Day Treatment

Sometimes teens need extra support as they transition home or to independence following successful residential or inpatient treatment. When this occurs, a day treatment program is an excellent option. Depending on where you live in the country, this can also be called Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) or Day Treatment Program (DTP). This level of care allows clients to live at home and attend school or work while receiving the support they need to maintain the goals they achieved during treatment. Typically, day treatment programs consist of structured, in-person therapy sessions that the client may attend several times per week, depending on his/her goals and needs. Teens who are able to cope while at home, but just need some extra support are good candidates for day treatment programs.

Many day treatment programs for teens offer educational services and therapeutic activities as well as comprehensive treatment. These programs can help teens with mental, cognitive, behavioral, and emotional distress to improve functioning and overall well-being as they learn to manage their symptoms. Some day treatment programs also specialize in treating substance abuse issues.

Among the advantages of a day treatment program is the lower cost compared to an inpatient program. Also, the teen is able to live at home while receiving therapeutic treatment. Day programs can also be an excellent transition from inpatient care to outpatient care. Finally, day treatment programs typically have more resources than are available in a traditional outpatient therapy setting.

The goals of a day treatment program are to help individuals manage feelings such as sadness or rage, increase individuals’ self-esteem, provide parents and other family members with support and information, improve communication skills, treat difficult behavioral issues such as substance abuse, family problems, etc., and to provide structured therapeutic opportunities.

Common Questions

Q: How long is the duration of a day treatment program?

A: The length of time someone spends in day treatment will depend on his/her unique needs. Some may need a few sessions per week, while others will require less. Program staff will work with the client to create a treatment plan that will help him/her achieve his/her goals.