The development of a freestanding adolescent partial-hospitalization program in a multimodal integrated-service...

At Three Rivers Youth in Pittsburgh, a freestanding adolescent partial-hospitalization program is a primary force in a multimodal integrated-treatment system for high-risk youth. Three barriers encountered in the development of the program (utilization, integration with other components, and staffing) are discussed and strategies successful in overcoming these barriers are presented. Features of the program which are believed to contribute to its success are outlined, including scheduling, clinical structures, educational services, case management, and staffing. Case illustrations from clinical practice in the program are also offered.