Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) for teens and young adults

IOPs provide tailored mental health support, offering more care than outpatient therapy and more flexibility than hospitalization.

We understand how heartbreaking it is to see your teen struggle with severe mental health conditions. Intensive outpatient programs provide a compassionate, effective level of care that’s more intensive than standard outpatient therapy, in a flexible setting that fits around your teen or young adult’s schedule—supporting healing without the need for full hospitalization.

Girl sitting on chair and talking to psychologist at psychology class with other young people
Young female teenager 16, 17 years old talking with counselor psychologist behavior social worker teacher, sitting in chair in office. Psychology psychotherapy therapy mental health adolescence youth
ON THIS PAGE: What Is IOP How IOPs Can Help Payment Options Locations FAQs
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What is an IOP for teens, adolescents, and young adults?

An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) provides structured therapy for teens and young adults dealing with mental health conditions, offering family, group, and individual sessions in both virtual and in-person formats. It allows your teen to live at home, stay on track with school, and receive the support they need without requiring 24/7 care.

At Embark, we believe that each individual deserves to feel seen, respected, and supported on their healing journey. Our IOP programs are designed to create a welcoming, affirming environment for adolescents and young adults of all gender identities. When more help is needed than traditional outpatient therapy, but full-time residential care isn't necessary, our IOPs are here to help. We also offer Virtual IOPs that provide flexible online healing for teens, young adults, and families in states across the country.

Adolescent girl talking to therapist at Embark's teen IOP, focusing on emotional healing and mental health support.

Age range

Children, adolescents, teens, and young adults.

Genders served

Boys, girls, and LGBTQ+ youth.

Conditions treated

Mental health and co-occurring issues.

Average treatment length

Treatment plans vary. Please consult an admissions counselor about your specific situation.

Therapy time commitment

Typically in the morning, early afternoon, or evening.

Weekly commitment

At least nine hours per week (three hours per day for three to six days a week).

When is an IOP necessary for teens and youth?

Here are some of the biggest reasons an IOP program for teens, adolescents, or young adults can be necessary:

  • Daily struggles:

    When everyday tasks like school or friendships become overwhelming.

  • Ongoing anxiety or depression:

    Teens or youth are struggling with persistent symptoms.

  • Risky behaviors:

    Escalating behaviors such as self-harm.

  • After inpatient care:

    A step-down option for continued support post-residential treatment.

  • Instability:

    Frequent emotional swings impacting daily functioning.

  • Outpatient therapy isn't enough:

    When traditional outpatient therapy hasn’t been effective.

  • Issues with perfectionism:

    Many teens and youth struggle with perfectionism, academic expectations, and performance-related anxiety. Our IOP programs help enhance the mental resilience of adolescents, teens, and young adults facing high academic demands.

How can an IOP help my teen? 

Across all Embark outpatient programs in 2023, we helped adolescents, teens, and young adults at our outpatient clinics reduce negative symptoms and increase their overall well-being. Here's how our IOP therapy has helped teens and young adults:

0%
Decrease in anxiety
0%
Decrease in depression
0%
Decrease in distress
0%
Increase in well-being
Teen hugs mother after finding insurance coverage for therapy and treatment at Embark Behavioral Health
Group-therapy-area-and-create-joy-sign-in-walnut-creek-ca-outpatient-program-scaled
Teen receiving mental health treatment at Embark Behavioral Health takes a selfie with therapist.

What are the benefits of IOPs?

Our IOP treatment for adolescents, teens, and young adults can meet your child’s needs in multiple ways. Here are some benefits of going to an intensive outpatient program at Embark:

Flexible treatment:

Our IOPs allow teens to continue their daily lives, including school, while receiving vital mental health care.

Effective therapy:

Teens benefit from proven therapies like CBT and DBT, which help address depression, anxiety, and self-harm.

Supportive environment:

IOPs foster a nurturing space where teens can connect with peers and build essential coping skills.

Family support:

Family therapy sessions and support promote healing at home by improving communication and support.

Affordable care:

With many IOPs reimbursed by insurance, families can access quality treatment at a more manageable cost.

IOP effectiveness

Research has shown IOP to be very effective at helping teens with mental health conditions. For example, a study published in the International Journal of Eating Disorders showed that participants struggling with eating disorders showed fewer symptoms after attending both virtual and in-person IOPs.

