Definition:
An intermediate level of mental health care. Individuals are seen as a group 2 to 5 times a week (depending on the structure of the program) for 2 to 3 hours at a time. The clinical work is primarily done in a group setting, with individual sessions scheduled periodically generally outside group hours.
The groups are led by a least one clinician.
Insurance generally covers IOP, if they determine that it meets medical necessity.
These programs tend to focus on a target group. There are IOP programs for addictions, borderline personality disorders, eating disorders, self-injury, chronic mental illness, as well as others.
This can be step-down treatment from a higher or more restrictive level of care, or can be an appropriate level of care to provide intensive intervention to prevent further decompensation.
