Page Summary
On this page you’ll learn what IOP is at GBBH, who it’s best for, and how the schedule & insurance work.
- What it is: Structured therapy several days/week while you live at home.
- Who it helps: Depression, anxiety, trauma/PTSD, bipolar, and co-occurring substance use.
- Schedule: Typically 3–5 days/week, ~3 hours/day (daytime & evening options).
What Is Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) Treatment?
At Greater Boston Behavioral Health (GBBH), we understand that life’s responsibilities don’t pause during recovery. That’s why we offer an IOP treatment program tailored to meet the needs of individuals facing mental health challenges and addiction, while allowing flexibility for work, school, or family commitments.
Also called night treatment, our IOP program provides intensive, structured care in the evenings, giving clients access to therapeutic support without disrupting their daily routines. Whether you’re dealing with addiction, mental health issues, or both, this program offers a comprehensive path to recovery for those seeking a flexible treatment option. It’s an ideal choice for those transitioning from a higher level of care or balancing demanding personal or professional schedules. With GBBH’s IOP treatment program, you can continue your journey toward wellness without having to put your life on hold.
Who Is an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) For?
An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is designed for individuals who need more support than traditional outpatient therapy but do not require the structure of full-day or inpatient care. IOP offers a balance of flexibility and clinical intensity, making it a strong option for adults who want to continue managing daily responsibilities while receiving consistent therapeutic support.
IOP may be an appropriate level of care for individuals who:
- Need structured mental health or addiction treatment beyond weekly outpatient sessions
- Are stepping down from a higher level of care, such as inpatient, residential, or partial hospitalization
- Are managing conditions such as depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use disorders, or co-occurring mental health concerns
- Can maintain safety and stability while living at home or in a supportive environment
- Benefit from evening treatment options that accommodate work, school, or family commitments
Not Sure if IOP Is Right for You?
Call us today and let’s find a program that’s right for you.
You don’t have to figure it out alone. Let’s talk — we’ll help you find a program that truly fits your needs.
Who May Need a Different Level of Care?
While IOP provides meaningful therapeutic support, it may not be the right fit for everyone. A higher or alternative level of care may be recommended for individuals who:
- Require round-the-clock medical or psychiatric supervision
- Are experiencing an acute mental health or substance-related crisis
- Do not have a safe or stable home or living environment
- Need medical detoxification or immediate inpatient stabilization
An initial clinical assessment helps determine the most appropriate level of care based on each individual’s needs, symptoms, and personal circumstances.
Comprehensive Care with Flexibility
We designed this program to be flexible enough to accommodate the busy lives of our clients, while still delivering the structure and intensity necessary for meaningful recovery. Evening sessions provide focused time for therapy and personal growth, and are especially beneficial for those who are navigating professional, academic, or personal demands during the day.
How IOP Compares to Other Levels of Mental Health Care
Mental health treatment is delivered across multiple levels of care, each designed to support individuals based on the severity of symptoms, level of stability, and amount of structure needed.
- Inpatient Treatment: Provides 24/7 medical and psychiatric supervision in a hospital or residential setting for individuals who require the highest level of care.
- Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): Offers full-day, structured treatment while allowing individuals to return home in the evenings.
- Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): Delivers structured therapeutic care through scheduled sessions each week, while offering greater flexibility and independence outside of treatment hours.
IOP is often recommended for individuals who need consistent clinical support but are stable enough to manage daily responsibilities such as work, school, or family life. It serves as both an effective step-down option from higher levels of care and a structured alternative to traditional outpatient therapy.
Evidence-Based Therapies We Offer at Greater Boston Behavioral Health
At Greater Boston Behavioral Health, we are dedicated to providing evidence-based therapies that effectively address both mental health challenges. Our comprehensive treatment programs are tailored to meet the unique needs of each client, offering the following therapies:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors contributing to anxiety, depression, etc, while promoting healthier coping strategies.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Focuses on emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and improving interpersonal relationships, especially for those dealing with intense emotions and trauma.
