Lakeland Behavioral Health System in Springfield, Missouri, offers an intensive outpatient program (IOP) for teens ages 12-17 of all genders. Our outpatient program is ideal for young people who are stepping down from a more regimented mental health treatment program and need ongoing support as they reintegrate into their homes and schools.
This treatment option provides high-quality therapeutic services on a part-time basis while allowing teens the flexibility to maintain their daily routines. At Lakeland, we are passionate about helping teens heal from traumatic events, grow in wellness, and live fulfilling lives.
What Is Teen Intensive Outpatient Programming for Mental Health?
Learn More About Our Teen Intensive Outpatient Program
At Lakeland, our programming is designed to meet the diverse needs of teens and support them as they take steps toward healthier futures. Our teen IOP is especially suited for individuals who have had repeated acute care hospitalizations, are at elevated risk for suicide or self-harm, or need a step-down program following inpatient or residential mental health treatment. Before acceptance to the intensive outpatient program, teens receive a thorough medical and psychological evaluation to determine if our services can help them.
We offer on-site medical care, and our staff includes medical doctors, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, registered nurses (RNs), and licensed practical nurses (LPNs). Our facilities have 24-hour nurses available to address any health concerns, and a medical doctor is always on call to provide referrals for outpatient providers in case of an emergency.
Participants attend weekly individual therapy sessions that are led by licensed counselors. In these one-on-one sessions, teens can explore their thoughts and emotions and set goals in a safe and confidential environment while receiving support from a compassionate professional.
Group therapy is the main form of treatment in our teen IOP, and sessions are led by trained clinical therapists. Many young people who attend our IOP struggle with mental health challenges that can make it difficult to form relationships, maintain academic excellence, and socialize with others. During group therapy, teens have the opportunity to build relationships with their peers in a supportive environment while addressing mental health concerns.
Topics of discussion in group therapy may include emotion regulation, setting healthy boundaries, grief and loss, interpersonal skills, and coping with trauma. These group sessions are driven by trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), and therapists encourage active participation and dynamic discussions among teens.
Do Intensive Outpatient Programs for Teens Work?
Continued Care After Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Programs
At Lakeland Behavioral Health System, we continue to provide comprehensive support for our patients even after their time in treatment is complete. Our team begins preparing each teen’s postdischarge care plan beginning on the first day of treatment. Discharge planning depends on several factors, such as a teen’s response to treatment, their level of need, their location, and familial support. We provide the following services to support each teen’s ongoing well-being:
- Customized aftercare plans: Our multidisciplinary treatment team works with each teen to create a plan that outlines specific goals and strategies for applying the things they’ve learned in treatment. At Lakeland, we are committed to helping teens pursue personal growth in every area of their lives. We work closely with patients, their families, and outpatient providers to develop a discharge plan that may include referrals to outpatient therapists, counselors, and support groups.
- Continuation of outpatient therapy: We provide teens with resources so that they can seamlessly transition from the IOP setting to standard outpatient therapy. By doing this, teens can receive consistent therapeutic support, reinforce acquired skills, and address any ongoing mental health concerns.
- Medication management services: If a teen is taking medication for mental health concerns, we provide them with education on and resources for how to manage prescription refills. We also provide teens with information about how to find a primary care provider if they need one.
- Promotion of a healthy lifestyle: We encourage teens to pursue healthy lifestyles, including maintaining regular exercise and balanced nutrition, getting sufficient sleep, and practicing stress management techniques.
- Encouragement of mindfulness and self-care: We seek to motivate teens to maintain the skills they’ve learned in our IOP, including mindfulness practices, relaxation techniques, and self-care routines.
After treatment is complete, we continue to maintain lines of open communication with each teen. We want each young person to feel supported, connected, and empowered to continue to grow in wellness.
If you or a loved one could benefit from Lakeland’s IOP for teens, we encourage you to give us a call. A member of our knowledgeable admissions staff can answer any questions you may have about intensive outpatient treatment and schedule a free, confidential assessment today.
This content was written on behalf of and reviewed by the clinical staff at Lakeland Behavioral Health System.
