Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program

Covington Behavioral Health Hospital offers an intensive outpatient program (IOP) for adolescents who are struggling with mental health concerns and substance use disorders. The young people who participate in our IOP receive evidence-based care that can help them manage their symptoms and achieve meaningful personal growth.

Adolescent IOP Overview

At Covington Behavioral Health Hospital, we provide an intensive outpatient program for adolescents ages 12-17. Common behavioral health concerns we treat include: 

  • Depression 
  • Anxiety 
  • Eating disorders 
  • Mood disorders 
  • Self-harming behaviors 
  • Conduct disorder 
  • Gender dysphoria 
  • Trauma 
  • Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) 
  • Substance use disorders 

Patients can enter the IOP either directly or after stepping down from our adolescent inpatient program. Sessions are offered Monday-Friday from 4-7 p.m., and patients are required to attend any variation of three days during the week. Those who are suffering from chronic or acute concerns may also have the opportunity to attend programming weekday mornings. 

An adolescent’s length of stay depends on their individual progress, but most patients spend between eight and 10 weeks in our IOP. 

Features & Services

Each young person who receives care in our adolescent IOP can benefit from evidence-based programming that we recommend based on their individual needs. 

Prior to admission, prospective patients participate in an assessment that helps us learn more about their medical history, any previous behavioral health treatment they’ve received, and their goals for their time in our IOP. That allows us to provide only the programming we believe will lead to each patient’s best outcome. 

A patient’s treatment plan may include: 

  • Weekly medication management services 
  • Individual therapy on an as-needed basis 
  • Biweekly family therapy 
  • Daily experiential therapy 
  • Twice-weekly group therapy sessions 

We offer a variety of experiential and group therapies that can help our patients understand their diagnoses and begin to change their behavior patterns. These may include elements of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and motivational interviewing. 

Many of our young patients thrive in yoga and recreational therapy sessions. Groups they may participate in include: 

  • Applied skills 
  • Psychoeducation 
  • Mindful movement 
  • Executive functioning skills 

Admissions Process

All patients in our adolescent IOP must be ages 12-17 and have a diagnosis of a mental health or substance use disorder. 

Additionally, patients must be: 

  • From a stable living environment 
  • Able to maintain safety in community 
  • Coherent and oriented and have no intrusive or active psychosis 
  • Able to actively participate in groups 
  • Not actively considering or threatening suicide 
  • Part of an active support system 
  • Able to commit to attending three sessions per week 
  • Able to have a guardian who is willing to participate in treatment 

Adolescent IOP patients must also have their own medication providers. 

Aftercare Planning

An adolescent’s time in our IOP is only one step on their journey toward better health. That’s why we begin planning for their eventual discharge at the time of admission. 

Our behavioral health professionals continuously evaluate each patient’s progress, allowing us to provide recommendations at the conclusion of treatment. Each patient receives a unique discharge plan that may include suggestions for step-down programs, follow-up appointments, and community resources. 

Your child deserves to live a happier, healthier life. By preparing for the future during treatment, we can help set them up for success in the days, weeks, and months to come. 

Covington's individualized programs gave me the flexibility I needed to get treatment while not interrupting my schedule.

– a former patient
Marks of Quality Care
  • LGBTQIA+ Inclusive Treatment
  • St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce
  • The Jason Foundation
  • The Joint Commission (JCAHO) Gold Seal of Approval