INTENSIVE OUTPATIENT PROGRAM (IOP)
 
More support than weekly therapy—flexible enough for work, school, and family life.
 
What is it?
IOP is a short-term, skills-focused level of care typically 3–5 days/week for ~3 hours/day. You’ll participate in therapist-led skills groups, brief individual check-ins, and medication review as needed. IOP is ideal when weekly therapy isn’t enough—or as a step-down after PHP/inpatient.
 
Benefits
Faster symptom relief with structured, evidence-based skills
Peer support in a safe, therapist-led setting
Integrated medication management and care coordination
Clear goals, progress tracking, and a plan for what comes next
 
Who it’s for (typical indicators)
Worsening depression/anxiety, panic, OCD-related distress, PTSD stabilization, or ADHD-related impairment
Frequent crises, missed school/work, or difficulty using skills between weekly sessions
Safe to live at home; no immediate medical detox or 24/7 supervision needed
 
Core elements you’ll see in IOP
Skills groups: CBT (thought/behavior change), DBT skills (mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness), ACT, relapse-prevention, and sleep skills (CBT-I principles)
Goal setting & accountability: daily/weekly goals with coachable next steps
Medication management: psychiatric evaluation and adjustments when appropriate
Family involvement: optional caregiver sessions to support routines at home
Case management: school/work notes, community resources, and aftercare linkage
Measurement-based care: brief rating scales (e.g., PHQ-9, GAD-7) to track progress
 
What to expect (sample 3-hour block)
Check-in & safety scan (20–30 min)
Skill of the day (45–60 min) – teach & practice
Break (10 min)
Application & coaching (45–60 min) – role-plays, planning, troubleshooting
Wrap-up (10–15 min) – home practice plan & supports
 
Length of stay & outcomes
Most IOP episodes run 4–8 weeks, individualized to progress and goals.
Discharge includes a written plan, next-step appointments, and relapse-prevention strategies.
 
Guardrails & policies
Attendance matters. Structure drives gains; please alert us about conflicts.
Safety first. If risk escalates, we’ll coordinate a higher level of care immediately.
Not a detox program. Active substance withdrawal requires medical management first.
 
Not sure if IOP is the right level? Call 901-752-4900 to schedule an evaluation, or request an evaluation online.