Outpatient Mental Health Care for Children & Teens in Lafayette, IN

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Children and teenagers experience mental health challenges just as adults do. In the U.S., more than 16 percent of kids under the age of 18 – or one out of six – experience a mental health disorder such as depression, anxiety, or substance abuse. Yet nearly half do not receive treatment.* Early intervention matters, and our adolescent and child programs are designed to help prevent more serious, long-term concerns as kids grow.

Our Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) trained team provides specialized, evidence-based care for children and teens ages 8–17 (18 if still in high school), offering both help and hope for young people and their families.

Our Child and Adolescent Outpatient Programs accept all Indiana Medicaid. Insurance Navigator services are also available to assist families with coverage and access to care.

Specialized Outpatient Child and Adolescent programming is offered at our Sycamore Springs Changes® location.


Transportation services may be provided based on patient eligibility and availability.

What We Treat

Navigating adolescence is difficult, and it can be even harder for a young person to recognize when they’re struggling with a mental health disorder. Many serious symptoms first appear during these years, and they can feel overwhelming, frightening, and isolating.

We provide outpatient care for children and teens facing:

Our facility offers a safe, supportive environment where young people can heal, grow, and learn skills they can carry throughout their lives.

Our program is also available 100% remote, meaning your child can receive treatment from home via secure telehealth options.

DBT-informed Therapy for Children and Teens

For adolescents who need structured support to manage emotions, behaviors, and relationships, we offer DBT-informed therapy (Dialectical Behavior Therapy). DBT treatment is an evidence-based approach proven to help young people understand their emotions, cope with distress, and improve communication.

Our program includes:

  • Individual DBT-informed therapy with licensed clinicians
  • A structured DBT skills group for teens
  • Family involvement to reinforce skills at home
  • Age-appropriate curriculum built to support emotional development

Our facility offers accessible DBT programming for teens which focuses on four essential skill areas: mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness.

Our DBT-trained staff employ structured, skills-based therapy strategies for the intense emotions, impulsive behaviors, and relationship challenges that often accompany behavioral health needs in children and adolescents. By building emotional regulation skills, teaching distress tolerance, encouraging mindfulness and balancing acceptance, DBT-informed therapy is especially useful for teens who feel overwhelmed or “out of control” at times and is helpful in situations of self-harm, substance use, aggression and impulsivity.

What Treatment Programs Look Like

Prioritizing both mental health & education

Young people in our care participate in programs created uniquely for their developmental needs. Our multidisciplinary team specializes in adolescent behavioral health, ensuring every child receives individualized, compassionate support. Education remains a priority throughout treatment so teens can stay on track academically. Our team collaborates with local schools and teachers to ensure time in our therapy programs is excused from school attendance and that schoolwork is not missed during therapy. Our on-site education liaison facilitates ongoing schoolwork through communication with schools and works directly with children in the program. The education liaison also supports reintegration back to school, making the transition as smooth as possible.

We offer both in-person and virtual therapy options and transportation assistance is available.

Outpatient Treatment

Our outpatient services for ages ages 8+ include:

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP):

The IOP program provides structured therapy three to five days a week. Patients typically spend 9–15 hours per week in the program. IOP offers two specialized tracks, one for mental health and one for substance use. On-site therapy (individual, group or family), education, training and skill building may be offered as part of IOP.

Learn More About IOP

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP):

PHP is a therapeutic and recovery-focused program that provides individuals with the support and care they need in their everyday lives. Patients typically spend 6 hours a day, 5 days a week participating in psychotherapy groups, medication management, recreational therapy, educational groups and skill-building rooted in evidence-based practices, including DBT.

Learn More About PHP

Medication Management:

Medication management is provided in conjunction with PHP and IOP programming, involving the management and ongoing determination of a medication’s effectiveness.

How to Get Started

The first step is a comprehensive mental health assessment at our facility. During this assessment, we gather information about your child’s symptoms, history, and needs. We also provide orientation for parents and answer questions about what to expect in treatment.

We offer same-day and walk-in assessments, or assessments may be scheduled by phone or chat 24/7. You may also schedule a tour or view our photo gallery.

After the assessment, our team will work with your family to create a personalized treatment plan based on your child’s goals and clinical needs.

*Source: Journal of the American Medical Association

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you offer individual therapy?

Our PHP and IOP services use a group therapy model, which helps children and adolescents build skills and connect with peers in a supportive setting. Individual sessions may also be provided for participants in DBT services and, when appropriate, on a case-by-case basis for make-up needs.

What age ranges are grouped for therapies?

To provide developmentally appropriate care, our outpatient child and adolescent programs are organized by age group. Children ages 8–12 participate together, and teens ages 13–17 participate together.

Is lunch provided? Or may my child bring their own lunch?

Yes. We provide lunch for participants, typically including a sandwich and chips, with pizza offered on Fridays.

