- Addiction
- Mental Health
- About Us
Rehabs by Location
About Us
Recovery.com combines independent research with expert guidance on addiction and mental health treatment. Our mission is to help everyone find the best path to recovery through the most comprehensive, helpful network of treatment providers worldwide.
Advisory Board
Our advisory board brings together leaders in behavioral health, technology, and business. Their diverse expertise ensures our resources and product are innovative, evidence-based, and effective. They guide our mission as accomplished individuals dedicated to improving the landscape of addiction recovery and mental wellness.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
The Watson Institute Friendship Academy
Unclaimed
Unclaimed
This provider hasn’t verified their profile’s information. Are you the owner of this center? Claim your listing to better manage your presence on Recovery.com.
Insurance AcceptedInsurance AcceptedProvider'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.
Contact The Watson Institute Friendship Academy
Connect with The Watson Institute Friendship Academy by calling them directly.
Are you the owner of this center?
Claim this center
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.
Read More
Insurance Accepted
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.
BlueCross BlueShield
<p>A leading healthcare provider serving over 100 million Americans as one of the largest insurance companies in the country.</p>
See rehabs that accept this provider.
Center Overview
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.
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.
Care Options
Treatment
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."
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.
Trauma-Specific Therapy
This form of talk therapy addresses any childhood trauma at the root of a patient's current diagnosis.
Online Therapy
Patients can connect with a therapist via videochat, messaging, email, or phone. Remote therapy makes treatment more accessible.
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.
Psychoeducation
This method combines treatment with education, teaching patients about different paths toward recovery. This empowers them to make more effective decisions.
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
Experience
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.
Activities
Smoking and Vaping Policy
We love hearing about your treatment experience
Help individuals and families seeking treatment by sharing your first-hand experience with this treatment provider. Review Guidelines.