Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
Structured, in-person mental health support for adults and teens — without hospitalization.
Feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or barely holding things together?
When weekly therapy isn’t enough — but inpatient care feels like too much — an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) can offer a meaningful next step.
IOP provides structured mental health support while allowing individuals and families to remain connected to daily life, including home, school, and work.
It offers a higher level of care without requiring overnight stays — helping people stabilize, build coping skills, and regain a sense of control.
About the Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
What Is an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)?
An Intensive Outpatient Program is a higher level of mental health care designed for individuals who need more support than weekly therapy can provide.
Instead of meeting once per week, clients attend structured treatment multiple days per week for several hours at a time.
This increased frequency allows for:
- Faster stabilization
- Greater emotional support
- Consistent skill-building
- Stronger clinical oversight
When Is an Intensive Outpatient Program Recommended?
IOP is often recommended when:
- Symptoms feel overwhelming or are getting worse
- Daily functioning (school, work, relationships) is affected
- Therapy alone hasn’t been enough
- Someone is stepping down from inpatient or partial hospitalization
- Additional structure and accountability are needed
IOP is NOT inpatient care. Clients return home after each session and continue participating in daily life while receiving intensive support.
How Our IOP Works
Program Structure & Schedule
- Attend 3 days per week
- 3 hours per day
- Program length is typically 6–8 weeks
- Rolling admissions — begin as soon as space is available
Clients participate in therapist-led group sessions focused on coping skills, emotional regulation, and practical strategies they can begin applying immediately in their daily lives.
Ready to Start Your Healing Journey?
Separate Adult & Teen Mental Health Programs
Round Rock, TX | In-Person & Hybrid Options
Adult and teen participants are always placed in separate, age-specific programs.
Teens are never grouped with adults, ensuring developmentally appropriate care in a safe, supportive environment.
Adult Intensive Outpatient Program
Structured mental health support for adults who need more than weekly therapy
What to Expect from Adult IOP
For adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, or emotional overwhelm
Our Adult IOP is designed for individuals who feel stuck in survival mode and need more support than weekly therapy can offer.
You may be a good fit if you:
- Feel emotionally overwhelmed most days
- Struggle with anxiety, depression, or burnout
- Feel disconnected, numb, or constantly on edge
- Have difficulty functioning at work or at home
- Want structured support without stepping away from daily responsibilities
What Adult IOP Provides
- Practical coping skills you can use right away
- Support from peers facing similar challenges
- Guidance from licensed mental health professionals
- A structured path forward without inpatient hospitalization
IOP is often the bridge between surviving and living again.
Ready to Start Your Healing Journey?
Teen Intensive Outpatient Program
Structured mental health support for teens who need more than weekly therapy
What to Expect from Teen IOP
Adolescence is challenging, and when anxiety, depression, trauma, or emotional dysregulation are present, many teens struggle to cope effectively.
Our Teen IOP offers developmentally appropriate, trauma-informed care designed specifically for adolescents.
Teen participants attend teen-only groups that are completely separate from adult programming. Teens are never placed in groups with adults.
This program may be appropriate for teens experiencing:
- Anxiety or panic
- Depression or withdrawal
- Emotional outbursts or shutdown
- School avoidance or chronic stress
- Difficulty managing emotions or transitions
Teen Program Features
- Scheduled to support school attendance
- Skills for emotional regulation and stress management
- Identity-affirming, supportive peer environment
- Caregiver involvement and communication coaching
Parents and caregivers are supported throughout the process because teen progress works best when families are involved.
Ready to Start Your Healing Journey?
What We Treat
Our Intensive Outpatient Programs support individuals struggling with:
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression and emotional shutdown
- Trauma and stress-related responses
- Emotional dysregulation
- School avoidance and academic stress (teens)
Treatment is individualized — not one-size-fits-all
Our Therapeutic Approach
Our clinicians use evidence-based, trauma-informed approaches, including:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Mindfulness
Treatment focuses on:
- Stabilization
- Coping and regulation skills
- Emotional awareness
- Building momentum toward long-term healing
Is IOP Right for Me (or My Teen)?
