Extended Day Treatment (EDT) Program

Extended Day Treatment (EDT) is a short-term outpatient program for youth who need more support than traditional therapy - but do not require residential care.

It provides a higher level of structure and consistency than traditional outpatient therapy, while allowing youth to remain at home and in school.

Over approximately six months, youth participate in a behavioral health program that combines therapy with real-world application, with support extending across home, school, and community settings. Psychiatric evaluation and medication management are available as part of care.

Support includes:

  • Group therapy and skill-building
  • Individual and family therapy
  • Structured routines that build consistency
  • Collaboration with schools and caregivers

Is EDT the Right Fit?

EDT is often the right next step for youth who are struggling, but still able to remain at home and in school.

It may be a good fit if a young person is experiencing ongoing emotional or behavioral challenges, needs more consistent support than weekly therapy can provide, or is at risk of requiring a higher level of care.

At its core, EDT is about meeting youth earlier - helping address challenges before they escalate.

Program At-A-Glance

Ages: 5-18
Length of Program: ~6 months
Schedule: After-school (school year) & daytime (summer)
Frequency: Up to 5 days per week
Focus: Therapy, skill-building, and family support
Transportation: Available

Testimonials

"Before EDT, Jesus was angry all the time. He was always fighting at school and I missed a lot of work to meet with the principal. The staff at EDT helped him make friends and talk about what was bothering him. Jesus is much happier now."

Why Families Choose EDT

Families choose EDT for its consistent, structured support and real-world focus.

Unlike traditional therapy, youth engage multiple times per week—allowing them to build skills, practice them, and apply them in daily life.

Family involvement is a central part of the program. Caregivers are included throughout the process, helping reinforce progress at home.
Just as important, EDT stays connected to what’s happening outside the program. Staff collaborate with schools and other providers to ensure that youth make meaningful progress in their daily lives.

What to Expect

During the school year, youth attend the program after school. In the summer, programming shifts to daytime hours.

Within that structure, youth participate in:

  • Therapeutic group sessions
  • Guided skill-building activities
  • Peer interaction in a supervised setting

Transportation is available, and staff coordinate closely with caregivers, schools, and providers to support consistency across environments.

Over time, this consistent support helps youth build the skills needed to succeed at home, in school, and in their communities.

How Referrals Work

Referrals can come from families, schools, healthcare providers, or community organizations.

Our team works with families to determine if EDT is the right fit and guide the intake process. Services may be covered by insurance, including Medicaid.

Take the Next Step

If you’re exploring residential treatment, you don’t have to navigate it alone.
Our team is here to help you understand your options, the referral process, and what level of care may be right for your child.