A young girl in a group therapy session for teen mental health treatment at Pillars Health Group in Concord, MA.

Outpatient Mental Health Treatment for Teens in Concord, MA

Shawn Kelly Clinical Director

This article was clinically reviewed by Shawn Kelly, LMHC | Clinical Director | Clinical Review Policy

At our Concord, MA location, we are dedicated to supporting teens by providing them with the tools they need to strengthen their emotional well-being and mental health. Our goal is to help adolescents heal and grow through a balanced combination of individual therapy, group counseling, and peer support designed specifically for teens. We focus on reshaping negative thought patterns into healthier perspectives, empowering teens to build confidence, resilience, and the skills needed to thrive as they move toward a happier, more balanced life.

We offer a variety of outpatient teen mental health treatment programs. They’re tailored to meet the unique needs of teenagers facing emotional, behavioral, or psychological challenges. By integrating evidence-based clinical services with age-appropriate therapeutic approaches, we ensure each teen receives personalized care in a supportive and understanding environment.

Starting With a Comprehensive Assessment

At admission, a thorough biopsychosocial assessment is conducted to uncover any underlying mental health concerns contributing to the behaviors your teen may be experiencing. This evaluation takes into account the social, biological, and psychological factors influencing your child’s development.

Using this in-depth assessment, our master’s-level clinicians determine the most appropriate level of care and develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your teen’s unique needs. Additionally, to support your family beyond treatment, our team will connect you with external resources and help establish a plan for continued care after your child completes the outpatient program.

Half-Day and Full-Day Outpatient Treatment Programs

Both our Half-Day and Full-Day Outpatient Treatment Programs are designed to offer strong, consistent support for teens. While structured, these programs are flexible and can be tailored to fit your family’s specific needs and schedule. Through therapy and skill-building, teens learn to better manage their emotions, improve communication, and develop healthy coping strategies they can use in everyday life.

Full-Day Teen Treatment Program

Our Full-Day Outpatient Treatment Program for teens, often referred to as a partial hospitalization program (PHP), provides comprehensive care and supervision throughout the day. Teens are typically encouraged to attend five days per week, and the schedule includes dedicated academic support. For those not currently enrolled in school, this time can be used for mindfulness practices and personal growth activities. We work closely with you and your child to create a schedule that best fits your family’s needs.

Half-Day Teen Treatment Program

Our Half-Day Teen Outpatient Treatment Program, commonly known as an intensive outpatient program (IOP), is designed for families who want their teen to remain enrolled in school while receiving treatment. This option allows for a modified school schedule during care. Half-Day treatment offers structured support for part of the day, giving teens the opportunity to apply the skills they’ve learned in real-life settings after school. We offer two scheduling options as follows:

Half-Day Schedule Option 1

9:00am – 9:30amCheck-in
9:30am – 10:00amMindfulness & Enrichment
10:00am – 10:45amCognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Group
10:45am – 12:00pmDialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Group
12:00pm – 12:30pmProcess & Wrap-up

Half-Day Schedule Option 2

11:00am – 12:00pmDialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Group
12:00pm – 12:30pmLunch
12:30pm – 1:00pmMindfulness & Enrichment
1:00pm – 2:00pmCognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Group
2:00pm – 2:30pmPracticing Therapeutic Skills
2:30pm – 3:30pmProcess & Wrap-up

After School Programming (Option 3)

4:00pm – 4:30pmCheck-in
4:30pm – 5:30pmCognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Group
5:30pm – 6:30pmDialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Group
6:30pm – 7:00pmProcess & Wrap-up

Both the Half-Day and Full-Day Teen Outpatient Programs include weekly individual therapy sessions, biweekly case management, and additional support as needed. Parents and guardians receive regular updates, including weekly progress reports, schedule or program changes, and practical guidance on how to support and reinforce the skills their teen is developing in treatment.

After completing either program, teens and their families are supported through our Aftercare Planning. Aftercare Planning helps reinforce the skills learned during treatment, encourage continued emotional growth, and support teens as they build independence, confidence, and long-term stability.

Academic Support

Maintaining Academic Continuity

One of the first questions parents often ask is, “What about my child’s schoolwork?” It’s an important concern. We recognize that falling behind academically during treatment can lead to added challenges like stress, anxiety, shame, and low self-esteem. That’s why academic continuity is a key component of our teen outpatient programs.

