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. 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. 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.