What to Expect During Intensive Outpatient Therapy for Teens
Adolescent mental health is as important as physical health. It’s not always obvious when a teen is struggling emotionally, but recognizing the symptoms and seeking early and effective mental health services are important for long-term health.Who is the IOP designed for?
The IOP is designed for teens with:- Moderate to severe symptoms of anxiety and depression
- Extreme emotional outbursts
- Significant conflict with family or friends
- Suicidal thoughts
- Decreases in functioning at home or school
- Self-harming behaviors, such as cutting, burning, pulling out hair, excessive picking and scratching the body to cause bleeding
What are the expected outcomes of the IOP?
The primary goal of the program is to promote emotional wellness of young people. Expected outcomes include:- Significant reduction in symptoms of anxiety, depression and anxiety
- Improved functioning at home, in school and with friends
- New skills to cope with stress
- Decrease in unsafe thoughts and behaviors
IOP details
- 8-week program, 4 days a week
- Teens attend program Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 3:30 – 6:45 p.m.
- Parents attend program Monday and Thursday from 5:30 – 6:45 p.m.
- New patients join every two weeks
- Dialectical behavioral (DBT)-adherent program
- Weekly individual sessions
- Family sessions as needed
- Skills training groups
- Phone coaching outside of clinic hours
- Art and other expressive therapies
- Insurance-based
IOP benefits
- After-school hours
- Program run by experienced, licensed clinicians who specialize in working with teens
- DBT-adherent program, meaning all licensed clinicians in the program have received the highest level of DBT training
- Board-certified adolescent psychiatrist for consultation and medication management as needed
- Case coordination with other providers and school
- Crisis support as needed