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Encourages clients to accept their thoughts and feelings while committing to behavioral changes that align with their values, helping to manage anxiety, depression, and other mental health struggles.
- Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): Combines medications with counseling and behavioral therapies to treat substance use disorders, supporting clients in managing cravings and withdrawal symptoms effectively.
- Group Therapy: Offers a supportive environment where clients can share their experiences, gain insights, and build a sense of community with others on similar recovery journeys.
- Trauma Therapy: Provides targeted support for individuals who have experienced trauma, helping them process and heal from distressing memories in a safe and therapeutic environment.
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): A trauma-focused therapy that helps clients process and heal from distressing memories through guided eye movements, reducing the emotional impact of trauma.
- Anxiety and Depression Therapy: Specialized treatment to address the underlying causes of anxiety and depression, offering clients the tools to improve their mental health and overall well-being.
- Anger Management Therapy: Teaches clients to recognize triggers, regulate responses, and develop healthier communication and problem-solving skills, reducing anger’s impact on daily life and relationships.
These therapies form the core of our treatment approach, ensuring that every client receives personalized, effective care for their mental health recovery.
Why Flexible Scheduling Matters in Recovery
Recovery should work with your life—not against it. Our flexible programs meet you where you are.
Keep Life Moving Forward
Attend treatment while maintaining work, school, or family responsibilities.
Daytime or Evening Options
Choose a schedule that fits your routine, with sessions available throughout the week.
Step Down Without Stepping Away
Ease into independence while still receiving the support and structure you need.
Practice Recovery in Real Time
Apply what you learn in treatment immediately to your daily life and routines.
Mental Health Conditions We Treat
At Greater Boston Behavioral Health, we provide comprehensive care for a wide range of mental health conditions. Our specialized team is experienced in treating:
- Anxiety Disorders: Helping individuals manage symptoms of generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorders, and more.
- Depression: Offering therapy and support for those struggling with depression, including major depressive disorder and persistent depressive disorder.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Providing effective treatment for intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Addressing trauma-related symptoms with trauma-focused therapies like EMDR.
- Bipolar Disorder: Supporting individuals in managing mood swings and stabilizing their mental health.
- Personality Disorders: Offering therapy for borderline personality disorder (BPD) and other personality-related issues.
- ADHD: Providing therapeutic interventions to improve focus, organization, and impulse control.
At GBBH, we focus on evidence-based treatments to ensure each individual receives the personalized care they need for their recovery and well-being.
These therapies form the core of our treatment approach, ensuring that every client receives personalized, effective care for their mental health recovery.
Mental Health Statistics
McCarty, Dennis, et al. “Substance Abuse Intensive Outpatient Programs: Assessing the Evidence.” Psychiatric Services, vol. 65, no. 6, June 2014, pp. 718–26, https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ps.201300249.
Mental Health America. “Quick Facts and Statistics about Mental Health.” Mental Health America, 2022, mhanational.org/mentalhealthfacts.
Terlizzi, Emily, and Jeannine Schiller. “Mental Health Treatment among Adults Aged 18–44: United States, 2019–2021.” Www.cdc.gov, 6 Sept. 2022, www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db444.htm.
National Institute of Mental Health. “Mental Illness.” National Institute of Mental Health, Mar. 2023, www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/mental-illness.
Finding an Intensive Outpatient Program Near Me in Boston
At Greater Boston Behavioral Health, we provide IOP treatment for individuals seeking help dealing with mental health issues in a supportive, affirming environment. Our goal is to help clients manage their symptoms and improve their overall well-being. To learn more about our IOP program please call us at (888)278-0716 or visit our location in Needham, MA.
- Greater Boston Behavioral Health: 322 Reservoir Street Needham, MA 02494
Structure Without Losing Your Freedom
At Greater Boston Behavioral Health, we believe healing happens when care is both compassionate and accessible. Our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) provides structured support for individuals who are ready to take back control of their mental health or substance use but don’t require 24/7 supervision. It’s a flexible option that balances evidence-based care with real-life responsibilities—whether you’re managing work, school, or family.
