All CentersThe Watson Institute Friendship Academy

The Watson Institute Friendship Academy

Mental Health

Treatment Focus

At this center, you receive personalized care for mental health conditions. They provide therapy and tailor treatment to your unique needs, diagnoses, and preferences.

Outpatient

Primary Level of Care

Outpatient treatment offers flexible therapeutic and medical care without the need to stay overnight in a hospital or inpatient facility. Some centers offer intensive outpatient program (IOP), which falls between inpatient care and traditional outpatient service.

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Insurance

Provider's Policy

We accept most major insurances, including UPMC Health Plan, and Pennsylvania Medical Assistance. For out-of-network plans, call us to discuss your coverage and possible payment assistance.

Located in Pittsburgh’s East Liberty neighborhood and less than two miles from Interstate 376, this nonprofit center serves youth ages 5–21 with outpatient behavioral health services, special education, and a partial hospitalization program (PHP). The team works with young people experiencing trauma and neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism, emotional challenges, and social or behavioral needs.

Fostering Emotional Growth Through Treatment

The Watson Institute Friendship Academy uses trauma-informed care and structured routines to help students strengthen emotional regulation, improve focus, and build communication skills. Therapists apply cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) to promote skill-building and support healthy coping. They offer individual counseling, psychiatric services, and medication management as core parts of each care plan.

Reinforce Skills Through Interactive Sessions

Staff integrate therapeutic support into the school day, where students also engage in art, music, and physical education. Staff teach life skills to build independence to clients and lead family group therapy to strengthen connection and shared growth. The center also offers telehealth services, giving families flexible options for continued support.

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AT A GLANCE

Center Overview

Location
255 S. Negley Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15206 View Map
Primary Focus
At this center, you receive personalized care for mental health conditio...

Treatment Focus

At this center, you receive personalized care for mental health conditions. They provide therapy and tailor treatment to your unique needs, diagnoses, and preferences.

Founded in 1917
109 years in business
Conditions We Treat
Anger, Anxiety, Neurodiversity, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder +3 More
The Watson Institute Friendship Academy logo
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How to pay

Insurance Accepted

BlueCross BlueShield
BlueCross BlueShield
All Centers in Pennsylvania
Provider's Policy: We accept most major insurances, including UPMC Health Plan, and Pennsylvania Medical Assistance. For out-of-network plans, call us to discuss your coverage and possible payment assistance.
(412) 749-2889
Private Pay Option

Cash Pay Rates

Estimated Cash Pay Rate

Center pricing can vary based on program and length of stay. Contact the center for more information. Recovery.com strives for price transparency so you can make an informed decision.

We don't have pricing information for this center. Please contact the center for more information.
Care Options

Levels of Care

Mental health care includes a range of services such as counseling, therapy, medication management, and support groups, all designed to address issues from everyday stress and anxiety to more severe conditions like depression and schizophrenia. These practices are essential for helping individuals manage their emotions, improve their relationships, and navigate life's challenges in healthier, more adaptive ways.
Residential
Not Offered at This Center
Intensive monitoring and care for conditions like depression, trauma, suicidality, and anxiety. Residential mental health facilities offer a safe setting with activities and structure, plus opportunities to practice life skills and bond with peers.
Day Treatment
In a PHP, patients live at home but follow an intensive schedule of treatment. Most programs require you to be on-site for about 40 hours per week.
Outpatient
Outpatient treatment offers flexible therapeutic and medical care without the need to stay overnight in a hospital or inpatient facility. Outpatient care typically offers a range of therapies and medical interventions individuals can attend alongside daily life.
Virtual & In-Home Care
The delivery of therapeutic services utilizing technology such as video conferencing, online messaging or phone calls, allowing for flexibility, comfort and increased access to care.
Licensed Primary Mental Health
Licensed primary mental health facilities provide specialized care for diagnosing and treating mental health conditions. By offering early intervention and comprehensive services, they promote overall well-being and prevent long-term complications.
Treatment

Your Care Options

Specializations

Adolescents

Adolescents

Teens receive the treatment they need for mental health disorders and addiction, with the added support of educational and vocational services.

Children

Children

Treatment for children incorporates the psychiatric care they need and education, often led by on-site teachers to keep children on track with school.

