Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is a structured, after-school level of care for children and adolescents who are stable enough to attend school but still need more support than traditional weekly outpatient therapy can provide. IOP allows youth to attend school during the day and participate in treatment in the afternoon, helping them maintain routines while receiving meaningful therapeutic support.
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If you are unfamiliar with higher levels of mental health care, learning that your child may benefit from an Intensive Outpatient Program can understandably feel overwhelming. If all of this feels new to you—the terminology, the treatment options, or simply not knowing what to expect—you’re not alone. Many parents feel the same way when they first seek support, and we’re here to guide you through every step of the journey. We invite you to come in for a tour, meet our team, and experience our space firsthand. Together, we will walk through this process one step at a time.
Serving those seeking hope and healing
Our IOP supports children and adolescents ages 8–18 who are stable enough to attend school but continue to struggle with emotional or behavioral concerns that require more support than outpatient therapy. IOP is ideal for youth who benefit from structured skill-building and therapeutic support after school. This may include:
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Anxiety or depression
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Emotional dysregulation that is less frequent or intense than PHP levels
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Difficulty applying coping skills during the school day or evenings
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Peer conflict, social stress, or friendship difficulties
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School-related stress, perfectionism, or academic frustration that do not interfere with regular school attendance
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Mild OCD symptoms or rigidity
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Behavioral challenges at home
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Step-down support after completing PHP
IOP is most appropriate when youth can manage the school day but still need consistent therapeutic structure to maintain progress and build confidence.
Our Intensive Outpatient Program runs Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday from 3:15 PM to 6:00 PM. Our program includes:
Individual Therapy:
Your child will meet with their primary therapist for individual sessions tailored to their emotional, behavioral, and developmental needs. These sessions help youth explore feelings, strengthen coping strategies, and build insight, allowing them to apply skills in real-life school and home environments.
Skills Group:
Skill groups are the core therapeutic component of IOP. Sessions focus the application on CBT and DBT skills, coping strategies, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, communication skills, and problem-solving while in their school and home environments. These groups help youth understand their experiences and practice skills in a supportive, structured setting.
Family Support:
IOP includes family sessions or parent coaching, depending on age and presenting concerns. These sessions strengthen communication, reinforce consistency at home, and support families in navigating challenges together. We use collaborative problem-solving to help families stay aligned and connected.
Expressive Therapy:
Expressive therapies in IOP include Art Therapy, Music Therapy, and Movement/Yoga, providing creative and experiential outlets to support regulation, self-expression, and mind-body connection. Each session is led by licensed and certified expressive therapy professionals, offering unique ways for youth to access insights and experience emotional relief.
Medication Management:
Medication management is available for youth who need ongoing psychiatric support. Your child will meet with our provider 1–2 times per week for monitoring and medication adjustments. Our provider collaborates closely with families and outpatient prescribers to ensure continuity, safety, and shared decision-making.
Executive Functioning & SEL ( Social -Emotional Learning)
Students participate in targeted Executive Functioning and SEL sessions that address organization, task initiation, flexible thinking, emotional awareness, and managing frustration. These groups help youth build the skills needed to navigate school demands, interpersonal challenges, and daily stressors more effectively.