Teen Outpatient Mental Health & Substance Use Treatment in San Diego, CA
Partial Hospitalization (PHP) & Intensive Outpatient (IOP) Programs for Teens Ages 12–17
Outpatient Programs (PHP & IOP)
Evolve’s San Diego outpatient programs provide structured 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 the North County area 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.
- Up to 12 Teens
- 4–6 Weeks
- Mon–Fri, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
PHP Services Include
- Weekly Psychiatry
- Individual Therapy: 2x Weekly
- Family Therapy & Parent Support
- Group Therapy: Several Times Daily
- 90-Minute DBT Skills Training Groups: 2x Weekly
- Experiential Therapy: Art & Music
- Academic Support
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.
- Up to 12 Teens
- 2–3 Months
- Mon–Thur, 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
IOP Services Include
- Psychiatry (bi-weekly or monthly)
- Individual Therapy (weekly)
- Family Therapy & Parent Support Group (weekly)
- Multi-Family Group (weekly)
- Group Therapy (daily)
- 90-Minute DBT Skills Training Group (weekly)
- Experiential Therapy: Art or Music
About Our San Diego Outpatient Treatment Center
Our San Diego teen outpatient treatment center in Del Mar includes five private therapy offices for individual and family counseling, two group therapy rooms, a teen-friendly common area, an art therapy space, and all-gender restrooms. PHP teens also have a dedicated school room for academic hours and daily catered lunches, with the space designed to feel welcoming, inclusive, and focused on each teen’s growth.
- Private therapy offices
- Group therapy spaces
- Dedicated school area
- Art therapy space
- Fun recreation space
- Catered lunches (PHP only)
- Convenient for North County families
- All-gender restrooms
Evolve San Diego Care Team
Each teen at our Encinitas residential treatment center is supported by a multidisciplinary team that includes psychiatrists, therapists, nursing staff, residential counselors, academic coordinators, and clinical leadership. Everyone works together to make sure mental health treatment stays consistent and aligned throughout your teen’s stay.
At our San Diego location, clinical leadership work closely with the entire team to provide individualized care throughout treatment. This includes:
- Primary Therapists
- Recovery Specialist
- Outpatient Counselors
- Program Coordinator
“At Evolve Outpatient, our mission is to empower teens to overcome their different challenges. We strive to meet each teen and family’s individual needs by providing quality and evidenced based care tailored to each family. Our treatment goals focus on helping teens develop healthy coping skills, build emotional resilience, and promote long term wellbeing. At outpatient, we create a nurturing and structured environment to help teens feel like they have a space to belong, learn, and grow in order to thrive both in treatment and in their life.”
Our San Diego Outpatient Location
Evolve San Diego Outpatient is located in Del Mar, just off I-5 along Via De La Valle. The location is close to schools in the San Dieguito Union, Del Mar Union, Solana Beach, and San Diego Unified school districts, including Torrey Pines High School, San Dieguito Academy, Canyon Crest Academy, and Cathedral Catholic, helping teens stay connected to their school communities during treatment.
- 3702 Via De La Valle #202, Del Mar, CA 92014
Quality, Safety & Continuity of Care in Evolve's Outpatient Programs
Even in an outpatient setting, quality, safety, and continuity of care still matter. Our San Diego programs follow clear clinical protocols and stay closely connected with families every step of the way.
Licensing & Accreditation
Evolve is accredited by The Joint Commission and CARF and licensed by the California Department of Health Care Services, reflecting a strong commitment to clinical quality and safety standards.
Tracking Progress & Outcomes
We use tools like the K-CAT to track each teen’s clinical progress throughout treatment, giving families measurable insight into how care is working over time.
Structured Programming
Each day follows a consistent schedule to help teens stay engaged and supported.
Family Support
Teens and parents take part in weekly family therapy focused on communication and practical, skills-based strategies families can use at home.
