IOP For Adolescent ADHD in New England
At Direction Behavioral Health Associates, we provide group therapy, medication management, and more to help teens manage their ADHD diagnosis.
Our program is designed to support teens with ADHD
Watching your teen struggle with ADHD can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Direction Behavioral Health Associates (DBHA), we take a holistic approach to treating ADHD symptoms, offering support to families in New Hampshire, Greater Boston, and throughout New England.
Our intensive outpatient program (IOP) and partial hospitalization program (PHP) provides structured therapy, along with opportunities for social connection, creative expression through art and music, and physical wellness activities like exercise, yoga, and nature walks. Combined with effective medication management, this comprehensive approach to ADHD treatment helps your teen sustain their focus, regulate emotions, and build confidence.
We understand how challenging it can be to watch your child struggle with ADHD. You don’t have to navigate this alone—our team is here to offer support every step of the way, helping your child find confidence and success.
How do PHPs and IOPs support teens with ADHD?
As a parent or guardian, you want nothing more than for your child to lead a successful life, but managing ADHD can often feel like an uphill battle. While medication is a proven effective tool to treat symptoms, your teen may still struggle to maintain healthy routines, build social skills, and regulate emotions. If this is the case, they might benefit from more intensive support.
An IOP for adolescent ADHD offers just that—structured, holistic support that goes beyond traditional therapy. During a session, your teen will connect with others facing similar challenges. For example, teens might share real life examples of how learning to manage their impulses in group sessions helped them improve both their relationships and performance in school.
Throughout the IOP, your teen will work on developing key life skills—such as improving attention, managing impulses, and building deeper relationships—while learning practical tools to overcome ADHD-related challenges.
The best part? Because IOPs are intensive yet flexible, your child can receive the support they need while continuing to live at home, attend school, and stay active in extracurricular activities.
Navigating ADHD Together
Outpatient programs supporting families in managing ADHD
All teens start with a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
Our PHP program provides intensive daily support to help teens build structure, develop coping skills, and gain confidence in managing ADHD symptoms.
A typical day in the life at Direction Behavioral Health
From group therapy sessions to cooking sessions, every session is designed to give teens the tools and outlets they need to thrive.
Step out on your own with support from our Aftercare program
Our Aftercare program ensures teens continue their progress with ongoing guidance as they transition to greater independence.
Behavior therapy and support
Research shows that
behavior therapy is highly effective for teens with ADHD, helping them develop healthy coping strategies, improve impulse control, and reduce anxiety. In an IOP for adolescent ADHD, group therapy provides a supportive environment where your teen can practice these skills alongside peers, reinforcing the power of social connections.
Medication management
While medication plays a vital role in managing ADHD symptoms, its effectiveness is maximized when combined with proper oversight. IOPs provide continuous medication management, ensuring treatment is optimized and your teen receives the support they need to stay on track.
Timeliness and schedule management
Teens with ADHD often struggle with time management, leading to poor grades, discipline issues, and increased stress. IOPs help by structuring your day and teaching effective time management skills, helping your teen prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and reduce procrastination.
Recreational activities and downtime
The National Institute of Health (NIH) highlights that regular physical activity
reduces ADHD symptoms by relieving stress and improving focus. Creative activities like music, art, and literature also offer similar benefits, promoting relaxation, healthy self-expression, and social engagement.
A look at ADHD in New England’s youth
If your teen has been diagnosed with ADHD, you’re not alone. ADHD in adolescents affects tens-of-thousands of families across New England, making it one of the common neurodevelopmental disorders.
Understanding the prevalence of ADHD and its impact can help you make informed decisions about your options.
9-12% of New England’s children have ADHD
According to the CDC, around
1 in 10 children and teens in New England have been diagnosed with ADHD. This means that in every classroom, it’s possible that multiple children are navigating challenges with focus, impulse control, and executive functioning. Early diagnosis and comprehensive treatment empower children to build the skills they need for long-term success.
Boys are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than girls
Boys are 15% more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than girls. This difference suggests ADHD may be underdiagnosed in girls, as their symptoms often present as inattention rather than hyperactivity. This highlights the importance of early and accurate diagnosis.
