Mental Health Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
What you will learn:
- The unique structure of our robust mental health IOP, which includes individual and group therapy paired with psychiatry and medication management services.
- Benefits of a coordinated care team and comprehensive care options.
- Guardian Recovery's holistic, coordinated, and cutting-edge approach to mental health care.
Have you ever felt stuck in the cycle of routine mental health care? Quarterly medication refills. Weekly therapy sessions. Providers who rarely communicate with one another. It’s a fragmented approach that often leaves you managing symptoms rather than achieving real breakthroughs.
Guardian Recovery offers a revolutionary alternative.
Drawing from our successful experience in substance use recovery, we understand the importance of integrated care, group therapy, and a supportive community. As such, we’ve developed a comprehensive program that mirrors this approach. Our mental health intensive outpatient program (IOP) treats you as a whole person, not just a collection of symptoms, empowering you to truly transform your mental health—and your life.Â
Our integrated and robust approach means every aspect of your treatment works together seamlessly. From medication management to therapy sessions, from group support to innovative treatments—each element is carefully coordinated to support your journey. Whether you’re struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, dual diagnosis, or other mental health challenges, our IOP provides the structure, support, and expertise you need to achieve lasting change.
The following content offers a deep dive into our IOP and its related offerings. However, if you’re ready to act, reach out to us now. Staff can answer your questions, discuss our IOP and other treatment options, and even verify your insurance benefits or discuss alternative payment options.Â
Real transformation is possible. Guardian Recovery can help.
What Is Our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for Mental Health?
A relatively rare but critically effective treatment model, our mental health IOP represents a crucial middle ground in mental health treatment, bridging the gap between traditional outpatient therapy and residential care. Guardian Recovery’s IOP provides structured, intensive mental health treatment while allowing you to maintain your daily responsibilities, relationships, and work commitments.Â
Care typically begins with a thorough assessment and diagnosis to help us better understand your concerns, struggles, and mental health disorders. We work with you to explore your history with mental health disorders, any accompanying substance misuse, family history, physical and psychological health history, treatment experience, and current medications. Based on these insights, we establish a highly customized treatment plan within the IOP.
The multi-week program typically includes one individual therapy session per week with your primary therapist, group therapy 3 hours a day for 3 to 4 days per week, and psychiatry and medication management services once per month. (Our virtual IOP and the hybrid in-person/virtual model offered at some locations provide added flexibility and accessibility.) This intensive model creates a robust framework for deep, lasting recovery while also enabling you to maintain personal responsibilities.
Throughout the experience, your care team—comprising a psychiatrist, therapist, group leaders, and various other service providers—regularly discuss your progress, evolving needs, and more. When necessary, providers adjust your treatment plan and/or any medications to ensure they best meet your evolving needs.Â
Simply put, Guardian Recovery’s mental health IOP can help you transcend mere symptom management. Our comprehensive and coordinated care can help you identify the root causes of your challenges, meet your unique needs, and provide a solid foundation for true and lasting transformation.
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How Is Our IOP Program Different From Outpatient Mental Health Treatment?
Traditional outpatient mental health treatment typically involves meeting with a therapist once per week for 45-60 minutes, and it might include a brief appointment with a psychiatrist for a prescription refill once every three months. While this level of care works well for some individuals, true transformation typically requires more intensive support.Â
Guardian Recovery’s IOP fills the gaps of traditional outpatient care by providing more frequent, longer sessions and a more comprehensive treatment approach. The increased time commitment allows for deeper therapeutic work, more extensive skill-building, group therapy, and stronger peer support connections. Plus, rather than interacting with multiple providers that never speak with one another, your care team has deep knowledge of you—and each other—and they regularly share ideas to improve your care.
What truly sets our IOP apart is the integration of multiple treatment modalities and the power of group dynamics. While individual therapy focuses on personal challenges and goals, our IOP combines group therapy, skill-building workshops, psychiatric care, and individual support into a cohesive treatment experience.
This comprehensive approach, coupled with regular care coordination between providers, ensures that all aspects of your mental health are addressed systematically and thoroughly. The group setting also provides unique benefits, including peer support, shared learning experiences, and opportunities to practice interpersonal skills in a safe environment.
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Qualifications for Our IOPÂ
Our IOP is designed for individuals who need more support than traditional outpatient therapy but don’t require 24-hour care. Ideal candidates are those struggling with mental health challenges who are stable enough to participate in structured group therapy and committed to their recovery journey. This includes individuals transitioning from higher levels of care, those finding traditional outpatient therapy insufficient, and people seeking intensive support while maintaining work or family commitments.
The admissions process begins with a comprehensive assessment by our clinical team to ensure our IOP is the appropriate level of care. We evaluate factors such as symptom severity, stability, support system, and treatment history. Successful candidates should be willing to engage in group work, commit to regular attendance, and actively participate in their recovery journey.
