Est. 1917 Verified

The Watson Institute Friendship Academy

Pittsburgh, PA

Program 90 days
Care Levels Outpatient
Insurance 24 accepted
Therapies 9 methods

Free & confidential · Insurance verification · 24/7

The Watson Institute Friendship Academy

Key Takeaways

  • The Watson Institute Friendship Academy is a Outpatient facility in Pittsburgh, PA, established in 1917.
  • Accepts 24 insurance providers including Aetna, Anthem, BlueCross BlueShield.
  • Uses 9 evidence-based therapies: 1-on-1 Counseling, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Family Therapy, Group Therapy.
  • Call (833) 546-3513 for free insurance verification and admission guidance (24/7).

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The Watson Institute Friendship Academy

Why Choose The Watson Institute Friendship Academy

Broad Insurance Coverage

Accepts 24 insurance providers, making treatment accessible for more families.

Evidence-Based Therapies

Offers 9 proven treatment methods including 1-on-1 Counseling, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Family Therapy.

Specialized Programs

Offers targeted programs for Trauma, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Adolescents.

Inclusive Care

Treats Adolescents, Children, Young Adults, Girls, Boys, Neurodivergent with programs tailored to each group's unique needs.

About The Watson Institute Friendship Academy: Programs, Staff & Mission

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.

What to Expect at The Watson Institute Friendship Academy

Your path from first call to lasting recovery

1

Assessment

A clinical team evaluates your history, needs, and goals to build a personalized plan.

2

Active Care

Evidence-based therapies including 1-on-1 Counseling and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, typically 90 days.

3

Aftercare

Ongoing support, relapse prevention planning, and connections to community resources.

Start Your Journey — (833) 546-3513

Free guidance • No obligation

What Levels of Care Are Available?

Programs available at this facility

Outpatient

Flexible sessions (1-2x/week) while living at home.

What Insurance Does The Watson Institute Friendship Academy Accept?

24 insurance providers accepted. Learn about insurance coverage →

Aetna Aetna
Anthem Anthem
BlueCross BlueShield BlueCross BlueShield
Bright Health Bright Health
CareFirst CareFirst
Carelon Behavioral Health Carelon Behavioral Health
Cigna Cigna
ComPsych ComPsych
GuideWell GuideWell
HealthNet HealthNet
HealthPartners HealthPartners
Highmark Highmark
Humana Humana
ITU Funds ITU Funds
Intermountain Healthcare Intermountain Healthcare
Kaiser Permanente Kaiser Permanente
MHN MHN
Medicaid Medicaid
Medicare Medicare
Optum Optum
Oscar Oscar
Tricare Tricare
Tufts Health Tufts Health
United Healthcare United Healthcare

Not sure if your insurance covers this center?

Free, confidential verification in under 5 minutes. We check your specific benefits and out-of-pocket costs.

(833) 546-3513

What Therapies and Approaches Are Used?

Evidence-based methods used at this center. Browse all types →

1-on-1 Counseling
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Identifies and changes negative thought patterns driving addiction.

Family Therapy

Repairs relationships and builds a supportive home environment.

Group Therapy

Shared healing through peer support and group dynamics.

Life Skills

Practical skills for independent, sober daily living.

Trauma-Specific Therapy
Evidence-Based

Clinically proven approaches backed by scientific research.

Individual Treatment

One-on-one sessions tailored to your specific needs.

Trauma Informed
Family Involvement

Who Does The Watson Institute Friendship Academy Treat?

Adolescents

Age-appropriate treatment for teens 12-17

Children
Young Adults

Specialized programs for ages 18-25

Girls
Boys
Neurodivergent

What Conditions and Substances Are Treated?

Conditions

Anger Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Trauma Anxiety Stress Self-Harm Neurodiversity

Aftercare & Continuing Support

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

How Much Does Treatment Cost?

Average costs vary by care level. Insurance typically covers 60-80% of treatment.

Care Level Avg. Cost/Month With Insurance Duration
Medical Detox $5,000–$10,000 $500–$3,000 3–7 days
Residential $15,000–$30,000 $2,000–$8,000 30–90 days
PHP/IOP $5,000–$12,000 $500–$3,000 6–12 weeks
Outpatient $1,000–$5,000 $100–$1,000 3–12 months

Source: SAMHSA National Survey, 2024. Costs vary by location and provider. Call (833) 546-3513 for a free, personalized cost estimate.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the program at The Watson Institute Friendship Academy?
The typical program length at The Watson Institute Friendship Academy is 90 days. Actual duration varies based on individual assessment and treatment progress.
What insurance does The Watson Institute Friendship Academy accept?
The Watson Institute Friendship Academy accepts 24 insurance providers including Aetna, Anthem, BlueCross BlueShield, Bright Health, CareFirst. Call (833) 546-3513 for free insurance verification.
What levels of care are available?
This facility offers 1 levels of care: Outpatient. Your care team will recommend the appropriate level based on your evaluation.
Who does The Watson Institute Friendship Academy treat?
The Watson Institute Friendship Academy treats Adolescents, Children, Young Adults, Girls, Boys, Neurodivergent. Contact the facility to discuss specific eligibility requirements.
How do I start the admissions process?
Call (833) 546-3513 for a free, confidential consultation. Our specialists verify your insurance, explain options, and guide you through every step of the admission process.
Does insurance cover treatment here?
Most major insurance plans cover treatment. Call (833) 546-3513 for a free verification — we check your specific benefits and out-of-pocket costs within minutes.
What therapies are used at this center?
The Watson Institute Friendship Academy uses evidence-based approaches including 1-on-1 Counseling, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Family Therapy, Group Therapy, Life Skills. Treatment plans are personalized to each individual.

Contact The Watson Institute Friendship Academy

Free Guidance & Insurance Verification

(833) 546-3513

Address

Pittsburgh, PA

Center Phone

(412) 749-2889

Languages

English

Last updated: April 6, 2026 Reviewed by RehabHive Editorial Team

Sources & References

This listing includes information from publicly available data and provider submissions. For authoritative resources on treatment and recovery:

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