Summer Mental Health Programs for Teens in Menlo Park

Flexible IOP and PHP programs for teens in Menlo Park, Palo Alto, and San Mateo County — designed for healing, structure, and growth.

Or Call 650-507-3888

Teens smiling during therapy session at Guide Behavioral Health in Menlo Park

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.

This summer, we’re offering flexible daytime and evening programs to fit into your family’s real-world schedule. Whether your teen needs structure during school break or a deeper level of care, we’re here to help them thrive.

Summer Program Highlights

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

  • 🗓️ Monday–Thursday

  • 🕚 11:00 AM–2:00 PM and 4:00–7:00 PM

Our after-school-style IOP is designed to help teens stay regulated, connected, and engaged all summer long. This half-day program blends:

  • DBT skills (Dialectical Behavior Therapy)

  • Polyvagal-informed group process

  • Expressive arts therapy

  • Peer connection and structure during summer break

Our after-school IOP runs year-round — learn more about our IOP here.

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

  • 🗓️ Monday–Friday

  • 🕚 11:00 AM–4:00 PM

For teens needing deeper therapeutic support, our full-day 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.

Smiling teenage girl at whiteboard during summer therapy at Guide Behavioral Health in Menlo Park

Ready to Build a Summer of Growth and Healing?

Whether your teen is struggling with emotional regulation, isolation, or simply needs a healthy structure this summer, we’re here to help. Our compassionate clinical team is ready to guide them toward resilience — and we’d love to tell you more.

FAQ: Summer Programs for Teens at Guide

  • 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.

  • Our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) runs Monday through Thursday from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. This half-day program is perfect for teens who need structured mental health support during the summer but still want time for travel, family, jobs, or summer activities. The IOP blends evidence-based therapies with expressive arts, group process, and mindfulness to help teens stay regulated, connected, and emotionally grounded throughout the summer.

  • Our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) runs Monday through Friday from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. PHP is a full-day program designed for teens who need more intensive, daily support without stepping into residential care. It offers a deeper level of structure and clinical support, with a strong focus on emotional regulation, communication skills, and healing from trauma or mood disorders in a safe and consistent setting.

  • IOP is ideal for teens who need support but are stable enough to benefit from a lighter, half-day schedule. PHP offers a higher level of care and structure, making it more appropriate for teens who are facing significant emotional or behavioral challenges. Both programs provide individualized treatment plans, group and individual therapy, and a compassionate, trauma-informed approach tailored to each teen’s needs.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • If your teen is struggling emotionally or behaviorally and you’re looking for a meaningful alternative to summer downtime or residential treatment, our programs can help. Whether your teen needs intensive support or just a structured environment to build skills and confidence, our summer offerings are designed to meet teens where they are — with compassion, expertise, and real-world flexibility.

  • 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.