Partial Hospitalization Program
The Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) at Italian Home for Children is an intensive group-based and short-term treatment program for youth in need of a transitional level of care. This level of care can be used as a step-down from inpatient or CBAT (Community Based Acute Treatment) placement, or as a stand-alone diversionary level of care to help the child remain in the community and avoid needing hospitalization.
PHP uses a multi-disciplinary, trauma-informed therapeutic framework that incorporates elements of evidenced-based interventions (such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and mindfulness), as well as expressive and play-focused interventions. We aim to tailor our approach to best fit each child’s needs and support each child in finding their path to success. Youth served in our Partial Hospitalization Program have behavioral health diagnoses such as Mood Disorders, Gender Dysphoria, Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Trauma, and Stressor Disorders, and Disruptive, Impulse-Control, and Conduct Disorders. Referrals come from across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Upon admission, a child is given a comprehensive assessment, which helps develop the child’s individualized treatment plan. The child’s plan and goals are written together with the child and their natural and community supports, such as their parents, guardians, and close school staff. We offer individual therapy, family therapy, group therapy, milieu-based intervention, psychiatric and psychopharmacological assessment and management, onsite nursing services, behavioral support, and education support to help the child successfully achieve their treatment goals.
Our PHP team is made of both Master’s and Bachelor’s level clinicians who work to promote a therapeutic group environment that is safe, empathetic, and inclusive. This program is has been thoughtfully created using skills-based treatment to support the emotional and psychological well-being of each youth in the program, with the goals of stabilization, improved functioning, and readiness to return to an outpatient, less intensive level of care. View Sample Schedule
Our framework typically includes the following core elements:
- Self-assessment
- Emotion identification and regulation
- Behavioral activation
- Cognitive restructuring
- Mindfulness
- Distress tolerance
- Interpersonal effectiveness
- Self-expression
Our program includes:
- Group therapy
- Therapeutic art activities
- Pool time with certified lifeguard
- Basketball Court and playground
- Sand Tray Room for therapeutic sand play
- Therapeutic Reading Room with books and sensory features
- Kid-friendly Calm-Down Space with sensory elements
- Lunch and snacks are provided
Admission Criteria:
- Must be between the ages of 4-14 years old
- Must have signed consent for treatment by parent/guardian
- Must be experiencing an exacerbation of symptoms that are likely to improve with short-term, intensive day treatment
- Must be able to participate in a group-based program setting in which they are collaborating with and interacting with peers
- Must possess a level of behavioral control that allows them to maintain safety in a group setting
- Must be able to be safely maintained in a community-based setting during the evenings and weekend
Italian Home for Children’s PHP is unable to accept children into the program who:
- Have complex medical needs requiring constant medical supervision
- Have cognitive limitations which would prohibit meaningful participation in the program
- Are actively experiencing suicidal ideations
- Are recently exhibiting recent sexually acting out behaviors
- Require one-to-one supervision
- Require substance abuse services, including detoxification
- Are unable to maintain safety in a community-based setting during program off-hours
- Are unable to be safely maintained in a staff secure setting
Italian Home for Children
Intake: 339-777-2290 or phpreferrals@italianhome.org
1125 Centre Street, Jamaica Plain, MA, 02130