Clinically Reviewed by Dr. Kate Smith
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?
An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is a structured mental health treatment program that meets several days per week while you continue living at home. It offers more support than weekly therapy, without the full-day schedule of higher levels of care.
At Greater Boston Behavioral Health, IOP is designed for people who want real clinical support while still keeping up with daily life—work, school, parenting, and everything in between. Many clients attend in the evening, which is why IOP is sometimes called “night treatment.”
Your care plan typically includes group therapy, individual sessions, and support with coping skills, emotions, and day-to-day functioning. If you’re stepping down from a more intensive program—or you’ve tried weekly therapy and need more structure—IOP can be a strong next step.
What Mental Health Conditions Are Treated in an IOP?
IOP can support people dealing with a wide range of mental health concerns—especially when symptoms are affecting daily life, relationships, focus, sleep, or emotional stability.
At Greater Boston Behavioral Health, IOP may be a good fit for individuals seeking care for:
Anxiety disorders (including panic or social anxiety)
Depression and persistent low mood
Bipolar disorder (when stable enough for outpatient care)
OCD symptoms that interfere with routine
ADHD-related challenges (focus, organization, impulse control)
Co-occurring substance use concerns (when a higher level of care isn’t needed)
During your assessment, we’ll talk through what you’re experiencing and recommend the safest level of care—so you’re not guessing, and you’re not pushed into something that doesn’t match your needs.
Who Is an Intensive Outpatient Program Right For — and When Is It Not Enough?
IOP is designed for people who need more than weekly outpatient therapy, but who can still safely live at home and manage their day-to-day responsibilities.
IOP may be a good fit if you:
Need structured support multiple days per week
Want help building coping skills, emotional regulation, and routine
Are stepping down from inpatient, residential, or PHP care
Feel “stuck” in weekly therapy and need more consistent care
Prefer an evening option that fits work, school, or family life
Have a stable home environment and can maintain safety outside sessions
IOP may not be the right starting point if you:
Need 24/7 supervision for safety or stabilization
Are in an acute mental health crisis
Don’t have a safe place to live right now
Need medical detox or immediate inpatient support
If you’re unsure, that’s completely normal. A short clinical assessment can help clarify what level of support makes the most sense—without pressure.
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.
What Does a Typical Week in an IOP Look Like??
Most IOP schedules run 3–5 days per week for a few hours per session. Many people choose IOP because it gives them structure and accountability, while still allowing them to return home after each session and keep their life moving.
A typical week may include:
Group therapy focused on coping skills, relationships, and stress management
Individual therapy to work on personal goals and symptoms
Mental health education and skills practice you can use right away
Psychiatric support and medication management when appropriate
Progress check-ins to adjust your plan as you improve
Because you’re living at home during IOP, you get the benefit of practicing what you’re learning in real time—then coming back to process what worked, what didn’t, and what needs support.
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 isn’t one-size-fits-all. The right level of care depends on symptom severity, safety, daily functioning, and how much support you need each week.
In general:
Inpatient treatment provides 24/7 supervision and stabilization.
PHP (Partial Hospitalization Program) offers full-day structured treatment while you return home at night.
IOP provides structured care several days per week while giving you more flexibility outside session hours.
IOP is often a good choice for people who need consistent treatment, but who are stable enough to live at home and keep up with daily responsibilities. It can also be a strong step-down option after a higher level of care, helping you transition into more independence without losing support.
Therapies That Support Recovery in Our IOP Program
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.
- Group Therapy: Offers a supportive environment where clients can share their experiences, gain insights, and build a sense of community with others on similar 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.
Structure Without Losing Your Freedom
The Intensive Outpatient Program at Greater Boston Behavioral Health provides structured support for individuals who are ready to take back control of their mental health 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 mental health issues 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 residential admission.
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 Statistics:
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
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 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 or those stepping down from a higher level of care like a 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 managing the specifics of your mental health concerns 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 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.
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?
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.
START ADMISSIONS
What Is the Admissions Process Like for Our Intensive Outpatient Program?
At GBBH, we strive to make the admissions 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.
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.
FAQs About Our Intensive Outpatient Program 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 a range of other concerns. 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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