At Massachusetts Center for Adolescent Wellness, we offer multiple levels of care designed to meet adolescents where they are in their mental and behavioral health journey. We understand that no two teens experience challenges in the same way, which is why treatment must be flexible, individualized, and responsive to changing needs.

In mental health treatment, levels of care refer to the intensity, structure, and frequency of services provided. Our clinical team works closely with each adolescent and their family to determine the most appropriate level of care and to create a treatment plan that supports safety, progress, and long-term stability.

Not every adolescent requires the same type or intensity of treatment, and some conditions may call for a higher level of care at certain points in the recovery process. Our experienced professionals are trained to assess clinical needs thoroughly and recommend the level of care that will be most effective at that moment in time.

Levels of Care for Adolescents

At the Massachusetts Center for Adolescent Wellness, we recognize that every adolescent brings a unique combination of experiences, challenges, and strengths. Mental health treatment is never one-size-fits-all, which is why we take an individualized approach to care planning for every patient and family we serve.

MCAW offers a structured continuum of care for adolescents who need more support than traditional weekly therapy, but do not require inpatient hospitalization. These programs provide increasing levels of therapeutic intensity and clinical oversight while allowing teens to remain connected to their home, family members, school, and community.

Day Treatment or Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

Our Day Treatment program, also known as a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), is the most intensive level of outpatient care offered at MCAW. This program is typically recommended for adolescents whose symptoms significantly interfere with daily functioning but who can safely live at home with appropriate support.

PHP generally lasts several weeks and involves programming for approximately six hours per day, five to six days per week. Adolescents engage in a structured schedule of individual and group therapy sessions, giving them more frequent clinical contact and support than lower levels of care. Family counseling and educational groups are also integrated to address systemic needs and strengthen family support. Because of its intensity and time commitment, PHP represents the highest level of outpatient care at MCAW.

Some adolescents, depending on safety concerns, risk, or symptom severity, may require inpatient care, also called residential treatment. This program format is focused primarily on stabilization and crisis management when symptoms cannot be safely managed in an outpatient setting. Inpatient units are specifically designed for individuals who are actively suicidal or experiencing a psychiatric episode that poses a safety risk to themselves or others.

After-School Outpatient Program or Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

The After-School Outpatient Program, also referred to as our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), is designed for adolescents who require more support than traditional weekly outpatient therapy but do not need the intensity (or 24/7 oversight) of day treatment.

IOP typically meets for about three hours per day, for three days per week. This level offers structure and support while still allowing teens to maintain connections with school, family members, and daily responsibilities. During an IOP, adolescents practice new skills in real-life settings and begin to build confidence applying coping strategies outside of treatment. IOP is often recommended as a step-down from PHP, or as an entry point for those whose symptoms exceed what weekly outpatient care can address.

Aftercare Program

After completing more intensive levels of care, many adolescents benefit from structured aftercare support to sustain progress and manage the transition back to everyday life. MCAW’s Adolescent Aftercare Program is designed specifically to provide that ongoing support and reinforce the gains made during treatment.

The aftercare program includes regular group therapy sessions, where teens can connect with peers and continue practicing healthy recovery skills. Individual counseling helps adolescents address personal challenges and refine coping strategies for stress, triggers, and setbacks. Family support and counseling are integral parts of the program, helping loved ones understand how to reinforce recovery and create a supportive home environment. Academic and vocational planning support is also available, helping teens prepare for success at school or future career goals as they build toward long-term wellness.

By offering structured aftercare, MCAW helps adolescents maintain momentum after intensive treatment, develop routines that support lasting change, and navigate the challenges of daily life with confidence.

How Do I Know Which Level of Treatment is Right for My Teen?

Many parents struggle with knowing when their teen needs more support than weekly outpatient therapy — or whether a higher level of care is necessary at all. While only a professional assessment can determine the most appropriate level of care, there are some common signs that additional structure or support may be helpful.