Another study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research found that virtual IOPs significantly reduced depression, suicidal ideation, and self-harm behaviors. Nearly 71% of participants who initially experienced suicidal thoughts no longer had them at discharge.

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Young mother hugging and consoling her daughter talking about problems and depression. Parent supporting and comforting child.

What are my payment options for a teen IOP?

In-network

Our IOPs for teens, adolescents, and young adults accept hundreds of insurance plans in all 50 states. Our in-network insurance options allow for seamless access to our services without having to worry about additional expenses.

Self pay

We accept a variety of payment options, including cash, credit, check, and direct deposit, to provide you with the flexibility and convenience you need when investing in your teen or young adult’s mental health treatment.

Out of network

Our out-of-network insurance options allow for seamless access to our services without having to worry about additional expenses.

Call to verify your insurance

What's a day at an IOP for teens, adolescents, and young adults like?

A day at an IOP for teens, adolescents, and young adults can include a variety of therapies, activities, and skill-building activities designed to help give youth the tools they need to overcome mental health conditions. On a typical day an Embark IOP could look like this:

Evening IOP schedule

Two cheerful teenager girls friends talking while sitting at home on a couch

4:00 PM

Check-in and peer-to-Peer

Several interracial people sitting on chairs in circle during psychological session and listening to one of patients attending course

5:00 PM

Distress tolerance skills

Close up of hands on african drums, drumming for a music therapy

6:00 PM

Music therapy

Meet our team

Who will be helping my teen or young adult heal at an IOP?

Our team of healing IOP therapists, psychiatrists, counselors, and life coaches provides compassionate mental health treatment for children, adolescents, teens, and young adults by utilizing trauma-informed techniques.

Delea Peterson

Delea Peterson

LCSW
Clinic Director
Read my bio
Joe Pen

Joe Penn

Clinical Director
Read my bio
Jennifer Bradley Weiss

Jennifer Kate Bradley-Weiss

LCSW
77162
Clinic Director
Read my bio

Where can I find an embark IOP for teens, adolescents, or young adults?

Our intensive outpatient programs for teens, adolescents, and young adults are located across the country. Find an IOP near you by clicking below or by calling our IOP specialists for help finding a program.

See all locations
Therapist office in Alpharetta, Georgia, for treatment of anxiety and depression.

Embark Behavioral Health in Alpharetta, Georgia

Alpharetta, GA

All Genders

12-28

IOP

PHP

Conditions Treated:

ADHDAnxietyBorderline Personality DisorderDepressionEating DisordersOppositional Defiant DisorderOut of Control BehaviorReactive Attachment DisorderSubstance Use
678-280-7088
Explore location
IOP and PHP program at Embark for teens, adolescents, and young adults with mental health issues in Ashburn, Virginia.

Embark Behavioral Health in Ashburn, Virginia

Ashburn, VA

All Genders

12-28

IOP

PHP

Conditions Treated:

ADHDAnxietyDepressionOppositional Defiant DisorderOut of Control BehaviorReactive Attachment DisorderSuicidal Ideation
571-934-3574
Explore location
Therapeutic learning area for IOP and PHP teens and therapists in Atlanta, Georgia.

Embark Behavioral Health in Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta, GA

All Genders

9-28

IOP

PHP

Conditions Treated:

ADHDAnxietyBorderline Personality DisorderDepressionEating DisordersOppositional Defiant DisorderOut of Control BehaviorReactive Attachment DisorderSuicidal Ideation
770-821-1015
Explore location
Intensive outpatient program area for therapists helping teens with mental health issues in Berwyn, PA, IOP and PHP.

Embark Behavioral Health in Berwyn, Pennsylvania

Berwyn, PA

All Genders

12-18

IOP

PHP

Conditions Treated:

ADHDAnxietyBorderline Personality DisorderDepressionOppositional Defiant DisorderOut of Control BehaviorReactive Attachment DisorderSuicidal Ideation
484-327-5794
Explore location
Group therapy room at IOP and PHP program in Campbell, California, near San Jose.

