Intensive Outpatient, or IOP for short, is a form of outpatient care that normally serves as the next step after inpatient treatment or partial hospitalization for mental health services. Intensive outpatient treatment, much like partial hospitalization, allows for the independence to remain at home and the ability to continue to work or go to school.
In our intensive outpatient program, you will create an individualized treatment plan focused on your goals and needs. Mental health disorders are complex, and we understand that not everyone struggles with the same mental illnesses. We offer the following types of treatment in our mental health PHP program:
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
- Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
- Trauma-Informed Care (TIC)
Some common conditions we treat include:
- Major Depressive Disorder/ Chronic Depression: For individuals experiencing severe, persistent depressive symptoms, including feelings of hopelessness and difficulty functioning.
- Anxiety Disorders: Including Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, and Social Anxiety, especially when panic attacks or worry are debilitating.
- Bipolar Disorder: For stabilizing acute mood episodes, both manic and depressive episodes, and teaching emotional regulation.
- Grief/Loss: When grief is persistent, intense, and disabling, including symptoms of intense yearning, emotional pain, preoccupation with the loss, and difficulty re-integrating into life.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder/ Trauma: helping the patient stabilize by learning coping mechanisms for acute symptoms like flashbacks, panic attacks, and intense emotional swings.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Provides the intensive therapy necessary that can be difficult to manage in standard outpatient settings.
- Suicidal Ideation/Self-Harm: For stabilization and safety when a person is experiencing chronic suicidal thoughts or engaging in self-injurious behavior, but is not at imminent risk for acting on these thoughts (which would require inpatient care).
Our intensive outpatient program offers even more flexibility for mental health treatment than partial hospitalization. Treatment will occur three times a week and will include group therapy, individual sessions, and family therapy when appropriate. Group therapy focuses on a variety of life skills, such as learning how to manage your day-to-day life with mental health disorders, while obtaining support from peers. Learn about our mental health Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): the step up program from IOP.
What is Included in an Intensive Outpatient Mental Health Program?
IOP services are available to individuals who have a mental health diagnosis and are in need of intensive treatment. IOP treatment typically includes individual and group therapy, and medication management by request. The length of the IOP treatment varies based on the individual’s needs but typically lasts for a few weeks.
Is Mental Health Intensive Outpatient Right For Me?
It may be difficult to decide if you need treatment and when you are ready. Overcoming Counseling Center’s IOP mental health program allows you to commit to a treatment plan without placing your life on hold. We understand how important it is to maintain your commitments and family responsibilities while also benefiting from mental health treatment. If you want help with coping skills, medication management, mental health diagnoses, or other contributing factors that affect your daily life, then we want to provide the help you need. Our mental health intensive outpatient program may be right for you if any of the following apply to your situation:
- You need to be stabilized on the correct medication
- You want to work with a variety of mental health professionals
- You may have already completed a partial hospitalization program and now seek a more flexible treatment schedule with intensive therapy
- You have outside support from family, friends, a therapist, or doctor
- You are enrolled in school or work full time
- You want added support for your mental health
Overcoming Counseling Center allows you to obtain true quality of care. You will benefit from the support and knowledge of experienced mental health professionals throughout your treatment journey.
What is the Cost of Intensive Outpatient (IOP) & Does Insurance Cover It?
The cost of intensive outpatient mental health treatment (IOP) can vary based on a variety of factors, including the specific program, length of treatment, and the individual’s insurance coverage.
Insurance covers the majority of the cost of IOP treatment for eligible individuals who meet the criteria for medical necessity. For those without insurance coverage, self-pay and financing options are available.
Insurance companies we contract with include:
- Aetna
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Cigna/Evernorth
- ComPsych
- Optum/United Healthcare
With the cost of intensive outpatient treatment being much less than the cost of inpatient care, IOP is a more affordable option for individuals who require intensive treatment but along with a flexible schedule.