Understanding the Pediatric Mental Health System

What is a children’s intensive outpatient program for mental health?

If your child is in an intensive outpatient program, or IOP, they will typically attend group treatment sessions for 9 to 12 hours each week and may also meet with other care team members, such as a therapist. These hours are spaced out over several days, and visits are usually scheduled for after school. Sometimes, IOP can be done virtually, but generally, these visits are in person.

This level of care is usually helpful for kids who need a little bit of extra support as they transition from more intensive care, such as inpatient or partial hospitalization care. It is also commonly used to help kids get healthy before needing these other types of care.

Does insurance cover intensive outpatient care?

Insurance companies sometimes require authorization for intensive outpatient programs. Most of the time, your referring doctor will help you get that authorization.

You’ll need to check with your particular insurance provider to see if it covers IOP care. Getting insurance coverage for IOP typically involves collaboration between your child's doctors, the insurance verification team at the IOP and your insurance provider.  

IOP and education

Many kids who participate in IOP experience some challenges keeping up with school due to their mental health symptoms. The IOP team often collaborates with families, medication management providers (such as psychiatrists or nurse practitioners) and schools to ensure kids have the best chance of succeeding in school during their time in IOP and beyond. Having a signed release of information, or ROI, in place helps make this collaboration easier.

What is my primary care physician’s role in intensive outpatient care?

Your primary care physician is not likely to be an active participant in your child’s IOP experience unless they are helping with medication management or helping with referrals. Still, your child’s primary care doctor can be a great resource and support for your family, so it is valuable to let them know about your child’s IOP care.

What can you do at home to support your family?

As with any level of mental health care, it’s important to create safety plans and ensure your child can’t access dangerous items like weapons or medications/drugs, including alcohol and marijuana. And while your child is generally better at managing their condition by the time they have completed IOP, these can still be long, difficult days for both parents and kids. It’s important to practice self-care and make sure your child has your support.

What is the next step in care?

Intensive outpatient programs generally last for four to eight weeks. Once your child’s care team has decided they are ready to transition out of the program, they will likely recommend continued outpatient care as the next step.