What Is Adolescent PHP?

Adolescent PHP is a voluntary, full-day outpatient program that runs Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.. Teens can attend in person or virtually, depending on what works best for your family. Lunch is provided for those attending in person.

The program is designed for teens who need more structure and supervision than weekly therapy can offer. It’s also a common step-down option following an inpatient stay, helping teens transition back to daily life with continued support.

Daily attendance is required, with limited exceptions. Any planned absence should be discussed with program staff in advance.

Who Can the Program Help?

The program serves adolescents ages 13 to 18. Teens who are 18 years old are accepted if they’re still in high school.

PHP at Branches South Shore can support teens who are managing concerns including:

• Depression: Persistent sadness, low motivation or difficulty functioning at home and school
• Anxiety disorders: Ongoing worry, panic or fear that disrupts daily life
• Mood disorders: Emotional dysregulation or mood instability affecting relationships and behavior
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Symptoms related to past trauma, including flashbacks, avoidance or hypervigilance
• Co-occurring substance use issues: When mental health concerns and substance use are present at the same time

What the Program Offers

The adolescent PHP is built around each teen’s social, emotional and mental health needs at home, at school and in the community. Treatment is individualized, and the clinical team works collaboratively with patients and families throughout the process.

Programming includes:

• Mental health evaluation: An in-depth assessment by a psychiatrist to understand your teen’s mental health history and current concerns
• Group therapy: Multiple therapeutic groups each day focused on building skills, processing emotions and connecting with peers
• Coping skill-building: Practical tools to help teens manage stress, regulate emotions and express their feelings in healthy ways
• Medication management: Ongoing evaluation and monitoring of mental health medications when needed
• Individual check-ins with a case manager: Regular one-on-one time to review progress and adjust the treatment plan as your teen grows
• Discharge and aftercare planning: A clear plan for what comes next, including referrals to outpatient providers, school re-entry support and community resources
• Collaboration with families, schools and outpatient providers: The team coordinates care across all the settings that matter to your teen’s recovery

Academic support during treatment

Missing school can add stress to an already hard time. That’s why the program provides academic tutoring during the school year — one hour each day — to help teens keep up with their coursework.

The team works directly with teachers and guidance counselors to obtain lesson plans, so teens don’t fall behind while they focus on their mental health. When it’s time to transition back to school, the team helps create a re-entry plan that supports a smooth return.

Sample Daily/Group Schedule

Taking the Next Step

Getting your teen the right support takes courage. You don’t have to have all the answers right now — that’s what the team at Branches South Shore is here for. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver or referring provider, we can help you figure out what comes next.

Call 781-924-8203 to schedule a level-of-care assessment, available in person or virtually.

Compassionate, Understanding Behavioral Health Support