Center for Families

A Teen-Focused Approach to Healing

The center treats adolescents ages 13–18 with mental health, behavioral, and co-occurring substance use challenges across a full outpatient care continuum. Licensed clinicians and board-certified psychiatrists complete diagnostic assessments to guide adapted care plans for each client. Along with mental health care, programs address disordered eating, trauma, and gaming addiction. Treatment blends clinical care with experiential and skills-based groups so teens can stabilize, practice coping strategies, and step up or down between care levels as needs change. Telehealth therapy is also available.

Emphasis on Family Involvement

Family participation is built into every level of care. The team uses Attachment-Based Family Therapy (ABFT) to repair parent-child trust and improve communication through weekly family sessions. Parents also have access to Foundations for Parents, a peer-facilitated education group led by caregivers who’ve navigated teen mental health and substance use. Throughout treatment, families receive consistent updates from the primary therapist and collaborate on discharge planning that maps services, goals, and supports after outpatient care. This approach treats family connection as a core outcome, not an add-on, and aligns home routines with new skills learned in treatment.

Integrated Academics and Life Skills

The partial hospitalization program (PHP) includes Therapeutic Day School so teens can keep pace academically while in care. Students receive up to four hours of academics daily with special education teachers and tutors, weekly scholastic plans coordinated with home schools, and structured transition plans for reintegration after treatment. Educators target executive function (planning, organization, task initiation) alongside subject tutoring. Vocational support and employment-readiness resources are available. The goal is to maintain or restore school progress, reduce stress tied to academics, and support long-term educational engagement.

Experiential and Holistic Therapies

Teens participate in art and music therapy, yoga, and adventure therapy that builds teamwork and resilience. Seasonal outings include tubing on the Brandywine, kayaking and paddle boarding at Marsh Creek State Park, and hiking nearby trails. The center’s property touches the Chester Valley Trail and sits about 100 yards from a park, supporting daily movement. On-site, teens may join a Mixed Martial Arts group, horticulture projects, and culinary therapy with chef-prepared, nutritious meals. The Center for Chickens coop lets teens practice responsibility and caretaking in a low-stakes, communal way.

Client Reviews

Many Center for Families clients highlight caring staff, holistic approaches, and effective programming. Others raise concerns about staff interactions and communication.

• Staff & Care Experience (65% positive): Many reviewers describe the staff as compassionate, professional, and supportive. Some felt that interactions with certain therapists or counselors were inappropriate or condescending. "The staff and leadership team provides exceptional care and treatment for adolescents and their families."
• Treatment Quality & Outcomes (60% positive): Several families and professionals report meaningful progress and recommend the program. A few reviewers felt the program did not meet their expectations. "Amazing holistic treatment approach at Center for Families!"
• Facility & Environment: Multiple reviewers noted that the facilities are comfortable and well-maintained. "All three locations are warm and inviting."
• Support & Community: Some reviews emphasize the program as a valuable resource for families, with referrals leading to positive outcomes. Others suggest that family communication could be more consistent. "They are a wonderful resource and option for PHP & IOP for clients."
• Access & Process: A few clients expressed frustration with admissions, billing, and follow-up. Others highlighted the convenience and accessibility of services.