Crisis Planning
Therapists help teens and families make cope ahead plans and clear strategies for managing challenges outside program hours.
Discharge Planning
As teens near completion, therapists help families prepare for the transition and coordinate continuity of care with next providers.
Evolve San Diego Clinical Approach
Every teen’s treatment plan is individualized and grounded in evidence-based therapies. Through therapy, skill-building, and consistent support, teens learn how to better manage emotions, communicate effectively, and handle challenges in healthier ways.
How We Approach 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What areas does the San Diego outpatient program serve?
Our Del Mar outpatient center serves teens and families across North County San Diego and the greater San Diego region, including Del Mar, Carmel Valley, Solana Beach, Rancho Santa Fe, Encinitas, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, La Jolla, Carlsbad, Oceanside, Pacific Beach, and surrounding communities. Because PHP and IOP require regular attendance, families typically live within commuting distance of our Del Mar location.
How is the San Diego outpatient program different from Evolve’s residential treatment programs?
Evolve operates four residential treatment centers in San Diego County (Cole Ranch and Dove Song in Encinitas, plus Mount Helix and our La Mesa home in East County), as well as this outpatient program in Del Mar. Residential programs provide 24/7 on-site care for teens who need a higher level of support, while our San Diego outpatient program (PHP and IOP) is designed for teens who can remain at home and continue school while attending structured treatment several days a week. Our admissions team helps determine which level of care is the right fit.
Does the San Diego outpatient program treat both teen mental health and substance use?
Yes. Evolve San Diego Outpatient is licensed to support teens facing primary mental health concerns, primary substance use concerns, and co-occurring conditions. SMART Recovery is incorporated when applicable, and treatment is individualized so each teen receives support across both areas when needed.
Will my teen continue school during PHP at Evolve San Diego?
Yes. Your teen stays enrolled at their current school. Instead of attending in person each day, they complete schoolwork in Evolve’s dedicated school room for about two hours each weekday during PHP. Our team coordinates with parents and school counselors to manage assignments and keep teens on track with their home school’s curriculum. Laptops are available for research or online classes when needed.
What does a typical day look like in teen PHP at Evolve San Diego?
Our San Diego teen 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, two hours of academic time, family therapy, and experiential therapy (art and music). Catered lunches are provided each day, and weekly psychiatry sessions are built into the schedule.
What does a typical schedule look like in teen IOP at Evolve San Diego?
Our San Diego teen IOP runs 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.
How does admission to the San Diego outpatient program work?
Admission begins with a conversation with our admissions team, followed by a complimentary clinical assessment to determine whether PHP, IOP, or another level of care is the right fit for your teen. If our San Diego outpatient program is a match, we’ll walk you through next steps, verify insurance benefits, and coordinate the start of care. If a different level or type of care would be a better match, we’ll provide referrals to support your family in finding the right next step.
Does the San Diego outpatient program accept insurance?
Yes. Evolve accepts most private insurance plans and is in-network with several major providers, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Kaiser, Blue Shield, and TriWest. Many plans cover at least part of teen PHP and IOP at our San Diego outpatient location. Our admissions team will verify your benefits and explain any out-of-pocket costs before your teen begins treatment.
Evolve PHP and IOP helped our family in so many ways. My child is now home, regulating independently for the first time in 5 years and has learned how to enjoy life. Thank you Evolve for all your support and guidance!
Understanding the Admissions Process
Starting treatment can feel like a lot, but we’ll walk you through it step by step.
Reach Out to Connect
You’ll speak with an admissions coordinator who will answer all your questions, learn more about your teen, go over program options, and review insurance and payment plans with you.
Complimentary Pre-Admission Assessment
We complete a free phone assessment to determine whether PHP, IOP, or another level of care is the right fit.
Beginning Care in San Diego
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 outpatient mental health programs for your teen, our team is here to help you understand your options and what level of care makes the most sense. Reach out to connect with our admissions team and take the first step toward getting your teen the support they need.