We offer help for those navigating substance use, substance use disorders, and co-occurring disorders like bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, or eating disorders. Many of our clients come to us unsure of what level of care they need—whether it’s inpatient care, residential treatment, or something in between. That’s where IOP shines: it bridges the gap, giving you access to robust mental health services without full-time admission.
Accreditations You Can Trust
Trusted, Recognized, and Backed by Leading Organizations
These badges reflect our standing with respected local and national groups — including Psychology Today, Charles River Recovery, and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Click below to see what each badge means.
The Joint Commission
Considered the gold standard in healthcare quality, The Joint Commission evaluates programs on safety, ethics, and clinical excellence. Their seal means our treatment meets some of the most rigorous national standards in the field.
Massachusetts Department of Public Health
DPH approval confirms that our programs follow all state requirements for safety, staffing, licensing, and oversight. In simple terms: the state reviews our operations and verifies that we meet the standards needed to provide trustworthy care.
Psychology Today Verified
Being verified on Psychology Today shows that our clinicians are licensed, professionally credentialed, and approved by one of the most widely used mental health directories in the country.
Charles River Recovery Partnership
This partnership connects us with another respected Massachusetts treatment provider, allowing clients to move safely between levels of care and ensuring continuity, collaboration, and high-quality support.
National Quality Seal (Gold Emblem)
This represents our commitment to following recognized best practices in behavioral health. It signals that we go beyond the basics — focusing on safe, ethical, evidence-based care at every step.
What Does a Typical Week in an Intensive Outpatient Program Look Like?
While every treatment plan is individualized, Intensive Outpatient Programs typically follow a structured weekly schedule rather than full-day programming. Most IOPs meet several times per week, often during evening hours, making treatment accessible for individuals balancing work, school, or family responsibilities.
A typical IOP schedule may include:
- Group therapy sessions focused on coping skills, emotional regulation, and peer support
- Individual therapy with licensed clinicians to address personal goals and challenges
- Psychiatric support and medication management when appropriate
- Therapeutic interventions designed to strengthen daily functioning and long-term recovery skills
Outside of scheduled sessions, clients continue living at home and engaging in their daily routines. This allows individuals to immediately apply what they’re learning in therapy to real-life situations while still benefiting from consistent clinical guidance and accountability.
What Does Intensive Outpatient Program Counseling Actually Look Like?
Think of it as a flexible bridge between inpatient treatment and full independence. You’ll attend a combination of individual therapy, group therapy sessions, and psychiatric support multiple times per week. This structure helps you stay grounded while addressing real challenges in real time.
Our IOP is especially helpful for those living with mood disorders, dual diagnoses, or those stepping down from a higher level of care like PHP (Partial Hospitalization Program). Every treatment plan is personalized to your goals, symptoms, and lifestyle—because we know healing doesn’t happen in a one-size-fits-all format.
Who Will Be There to Support You?
You’ll work closely with a multidisciplinary team that includes licensed therapists, counselors, and psychiatric providers who specialize in mental health recovery. We build your care around your needs—whether that’s more focus on relapse prevention, managing mental health disorders, or just having someone to check in with who gets it.
When you’re ready, IOP can help you build momentum. From developing treatment outcomes you can track, to refining your treatment planning goals week by week, this level of care is designed to move with you—not hold you back.
What Happens Next? Let’s Walk Through It Together
IOP at GBBH is more than therapy sessions. It’s about equipping you with tools for long-term wellness—whether you’re dealing with substance abuse, mental health conditions, or simply feeling stuck. Our treatment team will help you explore all levels of care and treatment options—from outpatient therapy to inpatient treatment, ensuring you get the right fit at the right time. We also support families through family counseling and family therapy, recognizing that recovery doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Healing ripples outward—into relationships, households, and communities.
We also make sure you’re not navigating this process alone. With access to licensed treatment facilities, a caring treatment center environment, and holistic mental health care, you’ll feel supported every step of the way.