Our state-certified teacher works directly with your teen’s school to collect assignments and coordinate coursework, helping ensure your child stays on track and keeps up with their peers while receiving the care they need.

Clinical Treatment

Our clinical services for teen mental health treatment include comprehensive psychiatric evaluations and medication management when appropriate. For teens experiencing co-occurring mental health conditions alongside substance use or early-stage addiction, we provide specialized dual-diagnosis treatment designed to address both challenges at the same time. This integrated approach helps improve long-term outcomes, supports emotional stability, and reduces the risk of relapse.

For adolescents who require a higher level of care before beginning outpatient treatment, we also offer detox outplacement services. When needed, we coordinate referrals to trusted, teen-appropriate detox facilities to ensure safety and continuity of care prior to transitioning into our outpatient programs.

An adolescent getting teen mental health treatment at Pillars Health Group in Concord, MA.
A young girl getting teen mental health treatment at Pillars Health Group in Concord, MA.
A young man getting teen mental health treatment at Pillars Health Group in Concord, MA.

For teens who need a higher level of care, we offer Full-Day and Half-Day Outpatient Treatment programs designed to provide consistent structure and support. Each program offers a well-balanced schedule of therapeutic services tailored to meet the developmental, emotional, and academic needs of adolescents.

Therapeutic Care

Beyond clinical services, we offer a wide range of outpatient therapy options designed specifically for teens. Individual therapy provides adolescents with a safe, private space to explore their thoughts, emotions, and challenges with a trusted therapist. Group therapy allows teens to connect with peers who may be facing similar struggles, fostering understanding, support, and a sense of belonging. Our trauma-informed therapy approach ensures a safe and supportive environment for teens to process past experiences at their own pace.

We also utilize evidence-based therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), which help teens develop healthier thought patterns, improve emotional regulation, build effective coping skills, and respond more constructively to stress. For families seeking added flexibility, our telehealth services make it possible for teens to receive consistent, high-quality care from the comfort and safety of home.

Teen Treatment FAQs

What if my teen can’t commit to the schedule for the Half-Day or Full-Day Outpatient Treatment Program?

If you’re concerned about your child being able to commit to the Half-Day or Full-Day schedules, no worries. Our counselors are here to help. Regardless of their schedule and commitments, we’re willing to work with you and them to design a treatment program that’ll fit both of your goals, schedules, and needs. Let us help you both find a flexible path towards healing.

What’s the difference between outpatient and inpatient treatment?

In outpatient treatment, your child can maintain their daily schooling and responsibilities while still getting the help and resources they need to promote emotional growth. Inpatient treatment involves living at a facility and receiving constant 24/7care. At Pillars Health Group, we specialize in outpatient treatment, and we do not provide inpatient treatment.

How long does outpatient treatment typically last?

Outpatient treatment will typically last 8 to 12 weeks, but it can be longer or shorter depending on your child’s unique treatment needs and progress.

Can my child still get schoolwork and homework done during teen outpatient treatment?

Yes! This is foundational to our outpatient care. Our instructors will reach out to your child’s school to make sure they’re getting the schoolwork and resources they need to keep pace with their classmates.

Is outpatient treatment confidential?

Yes, outpatient treatment at Pillars Health Group is completely confidential. HIPAA laws dictate that treatment providers like Pillars maintain your and your child’s confidentiality.

Can I be involved in my child’s treatment plan?

Yes, you and other family members can be involved in your child’s treatment plan, and family support is provided. All of our teen treatment programs offer collaborative family services.

Will my insurance cover teen outpatient treatment?

Most health insurance plans will cover teen outpatient treatment to some extent. If you’re unsure that your insurance will cover outpatient treatment for your child, please fill out this simple form, and we’ll verify your coverage. We want to make the process stress-free and simple.

3 Easy Ways to Start an Admission

Whether you choose to call us directly, use our simple contact form, or have us verify your insurance coverage, you'll deal directly with one of our knowledgeable admissions counselors. Each has been specially trained to guide you through our admissions process while making you feel like you're talking to a friend. In fact, all of our admissions counselors have walked in your shoes and experienced long-term recovery for themselves. Contact us today.