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Outpatient Programs for Adolescents

We treat adolescents who struggle with psychological, emotional or significant behavioral problems in school, at home or in the community. Our outpatient programs offer evidence-based, focused interventions to help ensure enough stability to prevent an inpatient hospitalization or support the transition home following a hospital stay. Partial hospitalization (PHP) is the highest level of outpatient care with more physician visits, four groups a day and family therapy to help adolescents progress toward recovery. As patients improve they can step down to Intensive outpatient (IOP) which includes three groups a day and focuses on applying new skills to help them transition back into the community.

Fast Facts:

Hours: 8:30am – 2:30pm (We will move to our summer schedule effective May 28th. The summer program hours will be 9:30am – 2:30pm)
Adolescents are ages 12 to 17
Board-certified teen and adolescent psychiatrist
Group therapy
Weekly family therapy (PHP program only)
Parenting classes available to provide tips and resources
Coursework through the University of Texas Charter School
Skill building, anger management and conflict resolution

Treatment Overview:

Physician consultation: The psychiatrist meets with your teen to supervise care and medication needs.
Case management: The therapist will help manage your teen’s care. You and your teen will participate in developing an individualized treatment plan.
Family therapy: The treatment team arranges family therapy sessions to maintain progress within the family unit.
Nursing: Your teen can meet with a nurse to address health or medication issues.
Comprehensive discharge planning: The staff will assist you and your teen with referrals and support upon your teen’s discharge.
Group therapy: Group therapy allows your teen to work on any issues or concerns. The groups are based in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) including Trauma Focused CBT. The following groups are offered five days a week:
- Focus groups: Group therapy that focuses on treatment goals.
- Process groups: Group therapy that allows your teen to work through thoughts, feelings, behaviors and concerns with support from the therapist and peers.
- Psychoeducational groups: Group therapy that allows patients to better understand their diagnosis, treatment and recovery.
- Expressive therapy groups: Group therapy that allows your teen to identify feelings and strengths and improve communication skills.
- The University of Texas Charter School: Offers Core curriculum so that your teen can stay on track academically while in therapy. Recognized by the Texas Education Association, UT Charter School courses are presented in a tutorial self-paced model. Following discharge, grades are sent to the teen’s home school upon request.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I enroll my teen and do I need a referral?
No referral is needed. To schedule an appointment for a no cost onsite assessment, call 512-440-4800. Calls are taken 24 hours a day/7 days a week.

How long will my teen be in the program?
The average length of stay is 2 to 6 weeks between the two programs. Discharge is dependent on improvement. Progress is reviewed with the psychiatrist, therapist and insurance.

How do I get information on my teen’s progress?
Your teen’s therapist is available by phone daily and during family therapy sessions. The Daily at Home Point Sheet is a good way to communicate with the therapists, nurses and teachers.

How do I address school issues throughout my teen’s stay?
The University of Texas Charter School is in contact with your teen’s home school. Special concerns can be addressed with the academic staff.