Embark Behavioral Health in Campbell, California

Campbell, CA

All Genders

12-28

IOP

PHP

Conditions Treated:

ADHDAnxietyBorderline Personality DisorderDepressionOppositional Defiant DisorderOut of Control BehaviorPTSDReactive Attachment DisorderSuicidal Ideation
669-677-8185
Explore location
2 Wisconsin Cir 230 Bethesda large 031 033 Office 1500x1000 72dpi

Embark Behavioral Health in Chevy Chase, Maryland

Chevy Chase, MD

All Genders

12-28

IOP

PHP

Conditions Treated:

ADHDAnxietyBorderline Personality DisorderDepressionOppositional Defiant DisorderOut of Control BehaviorReactive Attachment DisorderSuicidal Ideation
301-547-7690
Explore location
Intensive outpatient program group therapy area for adolescents, teens, and young adults receiving mental health treatment in Greenwood Village, Colorado.

Embark Behavioral Health in Greenwood Village, Colorado

Greenwood Village, CO

All Genders

12-29

IOP

PHP

Conditions Treated:

ADHDAnxietyBorderline Personality DisorderDepressionOppositional Defiant DisorderOut of Control BehaviorReactive Attachment DisorderSuicidal Ideation
720-536-2430
Explore location
Group therapy area at Embark's IOP program in Livingston, New Jersey.

Embark Behavioral Health in Livingston, New Jersey

Livingston, NJ

All Genders

12-28

IOP

PCP

Conditions Treated:

ADHDAnxietyBorderline Personality DisorderDepressionOppositional Defiant DisorderOut of Control BehaviorReactive Attachment DisorderSuicidal Ideation
862-352-5652
Explore location
IOP and PHP program front desk for therapists helping adolescents and teens with mental health issues in Newport Beach, CA.

Embark Behavioral Health in Newport Beach, California

Newport Beach, CA

All Genders

9-28

IOP

PHP

Conditions Treated:

ADHDAnxietyBorderline Personality DisorderDepressionOppositional Defiant DisorderOut of Control BehaviorReactive Attachment DisorderSuicidal Ideation
949-945-6798
Explore location
Area for therapists helping adolescents with behavioral health issues in teen IOP program in Rockville, Maryland.

Embark Behavioral Health in Rockville, Maryland

Rockville, MD

All Genders

12-28

IOP

PHP

Conditions Treated:

ADHDAnxietyBorderline Personality DisorderDepressionOppositional Defiant DisorderOut of Control BehaviorReactive Attachment DisorderSuicidal Ideation
240-835-3599
Explore location
Therapy area for IOP and PHP treatment of adolescents, teens, and young adults at Embark’s center in Scottsdale, Arizona, offering a supportive space for behavioral health therapy.

Embark Behavioral Health in Scottsdale, Arizona

Scottsdale, AZ

All Genders

12-28

IOP

PHP

Conditions Treated:

ADHDAnxietyBorderline Personality DisorderDepressionOppositional Defiant DisorderOut of Control BehaviorReactive Attachment DisorderSuicidal Ideation
928-813-3207
Explore location
Group and family therapy area at Embark’s Vienna, Virginia center in Fairfax County, designed for IOP and PHP programs to support teens and families.

Embark Behavioral Health in Vienna, Virginia

Vienna, VA

All Genders

12-17

IOP

PHP

Conditions Treated:

ADHDAnxietyBorderline Personality DisorderDepressionOppositional Defiant DisorderOut of Control BehaviorReactive Attachment DisorderSuicidal Ideation
571-668-6850
Explore location
Group therapy area with a "Create Joy" sign in Embark Behavioral Health’s outpatient program in Walnut Creek, California.

Embark Behavioral Health in Walnut Creek, California

Walnut Creek, CA

All Genders

12-28

IOP

PHP

Conditions Treated:

ADHDAnxietyBorderline Personality DisorderDepressionOppositional Defiant DisorderOut of Control BehaviorReactive Attachment DisorderSuicidal Ideation
925-592-4037
Explore location
Young adult woman attending Virtual IOP group therapy session from Embark Behavioral health on phone outside.

