When your teen is struggling with mental health, weekly therapy may not be enough. As a parent, the idea of a higher level of care can feel overwhelming, but a PHP for teens in Fresno isn’t something to fear. It’s a partial hospitalization program that gives young people the structure they need while still allowing them to come home each night.

Think of PHP as a day treatment for adolescents. It provides full-day mental health treatment in a safe, structured, and supportive environment while keeping families connected. For many families in Fresno County and across Central California, this is a key step on their teen’s mental health journey.

Don’t wait—get the guidance, support, and effective treatment your family needs today.

What Is a Partial Hospitalization Program?

A partial hospitalization program (PHP) is designed for teens ages 12–18 who need more than outpatient counseling or an intensive outpatient program IOP, but who don’t require inpatient residential treatment or full residential care. It’s considered one of the most effective teen treatment programs for mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, mood disorders, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, and eating disorders.

PHP provides a healing environment where seasoned and compassionate clinicians deliver evidence-based care through a mix of therapies, skill-building, and psychiatric care.

A Typical Day in PHP

Parents often ask what a day treatment program looks like. While every center may vary, a typical day in our PHP program includes:

• Individual therapy to explore personal struggles and create an individualized treatment plan
• Group therapy for peer support, learning coping strategies, and practicing emotional regulation
• Family therapy sessions to strengthen communication and help the entire family work together
• Experiential therapies like art therapy and music therapy to reduce stress and encourage creativity
• Academic support to help students keep up with schoolwork while receiving treatment
• Medication management if needed, as part of a personalized treatment approach

This structure creates a supportive environment that encourages healing while teaching skills teens can use every day.

Therapeutic Approaches You Can Expect

Our compassionate clinicians use a blend of evidence based methods to ensure effective treatment. This often includes:

• CBT and DBT for addressing negative thoughts, stress management, and building better habits
• Family therapy sessions to offer support and repair strained relationships
• Experiential therapies to help teens improve emotional regulation in creative, engaging ways
• Medication management and outpatient psychiatry to stabilize mental health conditions when appropriate

With a customized treatment plan, each teen gets the individualized care they deserve.

Why Families Play a Key Role

A big part of PHP involves families. Parents and caregivers aren’t just watching from the sidelines—they’re part of the treatment process. You can expect:

• Regular communication from the care team
• Family therapy and parent support built into the treatment plan
• Education about mental illness, substance use disorder, and other mental health concerns
• Help creating a smooth transition back into school and home life after PHP ends

This keeps progress consistent and helps empower teens to succeed long after the program finishes.

Reducing Stigma and Fear

It’s normal for parents to feel anxious when they hear the words partial hospitalization. But a PHP is not inpatient—it’s not about taking your child away. Instead, it’s about providing a safe space and the right level of mental healthcare for teens struggling with mental health.

PHP is not a last resort—it’s an effective treatment that gives young people and their loved ones the tools they need for long-term mental wellness. Many families see it as a turning point, a place where their teen begins to heal, build resilience, and regain hope.

Help Your Teen Build Resilience

If your teen is experiencing serious mental health concerns or showing signs of self-harm, substance use, or emotional withdrawal, it may be time to explore a partial hospitalization program. At Vitalize Behavioral Health, our clinicians provide PHP for teens that blends evidence-based care, personalized treatment, and family support to guide young people toward recovery.

We make the admissions process simple and clear, with insurances accepted and multiple locations to serve the Central Valley. Whether you’re in Fresno, CA, or nearby communities, our goal is to offer support, create a healing environment, and help your loved one take the next step toward healing.

Call us today to schedule a confidential consultation and learn more about our teen treatment programs in Fresno County. Together, we can create a path toward long-term mental wellness.