If you’re considering enrolling yourself or a loved one in one of our Intensive Outpatient Programs, it’s natural to ask how treatment works, who it’s for, and what to expect.
Below are answers to common questions about our program, insurance coverage, and how to start treatment.
If you don’t see your question here, please contact our team. You’ll always speak with a real, knowledgeable person, not an automated system or call center.
Understanding Intensive Outpatient Programs
What is an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)?
An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is a structured form of mental health treatment that provides multiple therapy sessions each week while allowing participants to live at home and maintain their daily responsibilities.
IOP is often recommended for people who need more support than weekly therapy but do not require inpatient hospitalization.
How does an Intensive Outpatient Program work?
For our IOP program, participants attend structured three-hour therapy sessions, three days per week (Monday–Wednesday–Friday or Monday–Wednesday–Thursday), while continuing to live at home.
Sessions typically include group therapy, coping skill development, emotional regulation strategies, and guidance from licensed clinicians focused on stabilization and symptom management.
How is IOP different from inpatient treatment?
Inpatient treatment requires individuals to stay in a hospital or residential facility for the duration of their treatment.
Intensive Outpatient Programs, on the other hand, provide structured care while allowing participants to live at home and maintain work, school, or family responsibilities.
This makes IOP a strong option for people who need additional support but don’t want or need a hospital stay or residential treatment.
When is an Intensive Outpatient Program recommended?
An IOP may be recommended when symptoms of anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, or mood instability have intensified, and weekly therapy alone is no longer providing enough support.
It can help people stabilize their symptoms while continuing their existing mental health care.
Who Our Programs Are For
Who is a good candidate for an Intensive Outpatient Program?
Our program is designed for people experiencing:
- Anxiety disorders
- Major depressive disorder
- Bipolar disorder and mood instability
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Trauma-related conditions
- PTSD
- Other significant mood or anxiety-related challenges
Most people in our program already work with a therapist or psychiatrist regularly and are seeking additional support.
Who is not a good fit for an IOP?
Intensive Outpatient Programs are not appropriate for people experiencing:
- Active psychosis
- Immediate psychiatric emergencies
- Primary substance use disorder treatment
If a higher level of care is needed, inpatient care or residential treatment may be recommended.
Do I need to stop seeing my therapist?
No. Our IOP programs are designed to work with your existing treatment, not replace it.
Many participants continue seeing their therapist or psychiatrist while attending the program.
Is this program only for people in crisis?
No. Many people seek an Intensive Outpatient Program when they feel their symptoms are worsening or becoming more difficult to manage.
IOP provides structured support during challenging periods and can help someone stabilize before symptoms escalate into a mental health emergency.
Program Structure + What to Expect
How long does an Intensive Outpatient Program last?
Program length can vary depending on individual progress, but many participants enrolled in our IOP attend three sessions per week for around 12 weeks. That’s about 9 hours per week for 12 weeks.
This said, treatment plans can be individualized and adjusted based on clinical needs. This timeline is just a general rule of thumb for us.
How many days per week is treatment?
Our program meets three days per week, with each session lasting three hours.
In-person groups meet:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Virtual groups meet:
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday
Session times are:
- Morning: 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
- Afternoon: 1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
- Evening (virtual only): 5:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
What happens during IOP sessions?
Our sessions typically include:
- Group therapy
- Skill-building exercises
- Guided discussions
- Emotional regulation strategies
The goal is to help participants stabilize symptoms and develop practical coping strategies.
Will I be placed in a large therapy group?
No. Our programs prioritize intentionally structured group settings that allow meaningful participation and therapeutic interaction.
Group composition is carefully designed to support productive discussion and growth.
Virtual Intensive Outpatient Programs
Can I attend an Intensive Outpatient Program virtually?
Yes. Our Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program offers the same structured therapy model as we do in person through secure online sessions.
Participants can attend from the comfort of their home and maintain any work, school, and family responsibilities.
Is virtual treatment as effective as in-person care?
For many people, we’ve found that virtual programs provide the same structured therapeutic support with the benefit of greater flexibility and accessibility.
Your treatment team will help determine whether virtual participation is appropriate for your situation.
Can I join if I live outside the city or state?
Many participants attend virtually from locations outside the immediate area. Eligibility may depend on clinical and licensing considerations.
Our team can help determine whether you qualify for virtual participation.
Insurance and Payment
Does insurance cover Intensive Outpatient Programs?
Many insurance plans cover Intensive Outpatient Programs as part of their behavioral health benefits. Your IOP coverage depends on your specific insurance plan, deductible, and authorization requirements.
What insurance providers do you accept?
We work with many major commercial insurance providers, including:
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- UnitedHealthcare
- Aetna
- Cigna
- Humana
- Optum
- TRICARE
- And more.
Your coverage will depend on your specific plan.
How can I verify my insurance coverage?
Our team can verify your benefits (typically within 24 hours of you calling) and explain your insurance coverage before treatment starts. This helps you understand potential out-of-pocket costs and authorization requirements.
Getting Started
How do I start treatment?
The first step is to contact our team for a brief conversation. We’ll answer your questions, discuss your situation, and determine whether our program is the right fit for you.
Do I need a referral to join the program?
In many cases, a referral is not required. Our team can help determine eligibility and guide you through the intake process.
What information do I need to provide?
To get started, we typically only need basic contact information, such as your name and phone number, so our team can follow up with you.
Still Have Questions?
If you’re unsure whether an Intensive Outpatient Program is right for you or a family member, our team is here to help.
A brief conversation can help you understand your options and next steps.