Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs) for College Students
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 college student or young adult’s schedule—supporting healing without the need for full hospitalization.
What Is an IOP for College Students, 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 School Source, 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.
Age Range
adolescents, teens, and young adults ages 12-34
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
5 hours a day or more
Weekly commitment
typically in the day
What are the benefits of IOPs?
At School Source, our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is designed to support college students facing mental health challenges while balancing their academic and personal lives. Here are some key benefits of participating in an IOP through School Source:
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.
What are my payment options for a College Student IOP?
In-network
Our IOPs for college students 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 college student’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.
FAQs
How long is IOP treatment for college students and young adults?
A School Source 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.
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.
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.
Your healing journey starts here.
At School Source Behavioral Health, we understand that college life can be overwhelming. Whether you’re dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges, you don’t have to face it alone. Our team of compassionate professionals is ready to listen and guide you toward the support and resources you need.
Fill out the form, and someone from our team will reach out to you promptly. Your well-being matters—take the first step today.