Summer Mental Health Programs for Teens in Menlo Park
Structured IOP and PHP treatment for teens in Menlo Park, Palo Alto, and San Mateo County—providing stability, connection, and clinical support during summer break.
Or Call 650-507-3888
Modern Care That Meets Teens Where They Are
At Guide Behavioral Health, we specialize in supporting teens ages 12–17 who are navigating challenges like anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, school-related stress, and neurodivergence. Our unique approach combines cutting-edge neuroscience with evidence-based therapies and holistic, family-inclusive care.
We meet each teen exactly where they are — emotionally, socially, and developmentally — and build a personalized treatment plan that supports healing without pausing life.
During summer break, Guide offers structured daytime and evening treatment through our standard PHP and IOP schedules. These clinical programs can provide consistency while school is out, helping teens receive meaningful support while continuing to live at home.
Summer Program Highlights
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
🗓️ Monday–Thursday
🕚 4:00–7:00 PM
Our evening IOP groups meet Monday through Thursday from 4:00–7:00 PM. Some teens begin with two afternoons per week, while others attend more frequently. Treatment may include:
DBT skills (Dialectical Behavior Therapy)
Polyvagal-informed group process
Expressive arts therapy
Peer connection and structure during summer break
Our IOP runs year-round—learn more about our Intensive Outpatient Program.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
🗓️ Monday–Friday
🕚 10:00 AM–3:00 PM
For teens who need a higher level of structured daytime support, our PHP offers:
Evidence-based group therapy including DBT, TF-CBT, ACT, IFS, and Polyvagal Theory
Somatic and mindfulness-based healing
Life skills coaching and executive functioning support
Family collaboration and medication management
Individual and family sessions
Learn more about our PHP program.
Specialized Support for Neurodivergent Teens
We specialize in working with neurodivergent teens — offering tools that go beyond talk therapy. Our team integrates:
Neurofeedback and nervous system regulation strategies
Psychoeducation and co-regulation techniques
Support for sensory needs and executive function challenges
Teens learn to feel safe in their bodies, express themselves, and connect with others in meaningful ways.
Explore more of what we treat.
Ready to Build a Summer of Growth and Healing?
When anxiety, depression, emotional dysregulation, isolation, or other mental health concerns interfere with daily life, summer break can provide an opportunity to begin structured treatment. Our clinical team can help determine whether IOP or PHP is appropriate for your teen.
Summer Programs for Teens at Guide
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Our summer programs support teens ages 12 to 17 who are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, emotional dysregulation, or school-related stress. We also work extensively with neurodivergent teens and those experiencing technology dependence or screen-time issues. Our goal is to help teens build emotional resilience, reduce conflict, and reconnect with themselves and their families in a supportive, therapeutic environment.
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Guide’s Intensive Outpatient Program groups meet Monday through Thursday from 4:00–7:00 PM throughout the summer. Some teens begin with two afternoons per week, while others attend more frequently based on their needs. The evening schedule leaves much of the day available for family time, activities, work, or other summer responsibilities.
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Guide’s Partial Hospitalization Program meets Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM–3:00 PM throughout the summer. PHP provides structured daytime treatment for teens who need more intensive support while allowing them to return home each afternoon.
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IOP groups meet Monday through Thursday from 4:00–7:00 PM, with some teens beginning with two afternoons per week. It is designed for teens who need more support than weekly therapy but do not require daytime care. PHP meets Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM–3:00 PM and provides a higher level of structured support for teens whose symptoms significantly affect safety, school participation, relationships, or daily functioning. Our admissions team helps each family determine the appropriate level of care.
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Yes, we frequently work with teens who are struggling with compulsive technology use, social media burnout, or video game overuse. These issues are often connected to underlying challenges like anxiety, depression, ADHD, or difficulty with emotional regulation. Our summer programs help teens reset their relationship with screens by addressing both the root causes and the behavior itself in a supportive, affirming way.
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Our clinical team uses a range of evidence-based treatments including DBT, TF-CBT, ACT, IFS, and mindfulness-based therapy. Teens also benefit from executive functioning coaching, somatic and nervous system regulation techniques, expressive arts, and neuroeducation. We integrate polyvagal theory, trauma-informed care, and neurodivergence-friendly practices to help each teen feel safe, seen, and supported.
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Guide’s summer programs are clinical mental health treatment programs rather than camps or general enrichment activities. They may be appropriate when a teen’s anxiety, depression, trauma, emotional dysregulation, substance use, school avoidance, or other concerns are interfering with daily functioning. An initial consultation helps determine whether IOP, PHP, or another form of support is the right fit.
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If you’re wondering whether our summer programs are the right fit for your teen, we’re here to help. Schedule a free consultation, call us at (650) 507-3888, or explore more about our approach on the What We Treat page. We’re happy to talk through your teen’s needs and help you take the next step toward support and healing.