Cincinnati Children’s AdolescentPartial Hospitalization Program at Lindner Center of HOPE

Adolescence can be a turbulent time and there are many mental health needs and issues specific to this age group. Our evidence-based programs offer various levels of care including our Adolescent Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), designed for adolescents who don’t require inpatient services but need more intervention than typical outpatient care provides.

For help and PHP admissions, call 513-803-7720

Adolescent Partial Hospitalization Program provides a safe setting for intensive treatment that helps patients avoid full hospitalization.

Lindner Center of HOPE offers Adolescent PHP through Cincinnati Children’s at Lindner Center of HOPE to address mental health concerns for individuals age 12-17. When daily functioning is impaired by mental illness, yet the criteria for hospitalization isn’t met, PHP offers intensive treatment in a safe and therapeutic environment, without full hospitalization. The program allows patients to reside at home while receiving treatment. Adolescent PHP patients come to Lindner Center of HOPE daily for intensive treatment with a multidisciplinary team dedicated to their progress.

Partial hospitalization helps patients reach the point where standard outpatient appointments can be effective. This program is also used as a step-down program from hospitalization, gradually easing adolescents back into their regular routine.

Enrollees attend five days per week for an average of 7-10 days. This group-based program operates Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The curriculum offers flexibility in design, so that the PHP treatment team and the enrollee can work together to create the most effective individual treatment plan.

The PHP program works in conjunction with the enrollee’s established outpatient mental health providers.

  • Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center Partial Program at Lindner Center of HOPE serves patients age 12 to 17
  • Adolescent Partial Hospitalization (PHP) operates Monday through Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
  • PHP Enrollees check in every morning between 8:15 – 8:30 a.m. and check out between 3:15 – 3:30 p.m.
  • A guardian must be present for check-in and checkout (badges will be issued to enrollee and guardian and must be returned when leaving the facility).
  • This is a full-day program where the adolescent attends five days per week. The treatment team will work with patients and families to design the right program for each situation.
  • Average duration of the program is 7 to 10 days. The treatment team will make a recommendation regarding length of attendance based on the individual needs of each patient.
  • Diagnosis of patients must fall within the diagnoses classified in the current edition of the DSM5, including but not limited to: affective disorders (depression and bipolar disorder), anxiety disorders, eating disorders, adjustment disorders, thought disorders not requiring hospitalization, such as paranoia and hallucinations.
  • The program includes:
    • Group therapy
    • Family treatment meeting(s)
    • Pharmacotherapy and medication management
    • Individual psychiatrist sessions
    • Lunch and afternoon snack

Frequently asked questions

Can my teenager drive himself to the PHP program?
No. All enrollees in the partial hospitalization program must be checked in and checked out by a guardian.

Will my insurance cover PHP for my teen?
Many insurance plans cover partial hospitalization.

What is the referral/admission process?
Parents can call 513-636-4124 to discuss the Adolescent PHP program and obtain admission information.

Do you accept Medicaid?
Though Lindner Center of HOPE cannot accept Medicaid for PHP, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center is an Ohio Medicaid provider with limited availability for non-Ohio Medicaid. Click here, to learn more about financial obligations.

What provisions are made for lunch? Will my child need money during the day?
Lunch and an afternoon snack are included with the program. Enrollees will be served lunch by the Lindner Center of HOPE dining room under the supervision of the PHP staff. No money is needed while in the program.

What do I do about my child’s medications?
Medications are to be administered as prescribed prior to arrival each day. Medications that cannot be administered prior to arriving at the program will be transferred from the parent/guardian to the Registered Nurse (RN). Medications must be in the original container and will be verified by administration. Utilization of emergent medication for crisis intervention may involve a transfer to a Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center inpatient acute unit. Other PRN medication for medical crisis (glucagon, epi-pen, etc.) as well as over the counter (OTC) medication would require medication consent from the parent/guardian.

Can I drop off my teen earlier or pick him/her up later than the published times?
PHP enrollees need to be dropped off and picked up during designated times 8:15 am – 8:30 am and 3:30 pm – 4:00 pm. Cincinnati Children’s at Lindner Center of HOPE does not provide transportation services. In an emergency situation, parents/guardians should call 513 536-HOPE (4673) as soon as possible.

How many PHP enrollees can be in the program at once?
The program can accommodate up to 14 enrollees at one time. Average Adolescent PHP participation is 7 to 10 days.

If the program is full, can I get on a waitlist?
We are not able to keep a waitlist. We will provide a screening assessment and make recommendations for services.

What To Expect in the Adolescent Partial Hospitalization Program

A typical day includes:

  • Group treatment (DBT informed)
  • Pharmacotherapy consultation as needed
  • Interdisciplinary assessment
  • Lunch provided by Lindner Center of HOPE
  • In-program medication management by a psychiatrist or a psychiatric nurse practitioner, as needed
  • Mid-program and discharge communications to outpatient providers

When Should You Consider Partial Hospitalization?

Adolescent PHP can benefit individuals 12–17 suffering with diagnoses including, but not limited to, mood disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, adjustment disorders, and personality disorders.

PHP should be considered for adolescents who:

  • Are transitioning from an acute inpatient stay.
  • Are currently receiving outpatient treatment that is not intensive, in-depth or frequent enough to keep them functioning effectively.
  • Are unable to function socially, academically or both.

Need more intensive intervention and skills development.

Financial Obligations

Most major insurance programs cover treatment services offered by Cincinnati Children’s at Lindner Center of HOPE. We are an Ohio Medicaid provider, with limited availability for non-Ohio Medicaid.

Financial service representatives at Cincinnati Children’s are available to answer questions and assist families in obtaining insurance authorization or applying for financial aid programs.

For questions, please call: 513-636-4427 and press option 9.