Can Teens Attend a Partial Hospitalization Program While Still Going to School?

Yes, teens can absolutely attend a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) while still going to school, depending on their specific needs and treatment schedule. At Hope’s Destiny, our Teen PHP runs five days a week, 4 to 5 hours per day, making it possible for many students to balance their mental health care with ongoing academic responsibilities. This blog walks you through how a teen PHP can be flexibly structured around school, what the daily schedule looks like, and how families and schools can work together to support your child’s recovery without sacrificing education.

Understanding Teen PHP: How It Works

A Partial Hospitalization Program provides structured, intensive mental health treatment while allowing teens to return home each evening. Think of it as a middle ground between traditional outpatient therapy and full hospitalization. Teens typically attend the program during daytime hours, participating in a comprehensive treatment schedule that includes individual therapy, group sessions, skill-building activities, and medication management when needed. Every program starts with a biopsychosocial assessment to understand your teen’s unique challenges and a psychiatric evaluation to ensure the treatment plan addresses both mental health and any co-occurring substance use issues.

The program is designed specifically for adolescents, recognizing their unique developmental needs and challenges. Each day, teens work with licensed mental health professionals who specialize in adolescent care, including therapists, psychiatrists, and mental health counselors. Treatment plans are personalized, addressing specific challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, or other mental health concerns that may be affecting both academic and personal life.

Unlike inpatient care, PHP does not require overnight stays, making it a flexible yet structured option for families. Teens benefit from a consistent routine while still maintaining connections to home, school, and their community. The program typically runs for several weeks, with the length of treatment adjusted based on each teen’s progress and individual needs. This structured yet flexible approach helps ensure that teens can work toward recovery while maintaining as much normalcy as possible in their daily lives.

Balancing Treatment and Education

PHP programs are specifically designed to work alongside academic commitments. At Hope’s Destiny, we understand that maintaining educational progress is crucial for your teen’s future success and self-esteem.

Most schools recognize mental health treatment as a valid medical necessity and will work with families to create accommodations that support their needs. These might include modified schedules, extended deadlines for assignments, or hybrid learning options. Our treatment team actively collaborates with your teen’s school, providing documentation and maintaining open communication to ensure academic needs are met during treatment.

Many teens find that addressing their mental health challenges through PHP actually improves their academic performance in the long run. By learning effective coping mechanisms, stress management techniques, and receiving appropriate support, students often return to full-time school with better focus, improved emotional regulation, and stronger study skills. The goal is not just to maintain academics during treatment, but to help your teen develop tools that will enhance their educational success moving forward.

A Look at the Daily Schedule

Understanding what a typical day looks like in PHP can help ease anxiety about the program. At Hope’s Destiny, we maintain a structured yet flexible schedule that promotes healing while accommodating individual needs. Our program runs Monday through Friday, with sessions typically lasting 4-5 hours each day.

Here’s what your teen can expect in a typical day:

• Morning check-ins to assess your emotional state and set daily goals
• Mindfulness exercises to start the day
• Review of the previous day’s progress
• Individual therapy with an assigned counselor
• Group therapy focusing on specific themes
• Skill-building workshops (anxiety management, communication skills)
• Psychiatric consultation when scheduled
• Adjunctive therapies to promote both emotional expression and healing
• Nutritional support and wellness education
• Progress review and goal assessment
• Next-day planning
• Group support and reflection

Throughout the day, teens participate in evidence-based treatments while receiving support from our experienced clinical team. The schedule includes regular breaks and opportunities for snacks or lunch, ensuring your teen maintains comfortable energy levels throughout the treatment process.

For teens managing both mental health and substance use challenges, we seamlessly integrate dual diagnosis care into this daily structure. Family involvement is also scheduled strategically, with regular updates and family therapy sessions arranged at convenient times.

Academic Coordination and Support

We take a proactive approach to ensuring your teen’s academic progress continues during treatment. Our educational coordination team works closely with schools to develop comprehensive academic support plans that meet both educational requirements and treatment needs.

When your teen enters our program, we:

• Establish direct communication with school administrators and teachers
• Request and review current academic plans and requirements
• Help arrange necessary academic accommodations
• Coordinate with school counselors for additional support
• Assist in developing modified learning schedules when needed

We understand that every school district has different policies and requirements. Our experienced staff can help navigate these systems, ensuring proper documentation is in place for excused absences and academic modifications. Many schools offer options such as:

• Temporary remote learning arrangements
• Modified assignment deadlines
• Abbreviated school days
• Tutorial support
• Testing accommodations

Our goal is to minimize academic disruption while maximizing the benefits of treatment. We’ve found that when schools and treatment providers work together effectively, teens are better positioned to succeed both in their recovery and their studies. Regular progress updates are shared with both families and schools (with appropriate consent), ensuring everyone stays aligned in supporting your teen’s success.

Ready to learn more about how our Teen PHP program can help your child thrive? Our caring team is here to answer your questions. Contact Hope’s Destiny today at 215-935-4191 or schedule a confidential consultation. Your teen’s journey to better mental health starts here.

What Parents Want to Know

What types of therapy are used in the Teen PHP program?

Our program utilizes evidence-based treatments, including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT). These approaches help teens develop practical skills for managing emotions, improving relationships, and creating positive behavioral changes. Treatment is tailored to each teen’s specific needs and goals.

How are treatment goals established and monitored?

Treatment goals are developed collaboratively during the initial assessment, incorporating input from the teen, family, and our clinical team. Goals are regularly reviewed and adjusted based on progress. We focus on measurable outcomes while remaining flexible to address emerging needs throughout the treatment process.

What happens if my teen misses a day of PHP?

Consistent participation is key to successful treatment outcomes. While we understand that occasional absences may be due to illness or federal holidays, we work with families to maintain regular attendance. Our team provides make-up sessions when possible and adjusts treatment plans to ensure continued progress.

How long does the Teen PHP program typically last?

The length of treatment varies based on individual needs and progress toward treatment goals. Most teens participate in the program for 4-6 weeks, although some may require longer or shorter stays. Our clinical team regularly assesses progress and works with families to determine the appropriate duration of treatment.