HHS started as a dream in 2012 as a two room counseling center by Kristine Schlichting, PhD. Since then, it has grown to four locations and multiple services to meet the needs of the community. Since COVID-19, we have seen exponential levels of anxiety, depression, self- harm, school refusal,  and maladaptive behaviors in our adolescent population, leaving families stuck and frustrated and teens very vulnerable. The Academy for Teens IOP was created as a program for parents and children to receive evidence-based treatment for lifelong mental health and recovery.

The Academy for Teens IOP is an intensive outpatient program (IOP) at our 300 Hebron Ave. Suite 203, Glastonbury CT location. We conduct the program Monday through Thursday from 5-8 pm. This schedule allows work and school schedules to remain intact.  Parents attend at least once to twice a week with their teens to learn the DBT skills being taught in the program. This allows the integration of the skills  in the home. The typical length of the program is 8- 12 weeks.

We are setting the standard for IOP care. Our clinicians and medical staff are very experienced and fully licensed. On our IOP staff, we have a Board-Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, licensed child and adolescent psychologists, licensed professional counselors, licensed clinical social workers, and a licensed art therapist. Each IOP staff member has 10 to 30 years of experience working with adolescents in various settings. The Academy for Teens IOP is licensed by the state of CT.

While DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) is the core of the Academy for Teens IOP,  we  incorporate a number of other treatment modalities, such as  the integration  of  Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, Behavioral Therapy, coaching,  yoga, music, and art therapies, and hands-on experiential activities. These services are designed to: (A) promote mental health and improve functioning in teens and families; and (B) effectively decrease the prevalence and incidence of mental illness, emotional disturbance ,and social dysfunctioning.

We work with all adolescents, age 12 to 18, struggling with difficult  behaviors such self-injury, school refusal, suicidal ideation, as well as significant mood and anxiety disorders. We are fully inclusive and welcome all genders and the LGBTQA+ community. Because every adolescent is unique, we develop an individualized treatment plan designed to meet the precise needs of the teen and family.

Looking for collaborative and holistic approach to adolescent wellness that incorporates professionals and specialists across a diverse range of modalities and methods?

During our 8-week group IOP, your child will collaborate directly with a board-certified multidisciplinary team.

This team, composed of psychologists, psychiatrists and therapists will focus on developing and strengthening skills in emotional regulation, resiliency, health coping and self-discovery.

Modalities used in IOP include:

• Dialectrical Behavioral Therapy
• Art Therapy
• Yoga Therapy
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Mindfulness