Adolescence is a uniquely stressful, challenging time. Many children between the ages of 12 and 17 have trouble coping with the social and academic pressure they are under. Your child may act out in ways you never expected, such as turning to drugs or alcohol. Here’s what you should know about a treatment option called intensive outpatient programming.
What Is an Intensive Outpatient Program?
The Forum’s intensive outpatient program, or IOP, provides an advanced level of care for teens struggling with severe mental and behavioral health problems, including substance abuse. It is more rigorous than traditional therapy, requiring participants to attend several sessions per week.
The primary benefit of intensive outpatient care is that it does not require your child to live full-time at our facility. The ability to get qualified treatment without having to leave the comforts of home makes IOP an attractive option for many teenagers and their families. Our flexible approach means you can make appointments that fit your schedule and lifestyle.
What Happens in an IOP?
At The Forum, our expert mental and behavioral health providers will teach your child new skills and help them become more mindful, centered and emotionally resilient.
While working through our program, your teen will receive the following evidence-based therapies tailored specifically to adolescents’ unique needs.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
DBT is a valuable way to address harmful behaviors standing between your teen and their goals. This form of psychotherapy focuses on harnessing the power of change and acceptance.
Group Therapy
Group therapy provides a safe, judgment-free environment where your child can meet peers who are facing similar challenges.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
ACT has proven effective for addressing issues such as trauma, substance abuse and generalized anxiety by helping people work through complex emotions or unpleasant memories they may have been avoiding.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT can teach teenagers how to recognize internalized negativity and replace their self-destructive habits with new, healthy ones.
Psychodynamic Therapy
Psychodynamic therapy focuses on the psychological roots of complex emotions. Through self-reflection, your teen will discover new meaning in their life.
Advantages of Intensive Outpatient Treatment
Consider these benefits of enrolling your teenager in an intensive outpatient program.
- Minimally disruptive: IOP allows your child to pursue improved wellness without taking them out of school. IOP provides an ideal solution for families with busy schedules.
- More privacy: Nobody has to know your child is in therapy unless you choose to share that information.
- Ability to get help while staying home: While most inpatient treatment facilities are well-appointed, there’s no place like home. If your child finds comfort in a familiar setting, you may prefer to enroll them in our IOP to avoid homesickness.
Why Choose The Forum for Your Family?
The Forum meets the diverse needs of teens throughout the San Diego area with comprehensive treatment options. We recognize that today’s adolescents face increased challenges, and we are here to help your child overcome their difficulties with compassion and clinical expertise. Contact us today to learn more about our IOP or any of the other treatment options we provide.
