Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) for Mental Health in Tennessee

Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) for Mental Health in Tennessee

Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) are treatment regimens that do not require detoxification or round-the-clock supervision. They treat addictions, depression, eating disorders, other dependencies, and mental health disorders.¹

Peer support, coping skills, group therapy sessions, and counseling services are all available with an IOP program. Many IOP programs for addiction and substance misuse include mental health issues in the recovery process. In addition, IOP programs can help you or a loved one with a mental health and addiction dual diagnosis. Dual diagnosis treatment addresses co-occurring mental health issues that contribute to addiction.²

Jump to Section

• What is an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)?
• What Happens in an IOP Program for Mental Health?
• What Mental Health Conditions Can IOP Treat?
• Does Insurance Cover Intensive Outpatient Programs?
• How Long Do IOPs Last?
• How To Find IOP Programs Near Me in Tennessee?
• Who Are Intensive Outpatient Programs Best For?
• What is the Difference Between PHP & IOP?

What Happens in an IOP Program for Mental Health?

An IOP program may include the following:³

• Individual and group therapy sessions
• Development of interpersonal, coping, and relaxation skills
• Symptom management
• Mood stabilization
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This treatment emphasizes the importance of thinking about how we feel and what we do. According to CBT, our thinking causes us to feel and act the way we do when our brains are healthy, and we can regulate this to some extent.
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Emotion control, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness are the focal points of DBT.
• Relapse management

Patients can continue with their normal, day-to-day lives with an IOP program as it’s a part-time commitment. They are, however, “intense,” meaning that clients must adhere to a strict schedule. Accountability is a crucial component of any credible IOP treatment program.

After completing intake, screening, and mental health assessments, clients receive a personalized treatment plan. For all IOP sessions at a medical or treatment facility, clients must be present and fully engaged. The majority of schedules are broken down into 3-to-4-hour daily blocks that run 3-5 days a week. Day and night sessions are available at some IOPs.

Throughout the duration of an IOP program, treatment intensity may rise and decline. Clients begin by committing more time and gradually reduce it as time goes on. Keep in mind that relapse and other challenges may require a client to return to a higher level of care and treatment.⁴

What Mental Health Conditions Can IOP Treat?

IOP therapy can help with various mental health conditions, including:

• Depression
• Bipolar disorder
• Anxiety
• Panic attacks and panic disorder
• Suicidal or homicidal thoughts
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Mood disorders
• Personality disorders

Does Insurance Cover Intensive Outpatient Programs?

Yes, some insurance carriers provide coverage for IOP treatment.

Athena Care is in-network with most major insurance plans. Find out more about your insurance coverage by calling your insurance company or contacting Athena Care at 877-641-1155.

How Long Do IOPs Last?

At the very least, a 90-day intensive outpatient treatment program is advised. Depending on the client’s demands, some programs may also offer 30-day and 60-day IOP programs. However, there is not a set length of treatment as everyone progresses at their own pace.

How To Find IOP Programs Near Me in Tennessee?

Thanks to Athena Care, finding IOP mental health clinics in Tennessee has never been easier. A care coordinator will assist you at one of our three sites: Nashville, Murfreesboro, or Hendersonville, open Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

When choosing IOP mental health specialists in Tennessee, it’s important to ask questions and keep the following in mind:

• Education, training, license, and years of experience
• Specialties and services offered
• Treatment methods and philosophies
• Insurance companies they work with
• Office hours
• Pricing
• Session length

Here you’ll find a list of practitioners organized by city and information about their backgrounds and specialties.

Who Are Intensive Outpatient Programs Best For?

IOP treatment programs are best for people unable to enter full-time care due to family or employment obligations. Candidates for intense outpatient treatment should live in a secure environment at home, meaning they’re surrounded by encouraging family members and friends who are willing to help with recovery. In addition, IOP treatment is best for people who are in the early stages of treatment or who are about to move from a hospital or inpatient setting to their own home.

What is the Difference Between PHP & IOP?

While both treatment programs allow you to reside at home, the time commitment is the main difference between a partial hospitalization program (PHP) and an IOP.

Furthermore, PHP requires more hospital visits and sessions every week, giving you greater access to medical experts and better monitoring of your condition.⁵