If your child prefers, they are welcome to bring their own lunch. For safety reasons, all food brought from home must be factory sealed (for example, Lunchables, ramen cups, or macaroni and cheese cups).

Can my child bring a drink with them?

Yes. Participants may bring a drink, provided it is caffeine-free and factory sealed upon arrival.

Your child may also bring an empty reusable cup for water.

Is transportation provided?

Complimentary transportation may be available based on your location and current vehicle capacity. Please contact our office to discuss availability.

Is transportation available in bad weather?

Our transportation team follows Tippecanoe School Corporation guidelines for weather-related cancellations. If transportation is unavailable and a guardian is unable to bring their child to Changes safely, virtual participation may be available by contacting the office.

Will my child be counted as absent from school while attending Changes?

Attendance in the program does not count against your child’s school attendance record. Once your child is admitted, the Changes team will notify the school of their participation in treatment.

Will my child fall behind in school while in treatment?

Our team partners with schools to help students stay as current as possible with their academic responsibilities during treatment.

In PHP, participants also receive one hour of academic support each day with guidance from our Education Liaison.

Are you closed for holidays, school breaks or cancellations?

We provide therapy services every weekday and are closed only on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

Our program remains open during most school breaks, delays, and cancellations.

Can my child attend online?

Yes. Both our PHP and IOP programs offer virtual participation options.

Do you offer family sessions?

While we do not offer full-family therapy within this program, we do include scheduled family sessions for the child and guardian to meet with the therapist and review progress in treatment. These 15-minute sessions are scheduled at the time of admission.

Can you adjust my child's medications?

Medication management is available for children enrolled in the PHP program.

Who can sign my child up for treatment?

A child’s legal guardian, such as a biological parent or court-appointed guardian, must be present for the assessment and complete the intake paperwork.

How does a family know whether PHP or IOP is the right fit?

The best level of care depends on your child’s current needs, symptoms, and treatment goals. During the assessment process, our clinical team will review your child’s situation and recommend the program that offers the most appropriate support. We will also talk with you about what each option involves so you can feel informed and comfortable with the next steps.

How do families get started with an assessment or referral?

Families can begin by contacting our office to discuss concerns, ask questions, and schedule an assessment. Referrals may also come from outpatient therapists, physicians, schools, hospitals, or other providers. Our team will guide you through the intake process and let you know what information or paperwork is needed before your child starts services.

What days and hours are each program offered?

Program schedules vary by level of care and may change based on current enrollment needs. Our office can provide the most up-to-date information about meeting days, start and end times, and virtual options for each program. We will review the schedule with you during the intake process so you know what to expect.

What should my child bring on their first day?

Participants should bring their schoolwork (if during the school year) and any required supplies needed to complete that work. While it is not required, your child may also bring a factory-sealed drink, a factory-sealed lunch and an empty reusable water cup if preferred. No personal items are allowed in therapy rooms.

What happens if my child misses a session?

If your child needs to miss a session, please contact our office as soon as possible. Our team will talk with you about next steps, including whether a make-up option or virtual participation may be appropriate. Because consistent attendance supports progress in treatment, we encourage families to stay in close communication with us about any absences.

Do you accept insurance, and what costs should families expect?

Our outpatient child & adolescent behavioral health programs are covered by Medicaid and many private insurances for qualifying patients. Out-of-pocket costs can vary depending on your plan and the services your child receives. Our office can help verify benefits, explain any expected costs, and answer billing questions before treatment begins whenever possible. We encourage families to contact us directly for the most accurate and current coverage information.

How long do children typically stay in the program?

Length of stay varies for each child and depends on their individual needs, progress, and treatment goals. Our average outpatient treatment program is 20 sessions. Our team will conduct a weekly family check-in meeting to review each participant’s progress and will discuss recommendations with the family throughout treatment. When your child is ready for the next step, we will help support a smooth transition to ongoing care.

How do you communicate progress updates to parents or guardians?

We value regular communication with parents and guardians and provide updates as part of the treatment process. Families will have opportunities to speak with the treatment team during scheduled sessions and as needed regarding progress, recommendations, and planning for next steps. We encourage caregivers to reach out with questions so we can partner together in supporting their child.

What should families do if their child is in crisis before starting treatment?

If your child is in immediate danger or you believe they need urgent help, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away. If the situation is urgent but not life-threatening, we encourage you to contact your child’s current provider, your local crisis service, or our office for guidance on appropriate next steps. Your child’s safety is always the top priority.

How is privacy handled, and what information can be shared with schools or other providers?

We take your child's privacy seriously and share information only as allowed by law and the permissions you provide. When coordination with a school, physician, therapist, or other provider is helpful, our team will review the necessary consent forms with you. We are happy to answer questions about confidentiality and communication during the intake process.

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