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Virtual Teen Mental Health & Substance Use Treatment in California

Virtual Partial Hospitalization (PHP) & Intensive Outpatient (IOP) Programs for Teens Ages 12–17

About Evolve's Virtual PHP & IOP for Teens in California

Given various factors, many teens are unable to participate in traditional, in-person treatment. Our virtual outpatient programs provide flexible treatment options that make it possible for teens to get the support they need no matter where they live in California.

 

Utilizing the same core curriculum as our in-person programs, our virtual programs include a combination of individual, group, and family therapies, as well as a variety of mindfulness practices and innovative experiential therapies.

 

Our clinicians employ HIPAA-compliant video-conferencing tools to provide our full spectrum of solution-focused, evidence-based therapy at each level of care.

Virtual Outpatient Programs (PHP & IOP)

Evolve’s Virtual outpatient programs provide structured online mental health and substance use treatment for teens who need more support than traditional weekly therapy while remaining connected to home, school, and daily life. Our Partial Hospitalization (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient (IOP) programs offer evidence-based care tailored to each teen’s needs, helping adolescents throughout California build practical skills, improve stability, and make meaningful progress over time.

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

Evolve’s PHP, also known as a “full day program”, offers teens a comprehensive day of treatment five days a week.

PHP Services Include

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

At Evolve’s IOP, also called an “after-school program”, teens receive a half day of programming several days a week.

Evolve Virtual Program Care Team

Your teen will work with a team that includes psychiatrists, therapists, and clinical staff who collaborate closely throughout treatment. Care is coordinated across the entire team to ensure consistency and alignment at every stage.

At our Virtual programs, clinical leadership work closely with the entire team to provide individualized care throughout treatment. This includes:

“Evolve’s Virtual PHP and IOP operate similarly to Evolve’s other in-person programs, except clients are able to do all groups and therapy sessions in the comfort of their own homes! Our Virtual programs offer many groups including DBT skills training, CBT, Relapse Prevention, Self-Esteem, Art, Music, and more. In addition to groups, clients receive individual and family therapy weekly with our skilled therapists on a confidential platform. Our therapists and staff are experienced, compassionate providers with a passion for helping teens and families. The virtual program has seen tremendous success in treating clients and families who have a willingness to be open to the process.” 

- Natalie Tenenbaum

Evolve Virtual Program Clinical Approach

Evidence-Based Therpies

Evolve’s therapeutic approach is evidence-based and rooted in behavioral care. Each treatment plan is tailored to the teen’s individual needs, using a combination of therapies that support long-term progress.

Substance Use Treatment

For teens struggling with substance use or addiction, Evolve incorporates SMART Recovery, a science-based approach rooted in CBT. SMART Recovery helps teens build motivation, cope with urges, manage thoughts and emotions, and develop healthier behaviors that support lasting change. When clinically indicated, teens may also receive additional recovery coaching sessions to provide more individualized support throughout treatment.

Tracking Progress & Outcomes

We use the K-CAT, a research-backed and validated assessment tool, to support accurate diagnoses, track each teen’s clinical progress throughout treatment, and measure overall treatment outcomes. Our expert clinicians use these insights to inform care and give families a clearer, measurable understanding of how their teen is responding to treatment over time.

Crisis Planning

Therapists help teens and families create cope-ahead plans and clear, practical strategies for managing challenges that may arise during or outside of program hours. These plans help families understand how to respond to difficult moments, use coping skills effectively, and identify appropriate next steps when additional support is needed.

Family Support

At Evolve’s Virtual Programs, all teens participate in family therapy as part of treatment. Our therapists use a solution-focused, skills-based approach that helps families strengthen communication, build practical coping strategies, and work through challenges together. Because skill development is a central part of treatment at Evolve, parents learn many of the same tools as their teens and have opportunities to practice them during family therapy sessions. Therapists also provide psychoeducation and parent coaching to help caregivers better understand what their teen is experiencing and how they can support their progress at home.

Virtual & Online Mental Health Services

Evolve is committed to providing accessible mental health services through our virtual and online platforms, ensuring that no matter where your teen is, they have access to support. We offer a safe, confidential space for teen therapy and counseling with our experienced professionals, all from the comfort of your home. Our online services are designed to be flexible and convenient, adapting to your teen’s school schedule and needs. 

Click the button below to learn more about how Evolve’s virtual mental health services can help your teen achieve the peace of mind they want and deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions About Virtual & Online Rehab ​

What Are the Benefits of Online Rehab?

Online rehab can be extremely effective. Utilizing the same core curriculum as our in-person programs, our virtual programs include a combination of individual, group, and family therapies, as well as a variety of mindfulness practices and innovative experiential therapies. Some benefits include accessibility, flexibility, comfort and privacy, cost-effectiveness, and the integration of technology for additional support and engagement.