Is IOP Treatment Covered By My Insurance Provider?
To confirm your insurance coverage for an IOP treatment program at Greater Boston Behavioral Health, begin by reaching out to your insurance provider to inquire about the specifics of your plan. You can also check your coverage online or review your benefits handbook for detailed information. At GBBH, our team is here to help you navigate your insurance plan and determine which services are covered. We strive to make the process easy so you can focus on getting the care you need.
Do I Need a Referral for an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)?
A referral is not always required to begin an Intensive Outpatient Program. Many individuals are able to self-refer by reaching out directly to our admissions team to discuss their needs and treatment options.
Referrals to IOP may also come from:
- Therapists or psychiatrists
- Primary care providers
- Hospitals, inpatient programs, or higher levels of care, such as PHP
When appropriate, our team works closely with existing providers to ensure continuity of care and a smooth transition into IOP treatment.
What Is the Admission Process Like for Our Intensive Outpatient Program?
At GBBH, we strive to make the admission process for IOP treatment straightforward and supportive. It starts with an initial consultation, where our experienced team assesses your mental health needs, reviews your symptoms, and discusses your treatment history. This evaluation helps us identify the most suitable level of care and create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs. After the assessment, our admissions team will assist with paperwork, coordinate with your insurance provider, and address any questions to ensure a smooth transition into treatment.
Where Can I Locate IOP Treatment Programs Nearby?
If you’re searching for an IOP treatment program near Dedham, Boston, or Needham, MA, Greater Boston Behavioral Health is here to help. We specialize in providing comprehensive care and personalized programs for individuals managing mental disorders. Located in Needham, Massachusetts, GBBH offers a range of services, including therapy and evidence-based treatments, to support those coping with mood swings and emotional regulation. To learn more about how we can assist you or your loved one, please contact us directly at (888)278-0716 or visit us at our location.
What Happens After Completing an IOP?
Intensive outpatient treatment is often part of a larger, ongoing recovery journey. After completing an IOP, many individuals transition to a lower level of support that allows them to continue building on the progress they’ve made.
Depending on individual needs, next steps may include:
- Standard outpatient therapy
- Ongoing psychiatric care and medication management
- Community-based or supportive services that reinforce long-term stability
Before completing the program, each client works collaboratively with their treatment team to create an individualized aftercare plan. This plan is designed to support continued growth, symptom management, and sustained mental health progress beyond structured treatment.
FAQs About Our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) in Boston, Massachusetts
An IOP is a structured mental health program where you attend therapy several times per week while continuing to live at home. It provides intensive care with flexibility for daily life.
IOP works well for people who need more support than weekly therapy but don’t require inpatient or PHP care. It helps with depression, anxiety, trauma, and relapse prevention.
Most IOPs meet 3–5 days per week for a few hours per session. The duration depends on your progress and goals.
IOP treatment may include individual therapy, group counseling, DBT, CBT, trauma therapy, and medication management. Skills training for stress, coping, and relationships is also common.
IOPs treat depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and co-occurring substance use. Treatment is personalized to each participant.
Yes. IOPs are designed to fit around daily responsibilities, making them a good option for people balancing work, school, and family.
Family therapy and support groups are often offered so loved ones can learn how to best support your mental health journey.
After IOP, many continue with weekly outpatient therapy or support groups. GBBH helps create an aftercare plan for ongoing stability.
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What Are the Costs of IOP Treatment?
The cost of IOP treatment at Greater Boston Behavioral Health varies based on the services provided, including therapy, medication management, and specialized care. Factors such as the type of care and session frequency influence the cost. For detailed information, contact our admissions team. We work with insurance providers and offer financial assistance to help manage expenses and ensure you get the support you need.
Knowing your payment options is essential for making informed decisions about your night treatment program options. We suggest reviewing your insurance policy or calling us at (888)278-0716. At GBBH, our team is here to help verify your insurance coverage.
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