44% of all youth ADHD cases coincide with behavioral or conduct problems
Nearly half of teens diagnosed with ADHD also face
behavioral and conduct problems, such as aggression, defiance, and impulsivity. These challenges can impact their academic performance, social connection, and overall well-being. This underscores the need for comprehensive treatment that addresses both ADHD symptoms and related behaviors.
30% of children with ADHD did not receive medication or behavioral treatment
Despite its prevalence, many children go untreated for ADHD. In 2022, around 30% of children with ADHD
did not receive medication or behavioral treatment. Left untreated, the CDC reports that ADHD symptoms can worsen, leading to increased difficulty managing stress, schoolwork, and daily responsibilities.
Common symptoms and signs of ADHD
With ADHD affecting so many teens across New England, recognizing the signs is the first step in getting the right support. Let’s explore a few key symptoms of ADHD that are most common in adolescents:
- Frequent restlessness or difficulty still, even in situations where calm behavior is required.
- Disorganization in managing time, keeping track of responsibilities, and completing tasks.
- Innatentiveness and poor listening skills where the teen may appear not to pay attention or forget conversations shortly after they occur.
- Mood swings or irritability, which can be worsened by frustration or stress.
- Difficulty following social cues, which can result in challenges with relationships with peers and adults.
Can Teens in PHPs and IOPs still attend school?
Yes, teens in IOPs can still attend school, as these programs are structured to fit around their daily routines. Therapy sessions are held after school or on weekends, helping teens balance their treatment with their family and personal lives.
While everything is on a case-by-case basis, we work with schools and can provide the necessary notes and letters as needed.
Our approach to IOPs for ADHD
At Direction Behavioral Health Associates, we’re here to guide you and your teen on their journey toward managing ADHD. By combining behavior therapy with medication management, we provide your adolescent with the tools they need to succeed.
ADHD doesn’t have to control their life. With the right tools and support from a caring community, your teen can thrive.
A Wholistic Approach to ADHD Treatment
At Direction Behavioral Health, our team recognizes that ADHD often comes hand-in-hand with other challenges, such as depression, which can further complicate a teen's ability to thrive. That’s why our Wholistic Education Model is designed to address not just ADHD, but also emotional and social aspects of a teen’s life.
By treating the whole person, our
IOP for teen depression helps them build the resilience and healthy habits necessary for teens to manage both ADHD and depression, ensuring they can face life’s challenges with confidence and hope for the future.
Behavior therapy vs medication for ADHD — which do we prefer?
Every teen we serve is unique, and we understand there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for adolescent ADHD. That’s why our team balances behavior therapy and medication management based on your teen’s individual needs. Both play an essential role in helping them manage their symptoms, so they can build the skills needed for success.
How to start ADHD treatment for your child or teen
Getting help for your teen should be complicated or feel overwhelming. At Direction Behavioral Health, there’s no referral needed—just give us a call. We’ll guide you through the next steps and patiently answer all of your questions.
No referral needed, just
call!
Meet Direction Behavioral Health Associates
Serving children and teens across New Hampshire, Greater Boston, and New England
We provide high-quality ADHD treatment close to home, ensuring families across the New England region have access to expert intensive outpatient care.
Our mission
Since 2008, we believe every teen deserves the right tools and support to navigate ADHD and build a fulfilling future.
Our staff
Experienced clinicians, therapists, and educators work together to create personalized plans tailored to each teen’s individual needs.
Our facility
Designed to be a comfortable and welcoming environment, our facility is a space that fosters learning, healing, and healthy expression for teens and their families.
Looking for support and resources on parenting a child with ADHD?
Parenting a teen with ADHD is a journey, and with the right support, you can confidently lead the way. By joining parenting groups and exploring our resources you’ll connect with others who understand your challenges and gain valuable insights to help you support your teen.
It’s about building strength together, so you can create a positive, thriving environment for your family.
Helping teens with ADHD in New England thrive
At Direction Behavioral Health, we provide teen ADHD treatment near you in New Hampshire, Greater Boston, and New England. Our team is ready to help your teen with ADHD build a brighter, more confident future with personalized care and a supportive environment.
If you're looking for teen ADHD treatment in your area, we're here to guide you every step of the way.