Mental Health Conditions & Disorders Treated in Our IOP Program
Our IOP provides specialized support for a wide range of mental health conditions, with treatment protocols based on the latest research and evidence-based practices. We have extensive experience treating mood disorders, including major depression and bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders ranging from generalized anxiety to panic disorder, and trauma-related conditions such as post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Our program also effectively addresses personality disorders, adjustment disorders, and grief/loss issues.
What also sets our approach apart is our ability to treat co-occurring disorders (aka dual diagnoses) effectively. Drawing from our background in substance use treatment, we understand the complex interplay between mental health conditions and addiction. Our team is specially trained to address these overlapping challenges, providing integrated treatment that addresses both mental health symptoms and substance use concerns. We also recognize that many clients face multiple diagnoses, and our treatment plans are carefully tailored to address these complex presentations.
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Our Mental Health Offerings
Effective mental health treatment requires a sophisticated, multi-faceted approach that addresses both immediate symptoms and underlying causes. Our comprehensive suite of services, ranging from psychiatric care and medication management to individual and group therapy, represents the gold standard in mental health treatment, designed to provide you with every tool necessary for lasting recovery and wellness.
Psychiatry & Medication Management
Our psychiatric services form a cornerstone of comprehensive mental health treatment. Our board-certified psychiatrists work collaboratively with your treatment team, ensuring medication management aligns seamlessly with your therapeutic goals.Â
Following a thorough evaluation, services include ongoing medication management and a holistic approach to treatment. Our caring and compassionate staff consider factors such as genetic predisposition, lifestyle influences, and potential interactions with other medications or supplements as they work to formulate and adjust your treatment plans. Plus, psychiatrists regularly participate in team meetings, providing crucial medical insight into each client’s progress and adjusting treatment plans as needed. This integrated approach ensures that medication management works in harmony with other therapeutic interventions.
Individual Therapy
Weekly individual therapy provides essential one-on-one support for processing personal challenges and tracking progress. Our licensed therapists are trained in multiple evidence-based approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and other trauma-informed modalities. Sessions focus on personal goals, individual challenges, and developing customized coping strategies.
Individual therapy sessions also serve as a space for deeper exploration of issues that may be too sensitive for group settings. Therapists work closely with you to develop and hone your personalized treatment plan, regularly assessing progress and adjusting approaches as needed. This individualized attention ensures that specific needs are met while maintaining alignment with overall IOP goals. Our therapists also coordinate closely with psychiatrists and group facilitators, ensuring a unified treatment approach.
Group Therapy
Mirroring the effective model used in Guardian Recovery’s substance use disorder care, group therapy is a cornerstone of our mental health IOP. Sessions are carefully structured to promote both personal growth and group cohesion, with topics ranging from skill-building to processing shared experiences. Group sizes range by facility and programming, but we ensure that they provide enough diversity for meaningful interaction while ensuring each member receives adequate attention.
Our group therapy program incorporates various therapeutic approaches, including CBT, DBT, mindfulness practices, and interpersonal process work. Sessions are facilitated by experienced therapists who guide discussions, ensure safety, and help members connect their experiences to therapeutic concepts. The group setting provides unique opportunities for peer feedback, social skill development, and the normalization of experiences. Members often report that the shared journey of recovery creates lasting bonds and valuable support networks.
Additional Treatment Services
At Guardian Recovery, we believe in addressing mental health comprehensively, offering additional services that complement our core IOP programming.Â
- Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and Sprvato—TMS is a cutting-edge therapy for treatment resistant depression and some other mental health disorders. This FDA-approved therapy has shown remarkable results, particularly when combined with our comprehensive treatment approach. Similarly, our Spravato treatment program offers hope for those struggling with treatment-resistant depression, administered under careful medical supervision.
- Family involvement—Integrating loved ones in treatment can strengthen relationships and create a supportive home environment to support long-term healing.
- Virtual care options—Guardian Recovery offers a virtual mental health IOP as well as hybrid in-person/virtual treatment options.
- Dual-diagnosis (co-occurring disorder) treatment—Addiction and mental health disorders often go hand in hand. Guardian Recovery is uniquely positioned to treat these issues concurrently, which is the best practice for dual diagnosis conditions.
Our LocationsÂ
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Changing lives by providing comprehensive support and rehabilitation, empowering individuals to overcome addiction and regain control of their health and well-being.
Portland, Maine
Saddle Brook, NJ
Guardian IOP – New Brunswick
New Brunswick, NJ
Delray Beach, Florida
Hoboken, New Jersey
Contact Guardian Recovery for More Info
Guardian Recovery’s IOP is more than just a mental health program; it’s a cutting-edge journey toward a healthier, happier you. With personalized care, evidence-based therapies, and a supportive care community, you’ll learn to navigate life’s challenges with confidence and resilience.
