Located in Norfolk County, Virginia, Kempsville Center for Behavioral Health provides a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) as an outpatient service for adolescents, ages 12 to 18.

PHP at our mental health treatment center for teens addresses the developmental, emotional and psychiatric concerns of each patient through a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focus. During the stay, your child will receive medication management, individual, group, activity and family therapy.

Our PHP team includes a psychiatrist, therapist, a nurse, mental health technician(s) and other allied therapy professionals.

The treatment day starts promptly at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Treatment is different for every adolescent. The average length of stay for PHP will vary from three to six weeks. Your adolescent’s therapist will talk with you more about this after the first few days of treatment and it will be evaluated weekly.

Download the Partial Hospitalization Program brochure.

For patients not requiring an inpatient level of care at a psychiatric residential treatment facility for young adults but who would still benefit from treatment, PHP can provide intensive, structured care while also allowing your loved one to return home. 

Additionally, patients who are stepping down from acute inpatient hospitalization (after stabilization) or time at a psychiatric residential treatment facility for young adults are a fit for PHP, as it can provide continued treatment in a less restrictive environment. 

Who will my child be working with in the program? 

The team includes a psychiatrist, therapist, a nurse, mental health technician(s) and other allied therapy professionals. 

What kind of treatment will my child receive in the program? 

PHP addresses the developmental, emotional and psychiatric concerns of each patient through a cognitive behavioral therapy focus. Your child will receive medication management, individual, group, family and activity therapy as part of our mental health services for teens. 

How long is the PHP day? 

The treatment day starts promptly at 8:30 a.m. Patients can arrive as early as 8 a.m.. The day ends at 4:30 p.m. and patients must be picked up by 5 p.m. 

My child has been working with a therapist in the community. Will they continue to see their therapist outside of PHP? 

Not as a part of this mental health service for teens. The PHP therapist will maintain contact with your child’s therapist in the community to plan for a positive transition after discharge.

How long will my child be in PHP? 

Treatment is different for every child. The average length of stay for PHP will vary from 3 to 6 weeks. Your child’s therapist will talk with you after the first few days of treatment and the date for discharge will be evaluated weekly. 

What about school? 

There is academic time each day. A special education certified teacher is available to provide one-to-one instruction as well as academic group support. A Virginia Department of Education approved online educational program is used to support students in different situations to maintain academic progress.

Will my child be excused for absences while getting treatment in PHP? 

The Virginia Department of Education has clear guidelines that all school districts follow regarding the handling of absences. While it can vary from district to district or school-to-school, our Educational Consultant/Teacher will support you and your children with the process for addressing absences at your child’s school. 

My child is enrolled in AP/honors classes. Would he/she be able to stay on track? 

The Grad Point online learning program is designed to meet your child’s needs, whether they require more instructional support or are an academically advanced student. During our mental health services for teens, we offer Honors and AP classes in all core content areas and they will also have some of these options available to them through our elective courses that are offered. However, specific questions about whether a student will be able to return to school at the same level will have to be answered by your child’s school.

My child is enrolled in special education services. How does this affect their involvement in PHP? 

The clinical and education services provided in PHP are designed to meet each child’s needs. Therefore, once accepted into PHP the team will devise treatment goals and plans that take into consideration special education needs. 

If admitted to PHP, what does my child need to have/bring? 

The students will only be able to bring program approved materials each day. The Program Handbook has a detailed list. Personal belongings are required to be placed in student lockers located in the front waiting room of PHP.

During the Partial Hospitalization Program at our mental health treatment center for teens, a special education certified teacher will provide two hours of academic support every day. Coordination of your adolescent’s academic studies will be facilitated with the help of the teacher who will be able to provide more direct support in Norfolk County, Virginia.

If your child or teen is facing difficulties with mental health, Kempsville Center for Behavioral Health may be able to help. Call 757-461-4565 or Contact Us online today for a no-cost, confidential assessment. No referral or emergency room visit is needed.