Westminster’s Leading Adolescent Partial Hospitalization Treatment Program (PHP)

A partial hospitalization program may be beneficial for teens who need structured support but do not require round-the-clock monitoring. Key features of our adolescent PHP include: 

• Care plans tailored to individual needs and goals 
• Access to an experienced and compassionate team of professionals 
• Evidence-based techniques to promote long-term wellness 
• Medical and therapeutic support 
• Regular progress evaluations to guide care decisions 
• An environment that encourages collective growth and healing 
• Aftercare resources that pave the way for continued success 

Through these combined elements, we strive to equip adolescents with the tools and strategies they need to thrive today and in the years to come. 

Daily process and psychoeducational groups make up the bulk of our adolescent PHP. Licensed therapists lead these sessions, covering topics such as trauma, coping skills, self-esteem, and healthy boundaries. Additionally, our certified experiential therapists facilitate art therapy sessions, allowing young people to express themselves in a creative way.   

We also offer a variety of evidence-based practices, like: 

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Negative thoughts, for example, can lead to negative feelings and harmful actions. Using CBT, therapists aim to help adolescents identify and change these unhelpful patterns. 
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): A modified form of CBT, dialectical behavior therapy is designed to teach young people how to manage overwhelming emotions, cultivate self-awareness, and communicate effectively with others. 
• Motivational interviewing (MI): Motivational interviewing is a collaborative approach that helps adolescents explore their own motivations for change. Counselors use open-ended questions and empathetic listening to encourage patients to examine their current behaviors, identify what they truly want for their future, and take proactive steps toward reaching their goals.  

In addition to our therapeutic offerings, we provide medication management services for those who need them. A psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner (NP) will conduct a medical evaluation for each patient within 24 hours of admission and then as needed throughout their time in the adolescent partial hospitalization program. 

Our team works together to choose the therapies and services that will best support each adolescent throughout their healing process. 

Young people can enter the adolescent PHP at West Pines directly by stepping down from a higher level of care or by stepping up from a lower level of care. To be eligible for admission, adolescents must meet some or all of the following criteria: 

• Primary mental health disorder diagnosis 
• Ages 13-17 
• Severe emotional or behavioral symptoms that cause significant disruption in at least two areas of life, such as self-care, school performance, and relationships 
• Requires brief, focused support to develop coping skills and improve overall functioning 
• Needs ongoing structured care following discharge from a more intensive setting like inpatient or residential care 
• Stable enough to participate in all aspects of the program 
• Demonstrates a desire to actively engage in the program and work toward therapeutic goals 
• Has a reliable and supportive social network 
• Does not pose any danger to themselves or others 

Steps in the admissions process include: 

• Initial contact: Call us at any time or visit our hospital in Westminster, Colorado, during business hours to speak with a licensed specialist. They will answer any questions you may have and help you schedule an assessment, either in person or over the phone. 
• Assessment: During the assessment, the staff member will gather information about the adolescent’s medical history and presenting symptoms.  
• Recommendation and admission: We will review the assessment to determine the most appropriate level of care for the teen. If we recommend our adolescent PHP, we will explain the program in detail and proceed with the admission. 

The moment your child arrives at our campus in Westminster, we start planning for the next stage of their journey. A case manager, psychiatrists, your child, and you (the parent or support system) work together to create a detailed aftercare plan. This plan may include ongoing therapy, additional outpatient services, or other community resources to help your child succeed.  

Throughout the program, our team regularly reviews your child’s progress and adjusts their aftercare plan as needed. By doing so, we can provide the right support at the right time and keep them on track to meet their treatment goals.  

By the time your child is ready to transition out of our adolescent PHP, they will have a clear roadmap of what lies ahead. Whether it’s continued care at our Colorado hospital, from local providers, or at home, they will be well-prepared and supported as they move forward in their healing journey.  

At West Pines Behavioral Hospital, your child can receive the highest quality of care in a safe and nurturing space. From admissions to discharge, our team will be by their side.  

If your child is struggling with a mental health condition, please get in touch with us today. Our assessment specialists are available any time, day or night, to provide further details on our adolescent PHP or the other comprehensive services we offer.