The Watson Institute 255 South Negley Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15206

The Watson Institute, located at 255 South Negley Avenue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a special education school that offers a unique program for students facing severe emotional and behavioral challenges. The Friendship Academy provides individualized education services aimed at reducing frustration and promoting success for students aged 5 to 21. In addition to academic classes, students participate in art and music therapy, physical education, and receive support from a dedicated team of special education teachers, therapists, social workers, psychiatrists, and clinicians. The school also offers a psychiatric hospitalization program that focuses on intensive treatment and skill-building through Cognitive Behavior Therapy. Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder receive customized programming to develop life skills and emotional support based on their Individualized Education Plan. The institution also provides outpatient behavioral health services for children up to the age of 21, including psychiatric evaluations, therapy, medication management, and social skills group therapy. The Watson Institute is committed to meeting the needs of children and families through a family-focused approach.