Adolescent Program

Friends Hospital's Adolescent Program provides specialized care for young people, ages 13 to 18, suffering from a full spectrum of psychiatric or emotional difficulties, including but not limited to mood and anxiety disorders, psychotic illness,  disruptive behavior disorders, drug and alcohol abuse, post traumatic stress syndrome and other emotional complications. The goal of the program is to identify and stabilize the acute psychiatric problems that bring adolescents into care and work with them through family and group therapies in order to return to home, school or outpatient treatment as quickly and safely as possible where they may continue recovery.

Program Description

The inpatient program is for adolescents, ages 13 to 18, whose psychiatric symptoms prevent them from functioning safely in the home, school or community. Skilled psychiatric care is provided around the clock, seven days a week.

Families are important contributors to treatment and therefore family involvement is encouraged and expected, including visitation, family therapy and parent groups.

In an inpatient hospital setting, adolescents will have a high level of structure and cognitive behavioral treatment. Daily activities may include social skills, academic instruction, family therapy, coping skills development, expressive therapy and group therapy, substance abuse or eating disorders groups, and individual therapy.

Staff works closely with families and schools to make sure that the adolescent leaves the inpatient setting with appropriate follow-up care in place.

Treatment Team

Each young person and family in the program works with a treatment team consisting of a board certified psychiatrist,
program director, family specialist, recreation specialist, educational specialist, psychiatric nurses, and other mental health specialists. Members of this team have extensive experience and training in child and adolescent care. 

Program Highlights

  • Individualized treatment based on cognitive behavioral and family systems models of therapy 
  • Daily focus on problem solving/coping skills
  • Individual therapy & small group & family therapy sessions
  • Intensive family support, including parent support information group
  • Academic tutoring
  • Comprehensive discharge planning
  • Private rooms with access to an enclosed outdoor courtyard
  • Located on private 100-acre campus

Evaluation and Admissions

For more information or to schedule an evaluation, call 1-800-889-0548.