

The Watson Institute Friendship Academy
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.
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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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.
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.
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.
The Watson Institute Friendship Academy
The Watson Institute Friendship Academy
About The Watson Institute Friendship Academy
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.

Center Overview
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.

Insurance Accepted
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.
Levels of Care
Your Care Options
Specializations
Adolescents
Teens receive the treatment they need for mental health disorders and addiction, with the added support of educational and vocational services.
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.
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
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
Teens receive the treatment they need for mental health disorders and addiction, with the added support of educational and vocational services.
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
Emerging adults ages 18-25 receive treatment catered to the unique challenges of early adulthood, like college, risky behaviors, and vocational struggles.
Approaches
Evidence-Based
A combination of scientifically rooted therapies and treatments make up evidence-based care, defined by their measured and proven results.
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 care meets the needs of each patient, using personalized treatment to provide them the most relevant care and greatest chance of success.
Therapies
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
Visual art invites patients to examine the emotions within their work, focusing on the process of creativity and its gentle therapeutic power.
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 addresses group dynamics within a family system, with a focus on improving communication and interrupting unhealthy relationship patterns.
Life Skills
Teaching life skills like cooking, cleaning, clear communication, and even basic math provides a strong foundation for continued recovery.
Music Therapy
Singing, performing, and even listening to music can be therapeutic. Music therapy sessions are facilitated by certified counselors.
Languages
Conditions We Treat
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 is a common mental health condition that can include excessive worry, panic attacks, physical tension, and increased blood pressure.
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
The act of intentionally harming oneself, also called self-injury, is associated with mental health issues like depression.
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
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
Care Designed for Your Needs
Personal Amenities
Special Considerations
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.