Partial Hospitalization Program

The Adolescent Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) at Potomac Ridge bridges the gap between acute inpatient and outpatient services; it serves as both an alternative to hospitalization and as a transition from inpatient care. Adolescents in the PHP have a variety of issues such as depression, attention deficit problems, school avoidance, substance abuse, mood instability, impulsivity, anxiety and acting out behaviors toward self or others.

The program primarily uses group therapy to help patients gain insight into their behaviors and to give feedback to peers. The groups focus on a range of topics including coping skills, anger management, social skills, family dynamics, basic chemical dependency education, and medication education. A strong component of the PHP is family therapy. These sessions are used to increase positive communication and assist in implementing long term behavioral changes. Patients receive a psychiatric evaluation upon admission and regularly meet with a psychiatrist for medication assessments. All patients receive assistance from The Ridge School of Montgomery County, located on site.