Embark Virtual IOP

Online, Across the Nation

All Genders

12-34

IOP

Virtual

Conditions Treated:

ADHDAnxietyBorderline Personality DisorderDepressionObsessive Compulsive DisorderOppositional Defiant DisorderOut of Control BehaviorReactive Attachment DisorderSubstance UseSuicidal Ideation
833-379-1695
Explore location

Stories of healing

Our IOPs have helped thousands of adolescents, teens, and young adults overcome difficult mental health conditions and create lives filled with joy. Take a look at some of the stories of healing from teens and families we've helped below:

Nora leaving a review and testimonial of Embark Behavioral Health's IOP and PHP in Cabin John, Maryland, sharing her experience with the programs.
Contact us to start healing at an IOP

What can teens and youth expect at an IOP?

Supportive intensive outpatient services

Intensive outpatient programs aim to provide intense emotional support and therapy while allowing youth, teens, and young adults to continue with their daily activities, like going to school or work. It helps them build the skills to manage their problems and live healthier lives.

Contact us to start healing
Individual therapy:

During intensive outpatient therapy, teens and young adults meet one-on-one with a trusted therapist to work on their thoughts and emotions in a supportive environment.

Group therapy:

Young people participate in group therapy sessions to share challenges, gain support, and learn skills like distress tolerance and interpersonal effectiveness.

Family therapy:

Our IOPs emphasize family involvement and support to help adolescents, teens, or young adults and their primary caregivers. Together, families explore their communication, address unhealthy patterns, and establish healthier family roles and rules.

Medication management and psychiatric evaluations:

Can be provided by licensed professionals to ensure that medication, if necessary, is effectively supporting a teen's treatment and recovery.

Life skills training and development:

We help teens learn important life skills such as problem-solving, decision-making, stress management, and conflict resolution, preparing them to handle everyday challenges. 

DBT and stress reduction skills:

Our IOPs incorporate techniques like mindfulness practices, meditation, and relaxation strategies to help teens manage stress and develop healthier responses to anxiety or negative emotions.

Aftercare:

Our IOPs include discharge and aftercare support to make sure that adolescents, teens, and young adults are transitioning back to everyday life or a different treatment level after attending our IOP. 

Peer support groups:

Our IOPs offer peer support groups that provide a safe and supportive environment for adolescents, teens, and young adults to share personal experiences, gain insight from peers, and build social connections under the guidance of a therapist.

Healing IOP therapy

We know that treatment is not one-size-fits-all, which is why Embark IOPs offer an array of healing therapies that will meet the individual needs of your child.

  • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT):

    DBT is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy that’s also known as “talk therapy.” Participating in DBT in an IOP can help your child overcome negative thinking patterns and implement positive behavioral changes.

  • Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT):

    TF-CBT treats behavioral and emotional issues related to traumatic experiences. Participating in cognitive behavioral therapy in an IOP can help your child resolve the lingering effects of trauma. 

  • Experiential therapy:

    Experiential therapy is a hands-on approach to healing that includes experiential practices such as art therapy, adventure/outdoor therapy, and animal-assisted therapy. Used as part of our intensive outpatient treatment, this therapeutic approach can help your child heal by engaging their physical, emotional, and relational aspects.

  • Attachment-focused therapy:

    Embark’s Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) offer attachment-focused therapy specifically designed to address and heal attachment disorders like Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) and other issues stemming from early attachment trauma.

  • Other therapies

    In addition to our attachment-focused therapy, Embark offers a variety of other therapeutic approaches and therapies such as Brainspotting and drama therapy to address the unique needs of each adolescent, teen, or young adult and help them heal.

Call for a free assessment

Improved mental health

Each Embark intensive outpatient program for mental health is carefully designed to help your child heal from a variety of challenges so they can grow and thrive. We know that disorders come in all shapes and sizes, so our IOP treatment helps adolescents, teens, and young adults address behavioral health conditions like anxiety, depression, and ADHD in a safe, secure environment.

Here’s what an Embark intensive outpatient program for mental health can treat: 

ADHD
Anxiety
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
Depression
Eating Disorders
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
Self-Harm
Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD)
Suicidal Ideation
Technology Addiction

Is your teen struggling with a different mental health condition?

Contact us and we'll help you figure out if an IOP is the best option to help your adolescent, teen, or young adult, or if another treatment option will be the best fit.

IOP FAQ

How long is IOP treatment for adolescents, teens, and young adults?

An Embark IOP requires a minimum commitment of nine hours per week (three hours a day, three to six days per week). 

