Animal- Assisted Adolescent Behavioral Health

AVIV has partnered with New England Medical Group to offer the first in New England, Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) centered on experiential Animal- Assisted Psychotherapy.

PHP/IOP is intended for Middle and High Schoolers who need more than weekly psychotherapy but do not need residential support. AVIV at New England Medical Group is different in that we do not sit idly in a room and talk in circles, we strive to build therapeutic skills through embodied experiences and hands-on learning.

For more information contact Justin Campbell: JCampbell@nemgp.com or (508) 335-2182

Milford Reception Desk: 508-903-1500

We don’t roll-over and accept the status quo! We fetch new ideas and make them a reality!

Therapy is for the Dogs

What to expect:

The focus of the PHP/IOP is to build skills that can be used long after treatment concludes. Since trauma and mental health symptoms are felt on a physical level, we work through a physical medium to heal those traumas and manage those symptoms. Our therapeutic program includes several components including the following:

  • Canine Assisted Psychotherapy

  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills

  • Social/ Emotional Learning

  • Mindfulness

  • Expressive Arts Therapy

  • Movement and Drama Therapy

 FAQs

  • Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient Services are best suited for adolescents who are impacted significantly in at least one area of life. For example, if their mental health symptoms are preventing them from attending school, engaging in family life, or other important activities.

  • If your allergy symptoms are well managed with medication, then please join us! If your allergy is severe we may not be the best fit and we can refer you to other services.

  • We only welcome service dogs, not emotional support animals or pets. We work with several dogs in our program who are well suited to therapeutic work.

  • Everyone has different needs and will need to be part of the program for different lengths of time. We will work collaboratively between your family and your school to help support your family member through treatment and transition back to school.