You don’t have to be in crisis to benefit from IOP.
IOP may be a good fit if you or your teen:
- Feel overwhelmed most days
- Are you struggling more than weekly therapy can support
- Need structure, accountability, and consistency
- Want help before things escalate further
- Are transitioning from a higher level of care
If you’re unsure whether IOP is the right level of support, our team can help you decide.
Insurance & Getting Started
We accept most major insurance plans. Our team will help verify benefits before enrollment.
The first step is a brief intake assessment to:
- Understand your needs
- Determine appropriate level of care
- Answer questions about scheduling and insurance
There is no obligation to enroll.
Ready to Start Your Healing Journey?
If you’re exploring whether an Intensive Outpatient Program is the right level of support for you or your teen, our team is here to help. You don’t need to have everything figured out.
We’re happy to talk through your situation, answer questions, and help you understand next steps.
📞 Call: 512-763-2186 or 📧 Email: info@alliancecounselingworks.com
Frequently Asked Questions About IOP
What is an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)?
An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is a structured mental health treatment program that provides therapy and skills-based support multiple days per week while allowing participants to live at home and continue daily responsibilities like work or school.
How is IOP different from weekly therapy?
Weekly therapy typically meets once per week for about an hour.
IOP provides multiple sessions per week, offering more structure, consistency, and support to help stabilize symptoms and build coping skills more quickly.
Is IOP the same as inpatient or residential treatment?
No. IOP does not require overnight stays.
Participants return home after each session and are not in a locked or hospital-based setting.
What does a typical IOP day look like?
A typical day includes:
- A brief check-in
- Skills-based group therapy
- Time to practice applying skills to real-life situations
- Scheduled breaks
- A short wrap-up with takeaways for the day
Sessions are structured, supportive, and focused on practical tools — not pressure or forced sharing.
Are teens ever grouped with adults?
No. Adult and teen programs are completely separate.
Teens participate only in age-appropriate, teen-specific groups and are never placed with adults.
How long does IOP last?
Most participants attend for 6–8 weeks, though length may vary depending on individual needs and progress.
Can teens still attend school while in IOP?
Yes. Teen programming is scheduled to support school attendance, and caregivers are involved as appropriate.
Do I have to share personal details in group?
No. Participants are never forced to share more than they are comfortable with. Group participation is guided by licensed clinicians who prioritize emotional safety and respect.
Is IOP only for people in crisis?
No. You do not need to be in crisis to benefit from IOP.
Many people choose IOP when they want more support before things worsen.
What does “hybrid” mean?
Our IOP programs are primarily in-person, as group connection and in-room participation are an important part of treatment.
“Hybrid” means that telehealth may be used as a backup option on days when coming into the office is difficult due to illness, transportation issues, or other short-term barriers.
In-person attendance is expected whenever possible, and telehealth is used thoughtfully to support consistency and continuity of care — not to replace the in-person program.
When might IOP not be the right fit?
IOP may not be appropriate if:
- Someone needs 24/7 supervision or immediate crisis care
- Symptoms prevent participation in group settings
- Substance use requires medical detox or specialized treatment
- Attendance multiple days per week is not feasible
- Weekly therapy is already sufficient
If IOP isn’t the right fit, we help guide you to appropriate alternatives.
Will I still have an individual therapist?
Many participants continue seeing their individual therapist or psychiatrist during or after IOP. IOP works best as part of a broader support system. We can discuss what treatment plan is best for you.
Does insurance cover IOP?
We accept most major insurance plans, and our team will help verify benefits before you begin.
What is the first step to get started?
The first step is a brief intake assessment where we:
- Learn more about your concerns
- Determine whether IOP is appropriate
- Answer questions about scheduling and insurance
There is no obligation to enroll.