Now more than ever, teens and families need support, community, and comprehensive care. Most of all, they need hope.
Newport Academy’s teen intensive outpatient program for ages 12-18 ends isolation, helps adolescents build a sense of meaning and purpose, and treats issues that can increase the risk of suicide if not addressed.
We also offer residential treatment and a partial hospitalization program for teens.
What Is a Teen Intensive Outpatient Program?
A teen Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is a structured, partial-day program designed for adolescents who are struggling with mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and trauma, substance use disorders, and other emotional or behavioral challenges.
Newport Academy’s outpatient care serves young people ages 13–18 with treatment for behavioral health concerns and co-occurring disorders. Our programming is designed to address the psychological, emotional, and educational needs of each teen through personalized treatment plans.
Age Range
We treat adolescents
between the ages of 12 and 18.
What We Treat
Mental health conditions
and co-occurring disorders
Daily Programming
Individuals are in our care for several hours, 3-5 days a week.
When Is Adolescent IOP Necessary?
IOP is recommended when a teen needs more than weekly outpatient therapy but not the full day structure of PHP and does not require the structure of residential or inpatient psychiatric care. It serves as a lower rung of the levels of care, often a step down from the other levels of care. IOP can also be a step up from generalized outpatient when mood, anxiety, trauma, suicidal ideation, or substance concerns are disrupting school or family life while the teen can live at home and engage in multiple weekly groups, individual and family therapy, and psychiatry.
Who Can Benefit from IOP?
While weekly teen therapy and family therapy counseling sessions with a local therapist can be extremely beneficial, some individuals need more support in order to regain lost ground in terms of mental health, executive functioning, and academics.
If parents can answer yes to any of the questions below, a teen outpatient program may be the right fit for your child:
- Are experiencing moderate to severe mental health symptoms that impact their daily functioning
- Have completed a higher level of care, such as an inpatient program or a residential treatment program, and need ongoing support
- Are looking for a structured treatment option while still being able to live at home and maintain daily responsibilities
Overall, IOP serves as a vital option for teens and their families seeking comprehensive mental health support while balancing treatment with their everyday lives. It’s important to consult with a mental health professional in your individual sessions to see whether IOP is the best option for your child.
Questions?
We know that reaching out can be difficult. Our compassionate team of experts is here to help. Call us at 877-929-5105 or complete the form below.
Signs Your Child Needs Outpatient Treatment
It’s essential to be able to recognize when your teen may benefit from IOP care for mental health issues. Early intervention leads to better outcomes and a healthier future for your child.
If you observe any of these signs in your teen, it may be time to consider an Intensive Outpatient Program:
- Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, anxiety, or irritability that interfere with daily activities and relationships
- Increased withdrawal from friends and family, and/or loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
- Significant changes in sleep and appetite
- Engaging in risky behaviors, such as substance use, self-harm, or other dangerous activities
- Declining academic performance and motivation to attend school
- Increased tension or conflict within the family, often stemming from your teen’s emotional struggles or behavioral changes and leading to necessary family interventions
- Difficulty performing daily tasks, such as attending school, completing homework, or maintaining personal hygiene
What to Expect During Intensive Outpatient Therapy
Our IOP serves teens ages 12–18 with mental health and substance use services 3–5 days a week, typically from 3:00–6:00 pm, (hours vary depending on location). Adolescent intensive outpatient program includes weekly individual therapy, family therapy, and psychiatric services as needed. Our IOP accommodates various lengths of stay, individually tailored to meet the needs of each client.
Our programming includes:
- Teen skill development
- Therapeutic and mindfulness groups
- Family therapy sessions
- Individual therapy as needed outside of programming hours
- Psychiatric care and medication management as needed
Advantages of Teen IOP Treatment
IOP treatment offers several advantages for teens and their families.
Here are some of the key benefits of attending one of Newport’s IOP treatment centers:
Personalized Treatment
Our teen clients receive a personalized treatment plan tailored to their specific needs and treatment goals. Each treatment plan incorporates medical and psychiatric care, clinical therapy, and family therapy. We may also implement experiential therapies, such as art, music, and yoga.
