of licensed clinicians, supports families from the first inquiry through admission. Through a comprehensive clinical assessment, they gather clinical, social and medical history, and ask for medical records and psychological testing, if available, to recommend the most appropriate level of care for your teen.

A teen’s sessions are confidential unless they are a danger to themselves or someone else. Depending on who has access to the teen’s electronic health record, caregivers may see certain test results (e.g., drug screens), so therapists encourage teens to share information with caregivers directly when appropriate. If substance use or impulsive behaviors put a teen at risk, confidentiality may need to be broken to ensure safety.
 

Caregivers receive updates during weekly family sessions. If the psychiatrist is unable to attend the family session, which is rare, they will follow up separately with the caregiver.

Families play an essential role in the treatment process. Caregivers participate in a weekly one-hour Family Therapy group designed to provide both support and practical skills (a 50/50 blend). In addition to this group, caregivers will also engage in individual family therapy sessions with their teen as clinically indicated. Family involvement is highly encouraged to ensure teens return to a supportive, informed environment. Through psychoeducation, caregivers learn what to look for, how to communicate concerns, and how to best support their teen’s ongoing progress. Attendance at family therapy appointments is required.

Our Aftercare Team collaborates with each client to determine what support they need after discharge. The Aftercare Specialist helps schedule ongoing appointments with therapists, psychiatrists, or other providers and assists with coordinating additional resources to support ongoing recovery.

We are in-network with most major insurance carriers, including:

• Aetna
• Blue Cross and Blue Shield
• Carolina Behavioral Health Alliance
• Magellan
• MedCost
• United Behavioral Health
   

Our Teen Mental Health Program serves teens ages 12–17. If a teen turns 18 while in treatment, they will be eligible to apply for care at HopeWay’s adult mental health campus at 1717 Sharon Road West.

We partner with a local hotel to offer discounted rates. We also work with the Ronald McDonald House, and your Admissions Specialist can submit a referral for families who are interested. Some families choose to arrange their own lodging through Airbnb or VRBO.