Youth Mental Health Services, Tewksbury, MA
Structured IOP and PHP support for children and teens with depression, anxiety, and ADHD
When a Child or Teen Needs Counseling, There’s a Next Step You Can Take Together
If you’re searching for youth mental health services in Tewksbury, MA, Direction Behavioral Health Associates provides a pathway forward. Our PHP and IOP programs offer structure and therapeutic support without removing your child or teen from the parts of life that matter most.
Our Wholistic Education model builds structure, skills, and steady support, the kind that helps them finally feel progress. It’s a place where growth happens and where your child or teen never walks their journey alone.
A Growing Need for Youth Mental Health Support In Tewksbury, MA
Across Massachusetts and New England, symptoms are lasting longer, starting earlier, and affecting daily life more deeply. It’s not failure — it’s a sign that many youth need structured teenage mental health treatment beyond what weekly therapy can offer.
Recent
research from Mayo Clinic highlights how widespread this need has become:
“The research team examined mental health-related visits for patients aged 6 to 24 years. Data showed a significant rise in visits across all age groups, sexes, races, and ethnicities. But the greatest increase was for patients aged 10 to 14 years.”
Communities like Tewksbury, MA, are seeing the same trend: more anxiety showing up in the classroom, more depression tied to social overwhelm, and more ADHD symptoms that escalate when stress piles on. Families are realizing that earlier, higher-level intervention isn’t just helpful, but can prevent a youth from reaching crisis.
A PHP or IOP isn’t for mild or temporary stress. It’s for children and teens whose symptoms are serious, persistent, and disrupting well-being, relationships, and daily functioning. These programs deliver a higher level of care while keeping youth connected to home, family, school, and friends.
Disorders We Work With
Our comprehensive mental health programs equip children and teens with the tools to manage emotions, rebuild confidence, and foster stronger relationships both at home, at school, and in their communities.
Real Experiences, Real Outcomes
Hear from Families Like Yours
The clinicians really care and take the time to make sure things are done in a way that benefits the client. I always felt like my needs were the priority. If it weren’t for the help I got from them, I wouldn’t have the skills I need to deal with the world around me.
Our experience at Direction gave us the gift of maintaining a relationship with our daughter — one that is now healthy and flourishing. The twice-weekly counseling for parents and caregivers made all the difference. The work was hard, but absolutely worth it.
The group helped me connect with people and deal with my anger. I feel safe in the space they provide.
The First Step: Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
Every youth at DBHA begins with PHP at our Nashua, NH, facility. It delivers daily structure and therapeutic intensity before a child or teen moves into IOP. Unlike residential programs, our PHP serving Tewksbury youth lets them return home each evening, staying rooted in family life while receiving daytime support.
PHP Schedule
Children (Mon–Fri): 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Teens (Mon–Fri): 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.
What Our PHP near Tewksbury Provides
Our PHP helps youth find steadiness and confidence without separating them from family or community.
- A structured therapeutic schedule each weekday
- Daily group therapy focused on coping skills and emotional regulation
- Psychiatric oversight with medication management when needed
- Movement, recreation, and creative time to practice healthy expression
- Routine and connection at DBHA while remaining anchored at home
Transitioning Into Our Intensive Outpatient Program
After completing our PHP, youth step down into our IOP — available only once they’re ready for more independence while still benefiting from therapeutic structure.
IOP Schedule
Children (Mon–Fri): 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Teens (Mon–Fri): 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
What Our IOP Provides
IOP helps youth maintain progress while slowly increasing independence, preventing regression, and strengthening bonds outside the program.
- Continued group therapy and coping skill reinforcement
- More flexibility to reintegrate into school and activities
- Psychiatric oversight with medication management when needed
- Peer connection and therapeutic accountability
- Space to practice skills in real-world settings with support
Aftercare: Support Beyond the Program
Growth continues as youth carry their skills into daily life. Aftercare provides children and teens with a softer landing after completing PHP and IOP, helping them maintain momentum and stay supported.
Aftercare Offers:
- Gentle step-down structure
- Continued accountability and coping-skill practice
- A bridge between treatment and full independence
- Help preventing setbacks
Support For Caregivers: Our Parenting Groups
Caregivers need support, too.
Parenting groups give families a space to learn, breathe, and connect with others who understand the toll a child’s mental health can take. It’s a community where caregivers find knowledge, strength, and hope, not just for their child, but for themselves.
How to Schedule an Appointment
All appointments take place at our Nashua, NH facility, which serves families throughout northern Massachusetts, including Tewksbury. Getting started is simple:
- Call our team or complete our online inquiry form.
- We’ll discuss your child’s needs and determine whether PHP or IOP is the best fit.
- Our staff coordinates with existing providers, schools, or referral sources to ensure a smooth transition into care.
Who Our Youth PHP and IOP Programs Help
When a child or teen struggles beyond what outpatient counseling can manage, a higher level of care gives them the structure and consistency to regain balance. Our PHP surrounds them with daily guidance and therapeutic support to interrupt harmful patterns and help restore stability.
A PHP is often the appropriate level of care before a hospital stay becomes necessary.
Signs a Youth May Need a Partial Hospitalization Program (First Level of Care)
- Daily functioning is breaking down (school, routines, or hygiene are no longer manageable)
- Symptoms are persistent and escalating, not occasional
- Outpatient therapy is no longer creating meaningful progress
- Emotional regulation is collapsing — meltdowns, shutdowns, or overwhelm are frequent
- Anxiety or depression is keeping them from school or friendships
- Caregivers are holding everything together, but nothing is improving
When a Youth Transitions to an Intensive Outpatient Program (Step-Down Level of Care)
Once symptoms ease and daily life starts improving, a youth may step down into IOP. The goal is to maintain progress and prevent setbacks while building independence.
Signs a youth might be ready to transition to an IOP include:
- The youth is more stable, but still needs structure to stay there
- They can re-engage with school or routines, but inconsistently
- Emotional safety is improving, but not yet fully steady
- They benefit from peer support and guided accountability
- They need continuity of care to prevent slipping backward
- A full return to outpatient-only support would be premature
A Path Forward Starts Here
When you’re ready to take the next step, Direction Behavioral Health Associates is here to help. Our programs provide the structure, support, and understanding families need to move forward with confidence.
If you’ve been searching for youth mental health services in Tewksbury, MA, your path forward starts here.