Your teen may benefit from a higher level of outpatient care if they are experiencing:

• Emotional distress that interferes with school, relationships, or daily routines
• Worsening anxiety, depression, or mood changes despite ongoing therapy
• Difficulty regulating emotions or behaviors at home or in social settings
• Increased withdrawal, isolation, or loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed
• Challenges managing stress, coping with transitions, or maintaining stability
• Worsening symptoms that interfere with daily functioning

At the Massachusetts Center for Adolescent Wellness, placement decisions are never based on a single symptom or concern. Our clinical team conducts a comprehensive assessment that considers emotional, behavioral, academic, family, and safety factors. We reference evidence-based guidelines and criteria to ensure placement decisions are accurate and appropriate.

If you’re unsure what level of care is right for your adolescent, our admissions team can help guide you through the evaluation process and answer your questions with compassion and clarity. Levels of care are recommended based on current needs and can be adjusted over time as your teen makes progress.

Benefits of Different Levels of Mental Health Care for Teens

The levels of care at Massachusetts Center for Adolescent Wellness are thoughtfully designed to support adolescents at different stages of their mental health journey. By offering multiple levels of outpatient care, we ensure that each teen receives the appropriate level of structure, clinical support, and flexibility based on their individual needs.

Rather than applying a single approach to every adolescent, our programs allow treatment intensity to adjust as symptoms change, progress is made, or additional support becomes necessary. This personalized approach helps adolescents feel supported without being overwhelmed or under-treated.

Key benefits of our adolescent mental health programs include:

• Individualized treatment planning tailored to each adolescent’s symptoms, strengths, and goals
• Comprehensive mental and behavioral health care, with psychiatric services integrated into treatment when clinically appropriate
• Flexible program options that allow teens to remain connected to school, family, and daily life (whenever possible)
• Family counseling and educational support to strengthen communication and promote healing at home
• Continuity of care, allowing adolescents to step down gradually between levels of treatment without disrupting progress

At Massachusetts Center for Adolescent Wellness, your child’s safety, growth, and emotional well-being are always the priority. We strive to provide a structured yet compassionate environment where adolescents can build skills, regain stability, and move forward with confidence.

Conditions We Treat

The outpatient programs at Massachusetts Center for Adolescent Wellness support adolescents facing a wide range of mental and behavioral health challenges. Treatment plans are individualized to address each teen’s unique needs, symptoms, and goals.

Our levels of care may support adolescents experiencing:

• Anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder and social anxiety
• Depression and mood-related concerns
• Trauma-related stress and adjustment difficulties
• Emotional regulation and behavioral challenges
• School-related stress, avoidance, or academic pressure
• Family conflict or interpersonal difficulties
• Co-occurring mental health conditions requiring coordinated care

This list is not exhaustive. If your teen is struggling and you’re unsure whether our programs are appropriate, we encourage you to reach out. Our team can help determine whether MCAW’s outpatient services are a good fit, or assist you with referrals when a different level of care is needed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Levels of Care for Adolescents

How long does my teen stay in each level of care?

The length of treatment varies based on your teen’s needs, progress, and clinical recommendations. Some adolescents participate in a program for several weeks, while others need longer-term support across multiple levels of care. Treatment plans are reviewed regularly and adjusted as progress is made.

Does my teen have to move through every level of care?

No. Not every adolescent needs every level of care. Some teens may begin in an intensive outpatient program, while others may start with day treatment and step down gradually. Placement decisions are individualized and based on a comprehensive clinical assessment.

Can my teen attend school while in treatment?

Yes, in many cases. Outpatient levels of care are designed to support adolescents while allowing them to remain connected to school and daily life whenever possible. Programs such as IOP and aftercare are structured to complement academic schedules, and our team works with families to support a balanced routine.

What role does family play in treatment?

Family involvement is an important part of adolescent mental health care. Depending on the level of care, treatment may include family counseling, education, and support to help strengthen communication and reinforce progress at home.

What if my teen needs a higher level of care than MCAW provides?

Massachusetts Center for Adolescent Wellness provides outpatient levels of care. If an assessment indicates that inpatient or more intensive treatment is necessary for safety or stabilization, our team will help guide families toward appropriate next steps and referrals.