What’s the difference between an IOP and PHP?

Like our intensive outpatient program, a partial hospitalization program, or PHP, helps adolescents, teens, and young adults heal from difficult mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. With both options, your child lives at home and visits an outpatient center for therapy, including family sessions.

If a youth or young adult needs more structure, treatment, and supervision during the day than what’s provided at an IOP but doesn’t need 24/7 treatment, a PHP can be a great option.

Learn More About IOP vs PHP

What’s the difference between an IOP and inpatient treatment?

Inpatient and outpatient treatment programs can help adolescents, teens, and young adults heal from challenges like anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. So, how do IOP vs. inpatient treatment differ? In an inpatient treatment program, your child will live at a treatment facility and receive therapy while there. In an intensive outpatient program, they’ll live at home and visit an outpatient center for care.  

How does an IOP work?

How does an IOP work? Intensive outpatient treatment allows your child to take part in a comprehensive healing experience while also maintaining their school and work schedules and living at home, surrounded by family and close to friends. At Embark Behavioral Health, our IOP offers family, group, and individual therapy as well as parent coaching. 

What’s the difference between virtual IOPs and in-person IOPs?

Virtual IOPs

For adolescents, teens, or young adults who need more flexibility, our Virtual Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs) offer the same high-quality care as our regular IOPs but in a convenient online format. Virtual IOPs are ideal for teens and young adults who need to balance treatment with other responsibilities, such as school or work.

  • Flexibility and convenience: Virtual IOPs allow youth to access therapy from the comfort of their own home, making it easier to fit treatment into their daily lives.
  • Comfort and accessibility: Virtual sessions can reduce the stress associated with attending in-person appointments and encourage care for youth who struggle with conditions like social anxiety.
  • Parent involvement: Virtual IOPs can make it easier for parents or guardians to stay involved in their child’s treatment, as they can participate in family therapy sessions or receive updates without needing to visit the treatment center.
  • Healing online therapy for college students: Our virtual IOPs provide a flexible online therapy option for depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions in teen or young adult college students.

Learn About Our Virtual IOPs

In Person IOPs

Our in-person IOPs provide a structured environment that can be a good option for adolescents, teens, and young adults who would prefer therapy in a face-to-face and community-based setting.

  • In-person connection: The face-to-face interaction with therapists and peers fosters strong relationships and a sense of accountability.
  • Comprehensive care: On-site IOPs offer immediate access to various therapeutic modalities and resources.
  • Group support and motivation: Adolescents, teens, and young adults who attend our in-person IOP can benefit from community support and in-person group therapies.
  • Enhanced focus: Our in-person IOP can help youth separate from daily distractions and stressors at home allowing participants to focus solely on their mental health treatment.

Interested in learning more about intensive outpatient programs for teens?

The best way to determine which type of therapy or treatment is right for your teenager is to speak with our mental health team.

Our mental health professionals will consider your child's symptoms and treatment history, as well as outline what you and your family want out of therapy to recommend the best next steps specific to your situation.

If you think one of Embark's intensive outpatient programs may be right for your daughter or son, contact us to learn more today.

Girl sitting on chair and talking to psychologist at psychology class with other young people

What if my teen or young adult needs a different level of care?

If an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) isn't the best fit for your teen, don't lose hope. At Embark, we offer a variety of treatment options throughout the U.S. that are here to help your family heal. Here are some steps up in treatment that can provide a higher level of care or treatment if your adolescent, teen, or young adult needs intensive care:

Partial hospitalization programs

At Embark, our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) offers more intensive, full-day treatment compared to the shorter sessions in our IOP, helping adolescents, teens, and young adults with severe mental health conditions who need a higher level of care but still return home each evening.

Find Out How PHPs Help Youth Heal

Residential treatment centers

At Embark, our Residential Treatment Centers (RTC) offer 24/7 care, providing a safe, immersive environment for teens with complex mental health needs, unlike the part-time care of IOP or PHP. Teens receive round-the-clock therapeutic support for deeper healing.

Find Out How RTCs Help Youth Heal
Need help finding the right program?

Talk to our program specialists, we'll help you find the right option for your adolescent, teen, or young adult.

Contact us for help finding the right program
Start healing: 866-479-3050