What is an IOP?

An intensive outpatient program (IOP) offers teens, young adults and their families the opportunity to engage in intensive therapeutic work while the client remains fully immersed in their home, school, and work environments. While the teen and family engage in individual, family, and various group therapies at the center on multiple days of each week, treatment is planned so that the teen remains living at home, enrolled in school, and parents are free to engage in their regular work and life activities. A strong sense of community is created at the center through the use of communal spaces and by promoting a sense of commonality during group and collective activities. Program staff and therapists serve as positive role models by demonstrating expected behaviors and reflecting the values and teachings of the community. The community as a whole, including the clients, staff, therapists and families and the daily IOP activities serve as a community-based therapeutic agent.