Ready to take the first step toward a whole new life?Â
Contact Guardian Recovery today to talk with a treatment advisor who can answer your questions, conduct a brief assessment, and discuss our IOP and other treatment options. Available 24/7, our staff can also verify your insurance benefits and explore alternative payment methods. The consultation is free and confidential, with no obligation to pursue treatment.
The life you envision isn’t just possible—it’s waiting for you. Take that first brave step toward a brighter future with Guardian Recovery.
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FAQs
Yes! Our program is specifically designed to accommodate work and school schedules. Our team can provide documentation for employers if needed and help clients develop strategies for managing work-related stress while in treatment. We also offer guidance on managing time effectively and maintaining work-life balance during the program. Plus, we offer a virtual IOP as well as a hybrid in-person/virtual IOP at some locations. involves several hours of therapy and support each day, 3-5 days per week.
Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, mental health and substance use disorder care is typically covered partially or in full by insurance. Guardian Recovery accepts most major insurance plans, but each individual plan offers a different level of coverage. To help you understand exactly what’s covered and how much you’ll pay out of pocket, reach out to our treatment advisors. Along with answering your questions and discussing treatment options, they can provide a thorough verification of your insurance benefits. The call is free and confidential, and you’re under no obligation to enter care with us.
Guardian Recovery’s IOP stands apart through our truly integrated approach to mental health treatment. Our IOP provides seamless coordination between psychiatric care, individual therapy, group sessions, and supplementary services like TMS and Spravato. This comprehensive approach ensures that all aspects of mental health are addressed simultaneously. Additionally, our background in substance use treatment has given us unique insights into the power of group dynamics and peer support in recovery. We’ve successfully adapted these principles to mental health treatment, creating a program that combines clinical excellence with the healing power of community. Our regular team coordination meetings and emphasis on evidence-based practices further distinguish our program.
Determining the appropriate level of care begins with a comprehensive assessment by our clinical team. We evaluate multiple factors, including symptom severity, stability, support system, treatment history, and daily functioning. IOP might be right for you if you’re struggling with mental health challenges that significantly impact your life but don’t require 24-hour care.
Common indicators that IOP could be appropriate include: unsuccessful attempts at traditional outpatient therapy, recent discharge from inpatient care needing step-down support, increasing mental health symptoms affecting work or relationships, or desire for more intensive treatment while maintaining daily responsibilities. Our assessment team will help determine if IOP aligns with your needs and goals, or if another level of care would be more beneficial.
Reach out not for a free initial assessment to help you determine if IOP might be a viable option for you.
Transition planning begins well before program completion to ensure continued progress and support. Our team works with each client to develop a comprehensive aftercare plan that typically includes step-down services, ongoing individual therapy, and medication management as needed. We help identify community resources, support groups, and other services that can support long-term recovery.
We also offer relapse prevention planning and crisis management strategies to help maintain stability after program completion.
We strongly encourage family involvement, recognizing that mental health challenges affect the entire family system. Family members can participate in dedicated family therapy sessions, educational workshops, and support groups designed specifically for loved ones. These sessions help improve communication, rebuild trust, and provide families with tools to support their loved one’s recovery.
Our family program includes education about mental health conditions, communication skills training, and guidance on creating a supportive home environment. We also help families understand appropriate boundaries and self-care strategies. Regular family updates (with client consent) ensure that loved ones remain informed and involved in the recovery process while respecting client confidentiality.
At Guardian Recovery, we pride ourselves on our truly integrated approach to care. Your primary therapist, psychiatrist, and any specialists involved in your treatment (such as TMS providers or group therapy facilitators) regularly communicate about your progress and treatment plan. They discuss client care, ensure treatment alignment, and make any necessary adjustments to your plan. This collaborative approach ensures that all aspects of your treatment work together seamlessly, maximizing the effectiveness of your care.
Yes, Guardian Recovery provides secure telehealth services via our virtual IOP and through our hybrid in-person/virtual offerings at some locations. Our virtual appointments are conducted through a HIPAA-compliant platform that ensures your privacy and security. While some situations may require in-person visits, many patients find telehealth to be a convenient and equally effective option for their care. Your provider will discuss which appointment type is most appropriate for your specific situation and needs.
Reviewed professionally for accuracy by:
Ryan Soave
L.M.H.C.
Ryan Soave brings deep experience as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, certified trauma therapist, program developer, and research consultant for Huberman Lab at Stanford University Department of Neurobiology. Post-graduation from Wake Forest University, Ryan quickly discovered his acumen for the business world. After almost a decade of successful entrepreneurship and world traveling, he encountered a wave of personal and spiritual challenges; he felt a calling for something more. Ryan returned to school and completed his Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling. When he started working with those suffering from addiction and PTSD, he found his passion. He has never looked back.
