If you’ve started looking into mental health care for your child, you may have come across the term MHOP and wondered what it means. MHOP stands for Mental Health Outpatient Program, a licensed, nonresidential setting where people receive therapy, evaluations, and medication support while continuing to live at home and keep up with school, work, and daily routines. Here’s what Philadelphia families should know about how MHOP works, how it differs from CBH, and who it can help.
What Does MHOP Stand For?
MHOP stands for Mental Health Outpatient Program. Philadelphia’s Community Behavioral Health (CBH) describes an MHOP as a nonresidential treatment setting, licensed by OMHSAS, that provides psychiatric, psychological, social, educational, and related services under medical supervision. You can read CBH’s full description in its MHOP overview.
In plain terms, an MHOP is a place to receive ongoing mental health care on a scheduled basis, without an overnight stay. Outpatient clinics in Pennsylvania follow the Department of Human Services’ Chapter 5200 regulations, which set standards for treatment planning, staffing, and recordkeeping.
What Services Does an MHOP Include?
Most MHOPs offer a combination of services, matched to each person’s needs:
- Intake assessment: an interview and evaluation that leads to a diagnosis and treatment plan
- Individual therapy: one-on-one sessions with a licensed clinician
- Family therapy: sessions that involve parents, siblings, or caregivers
- Group therapy: skill-building and support alongside peers
- Psychiatric evaluation and medication management: for those who may benefit from medication
- Psychological testing: offered by some programs to clarify a diagnosis
Therapists often use evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), mindfulness, and psychoeducation to help clients build practical coping skills.
MHOP vs. CBH: What’s the Difference?
MHOP and CBH are often mentioned together, but they aren’t the same thing. MHOP is a kind of treatment program. CBH is Philadelphia County’s behavioral health managed care organization, which arranges and pays for care for residents enrolled in Medical Assistance.
| MHOP | CBH | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A licensed outpatient mental health program | Philadelphia’s managed care organization for behavioral health |
| What it does | Provides therapy, evaluations, and medication management | Manages coverage and connects members to network providers |
| Who it serves | Children, teens, and adults with mental health or emotional concerns | Philadelphia County residents enrolled in Medical Assistance |
| How you interact with it | You attend sessions with a clinician | You call Member Services or use your coverage to see a provider |
In other words, a Philadelphia family with Medical Assistance might use their CBH coverage to receive care at an MHOP.
Who Can Benefit from MHOP Services?
MHOP is designed for people who need consistent mental health support but don’t need inpatient or residential care. For children and teens, that can include support for:
- Anxiety, worry, or difficulty coping with stress
- Depression or ongoing low mood
- ADHD and executive functioning challenges
- Anger, frequent outbursts, or inflexibility
- Adjustment to big changes, like a move, a new school, or a family transition
- Trauma
- Social skills and family conflict
If you’ve noticed changes in your child’s mood, sleep, school performance, or relationships that last more than a few weeks, an outpatient assessment can help you understand what’s going on and what kind of support would help.
What Happens When You Start MHOP?
Starting outpatient care usually follows a clear sequence:
- Intake and comprehensive assessment: A licensed professional learns about your child’s emotional, psychological, and behavioral patterns.
- Matching: Your child is paired with a therapist and services that fit their needs.
- Personalized treatment plan: The plan sets specific, measurable goals.
- Regular sessions and progress monitoring: The clinician tracks progress and adjusts the plan as your child grows.
In Pennsylvania, a parent or guardian provides consent for children under 14, and state law sets specific consent rules for teens ages 14 to 17. Families can also choose how they receive services, including in-person care instead of telehealth.
Get MHOP Support from Thrive Therapy
At Thrive Therapy, our mental health outpatient services give Philadelphia families structured, compassionate support that fits into daily life. Our licensed mental health professionals begin with a comprehensive assessment, then build a personalized treatment plan using evidence-based approaches like CBT, DBT, and mindfulness. We offer individual, family, and group therapy, flexible scheduling, and in-person and telehealth options, with caregivers involved every step of the way.
Have questions about getting started? Visit our MHOP FAQs, complete our intake form, or call (267) 225-7180. Our team is here to help your family find the right fit.
Key Takeaways
- MHOP is a licensed outpatient program for the evaluation and treatment of mental health and emotional concerns
- In Pennsylvania, MHOPs are licensed by the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS)
- MHOP is a type of care, while CBH is the organization that manages behavioral health coverage for Philadelphia Medical Assistance members
- Services can include assessment, individual, family, and group therapy, psychiatric evaluation, and medication management
- Outpatient care lets children and families get support without stepping away from home or school
Frequently Asked Questions
Is MHOP covered by Medical Assistance?
Outpatient mental health care is a covered behavioral health service for Philadelphia Medical Assistance members through CBH. Your provider can confirm coverage before services begin.
Is telehealth available?
Many MHOPs offer both in-person and telehealth sessions. Families can choose the format that works best for them.
Do we need a diagnosis before starting?
No. The intake assessment helps identify a diagnosis and shape the treatment plan.
How long does MHOP treatment last?
It varies. Treatment continues as long as it’s helpful, and plans are reviewed regularly so goals stay relevant.