Flexibility
An IOP is less intensive than a residential or inpatient program. Therefore, teens can continue daily responsibilities, such as work, school, or family commitments, while receiving the treatment they need within a supportive structure.
Robust Clinical Model
Our expert clinicians engage teens and families in various evidence-based therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). During these sessions, therapists work to uncover underlying trauma that leads to destructive behaviors.
Access to Professional Support
Teens in our IOP treatment have access to a multidisciplinary team of mental health professionals, including therapists, psychiatrists, nurses, academic teachers, and more, who collaborate to ensure clients and families receive comprehensive care tailored to their needs.
Skill Development
We help teens learn practical skills for managing their mental health, such as mindfulness, stress management, social skills, and communication skills. Our goal is to help teens build positive coping skills and resilience, which improve overall well-being.
Family Therapy
Our clients and their families take part in regular family therapy sessions using Attachment-Based Family Therapy. Therapists help repair ruptures in the family system and work through family conflict so that teens feel comfortable coming to their parents when they’re struggling.
Supportive Environment
IOP provides a supportive community in which teens can connect with others facing similar challenges. This peer support can be invaluable in the recovery process.
Aftercare Planning
We incorporate aftercare planning to help teens transition back to regular outpatient therapy or other support services, ensuring continuity of care and ongoing support after completing the program.
Robust Alumni Program
Research shows that belonging to a community that understands your challenges and validates your wins is one of the most powerful factors in maintaining recovery. Our Alumni Program keeps clients and families connected online and in person long after treatment.
Explore Teen IOP Treatment at Newport
Newport Academy’s Intensive Outpatient Programs offer a valuable treatment option for teens struggling with mental health or co-occurring disorders. By providing structured, flexible, and comprehensive care, IOP treatment can help adolescents develop the skills and support they need to achieve lasting recovery and improve their overall well-being.
—Ray S., Newport Academy alum
Newport Academy Outpatient Locations Near You
Our teen outpatient centers are located nationwide and offer comprehensive teen mental healthcare delivered by a multidisciplinary team of experts. Learn more about our outpatient treatment services and how to access the highest-quality care close to home.
What Happens in an Afternoon Outpatient Program?
Our outpatient programs provide expert and compassionate clinical care for mental health conditions and substance use disorders. Children and teens live at home while participating in a Partial Hospitalization Program or Intensive Outpatient Program at one of our nationwide locations. Below is a sample schedule for our after-school IOP.
| Time | Activities |
| 3:00–4:00 pm | Process Group |
| 4:00–5:00 pm | Psychoeducational Group |
| 5:00–6:00 pm | Skills Group |
If you believe your teen could benefit from an IOP, contact us today. Our knowledgeable team will help you determine the best treatment option for your family. They will guide you through each step of the admissions process, from determining the appropriate level of care, to verifying insurance benefits, and selecting a treatment location.
Virtual IOP
FAQs
What is adolescent IOP?
IOP stands for Intensive Outpatient Program. IOP treatment is beneficial for adolescents who require more support than traditional outpatient therapy but do not need the level of care provided in a residential or inpatient setting.
What are the three types of outpatients?
The three types are outpatient services (such as weekly clinic visits), Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). PHP is the highest level of outpatient treatment, with full-day mental health programming, while the IOP level of care offers partial-day programming 3–5 days per week. Traditional outpatient is the lowest level of care, with clinic visits scheduled based on the client’s needs.
Is IOP covered by insurance?
Yes, many insurance policies cover mental health treatment. Newport works with major insurance companies to help families access high-quality care at the lowest out-of-pocket cost. Contact our admissions team to discuss your insurance and payment options.
What does IOP treatment include?
IOP treatment typically includes weekly individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, and psychiatric services as needed. Some IOP schedules also offer experiential therapeutic programming, such as art, music, or outdoor activities. We also implement therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy.
What is the difference between PHP and IOP?
PHP is our most structured day treatment about 5–6 hours a day, five days a week. This offers daily group, individual, and family therapy plus psychiatry to stabilize teens and build skills. IOP provides a lighter schedule around 3 hours a day, 3–5 days a week. Teens can stay engaged with school and activities while continuing evidence-based therapy and family involvement.
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