At Evolve, our seasoned clinicians are trained to treat a wide variety of mental health and substance use disorders. We specialize in treating teens with difficulty regulating emotions, engaging in high-risk or self-injurious behaviors, or suffering from suicidal ideation. Many of our teens struggle with depression, anxiety, substance use, behavioral issues, ADHD, psychosis, borderline personality disorder, and other high-acuity mental health issues and co-occurring disorders. We are skilled at developing individualized treatment plans that address the specific needs of each teen.

Teens living in remote, rural, or underserved regions where access to quality mental health care and addiction treatment facilities is limited can significantly benefit from virtual treatment. 

Online treatment programs also offer unparalleled flexibility, allowing students to schedule sessions without disrupting their work or academic commitments. Lastly, teens with physical disabilities or mobility issues might find it challenging to commute to a physical treatment center. Online treatment ensures they can access treatment from the comfort of their own home.

Online rehab can be a highly effective treatment option for teens. Its success depends on several factors, including your teen’s level of engagement, the severity of their condition, and their ability to participate in virtual care. Before admission, our team conducts a thorough assessment to determine whether Evolve’s virtual program is the right fit for your family.

As one of the leading teen treatment centers in the country, we’re committed to ensuring that our virtual program delivers the same high-quality care as our in-person services. Our clinical team develops individualized treatment plans rooted in evidence-based approaches, including psychiatry, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills training, and other proven therapeutic modalities.

Absolutely. Our virtual PHP and IOP programs prioritize the security and confidentiality of our participants. We utilize secure, encrypted platforms for therapy sessions and communications, ensuring that personal and sensitive information is protected. Additionally, clinicians are bound by the same confidentiality agreements as in-person therapists, adhering strictly to privacy laws and ethical standards.

Our virtual PHP runs Monday through Friday from 9am to 4pm. A typical day includes individual therapy, group therapy, DBT skills training, a daily clinical check-in, academic time, family therapy, and experiential therapy (art and/or music). Weekly psychiatry is also built into the schedule.

If you’re considering PHP for your teen, here are some of the ways it can help:

  • Structured Treatment: PHP provides a consistent daily routine with therapy sessions and activities, helping teens build healthy habits and a stronger sense of stability.
  • Clinical Support: Teens have regular access to therapists, psychiatrists, and counselors, so they feel supported and guided throughout treatment.
  • Integration with Daily Life: Unlike inpatient care, teens return home at the end of the day, giving them the opportunity to apply what they are learning in real-life situations and build confidence over time.
  • Community and Peer Support: Group therapy sessions allow teens to connect with others facing similar challenges, creating a sense of support and shared accountability.
  • Personalized Treatment Plans: Evolve’s PHP programs are tailored to each teen, with flexibility to address co-occurring conditions, substance use, and individual goals.

At Evolve, teens in PHP stay engaged with school through dedicated academic time each weekday, with about two hours set aside Monday through Friday. Parents and therapists work closely with school counselors to coordinate assignments or weekly coursework, helping teens stay on track while in treatment.

Staff stay present online during academic time to provide support, keep teens focused, and encourage productive habits. The goal is to help teens maintain progress in school while building the skills they need to manage responsibilities more independently. 

Our virtual IOP for teens runs as an after-school program, Monday through Thursday from 4pm to 7pm. A typical week includes group therapy, DBT skills training, individual therapy, family therapy, multi-family group, and experiential therapy (art or music), with bi-weekly or monthly psychiatry sessions. The after-school schedule is designed to let teens continue school and daily routines while still getting structured clinical support.

An IOP offers a middle ground between outpatient care and 24/7 residential treatment. It’s designed for teens who need structured support for mental health or substance use, while still being able to stay engaged in their day-to-day lives. Here are some of the top benefits of an IOP for teens:

  • Flexibility: IOP allows teens to receive treatment while continuing with school, family life, and other daily responsibilities.
  • Comprehensive Care: Treatment includes a mix of group therapy, individual sessions, and targeted approaches that support both mental health and substance use needs.
  • Supportive Environment: Teens have the opportunity to connect with peers facing similar challenges, creating a sense of support and shared accountability.
  • Tailored Treatment: Each plan is personalized, with care adjusted to meet the teen’s specific needs, challenges, and goals.

“Evolve is the only treatment that has truly helped me. The staff is amazing, and the program is very engaging. It was actually fun to meet people who could relate to me. I think it was the first step toward reaching some of my goals. There are still more hardships to come, but I’m more prepared than I was before to face them.”

Evolve Alumni Client

Understanding the Admissions Process

Take the first step toward restoring balance, stability, and connection within your family.

STEP 1

Reach Out to Connect

Call to connect with an admissions coordinator who will listen, answer your questions, and walk you through program options and insurance coverage.

Complimentary Pre-Admission Assessment

We complete a free phone assessment to determine whether PHP, IOP, or another level of care is the right fit.

STEP 2
STEP 3

Beginning Care in Elk Grove

Once your teen is enrolled, our team helps them settle in with encouragement and care, so they feel welcomed and supported as they begin this next step forward.

Take the Next Step

If you’re exploring virtual outpatient mental health or substance use programs for your teen in California, our team is here to help you understand your options and what level of care makes the most sense. Reach out to get started.