Neurodiversity
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

PTSD is a long-term mental health issue caused by a disturbing event or events. Symptoms include anxiety, dissociation, flashbacks, and intrusive thoughts.

Trauma

Trauma

Some traumatic events are so disturbing that they cause long-term mental health problems. Those ongoing issues can also be referred to as "trauma."

Who We Treat

Adolescents

Adolescents

Teens receive the treatment they need for mental health disorders and addiction, with the added support of educational and vocational services.

Children

Children

Treatment for children incorporates the psychiatric care they need and education, often led by on-site teachers to keep children on track with school.

Young Adults

Young Adults

Emerging adults ages 18-25 receive treatment catered to the unique challenges of early adulthood, like college, risky behaviors, and vocational struggles.

Girls
Boys
Neurodivergent

Approaches

Evidence-Based

Evidence-Based

A combination of scientifically rooted therapies and treatments make up evidence-based care, defined by their measured and proven results.

Family Involvement

Family Involvement

Providers involve family in the treatment of their loved one through family therapy, visits, or both–because addiction is a family disease.

Individual Treatment

Individual Treatment

Individual care meets the needs of each patient, using personalized treatment to provide them the most relevant care and greatest chance of success.

Trauma Informed

Therapies

1-on-1 Counseling

1-on-1 Counseling

Patient and therapist meet 1-on-1 to work through difficult emotions and behavioral challenges in a personal, private setting.

Art Therapy

Art Therapy

Visual art invites patients to examine the emotions within their work, focusing on the process of creativity and its gentle therapeutic power.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Eye Movement Therapy (EMDR)

Eye Movement Therapy (EMDR)

Lateral, guided eye movements help reduce the emotional reactions of retelling and reprocessing trauma, allowing intense feelings to dissipate.

Family Therapy

Family Therapy

Family therapy addresses group dynamics within a family system, with a focus on improving communication and interrupting unhealthy relationship patterns.

Group Therapy
Life Skills

Life Skills

Teaching life skills like cooking, cleaning, clear communication, and even basic math provides a strong foundation for continued recovery.

Music Therapy

Music Therapy

Singing, performing, and even listening to music can be therapeutic. Music therapy sessions are facilitated by certified counselors.

Languages

English

Conditions We Treat

Anger

Anger

Although anger itself isn't a disorder, it can get out of hand. If this feeling interferes with your relationships and daily functioning, treatment can help.

Anxiety

Anxiety

Anxiety is a common mental health condition that can include excessive worry, panic attacks, physical tension, and increased blood pressure.

Neurodiversity
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

PTSD is a long-term mental health issue caused by a disturbing event or events. Symptoms include anxiety, dissociation, flashbacks, and intrusive thoughts.

Self-Harm

Self-Harm

The act of intentionally harming oneself, also called self-injury, is associated with mental health issues like depression.

Stress

Stress

Stress is a natural reaction to challenges, and it can even help you adapt. However, chronic stress can cause physical and mental health issues.

Trauma

Trauma

Some traumatic events are so disturbing that they cause long-term mental health problems. Those ongoing issues can also be referred to as "trauma."

Aftercare

Follow-up Sessions (online)
Follow-up Sessions (in-person)
Outpatient Treatment
Medication Assistance
Experience

Care Designed for Your Needs

Personal Amenities

Air-Conditioned Rooms

Special Considerations

Family Program
Wheelchair Accessible
Transition Program

Transition Program

Patients in a transition program gradually return to life outside treatment, helping lower chances of relapse and continue care in a less intense setting.

Activities

Games

Smoking and Vaping Policy

Smoking Not Allowed
Vaping Not Allowed

We love hearing about your treatment experience

Center Location

Find Us

Frequently Asked Questions

Further Research

The following therapies are included: group therapy, 1-on-1 counseling and more.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States.
We accept most major insurances, including UPMC Health Plan, and Pennsylvania Medical Assistance. For out-of-network plans, call us to discuss your coverage and possible payment assistance.
The Watson Institute Friendship Academy provides day treatment, licensed primary mental health and more.

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The Watson Institute Friendship Academy: Treatment Options, Amenities & Photos (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)