Group Therapy
A core part of the program, providing a structured environment to work through challenges and connect with others.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
Intensive Mental Health Care That Fits Your Life
Structured treatment for adults in Virginia who need more support than weekly therapy—but need a schedule that leaves room for work, family, and everyday life.
Schedule3 days a week, about 3 hours a day
Care settingOutpatient care, home each evening
Flexible hours. Telehealth available.
Major Virginia insurance plans accepted, including select Medicaid plans.
Transit Accessible · Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) · Short-Term Disability Paperwork Completion Available · Accommodation Letters Provided
Who Is IOP For?
IOP may be a good fit for adults who need more support than traditional outpatient therapy can provide but don't need the full-day structure of PHP.
It may be appropriate if you:
- Want structured treatment while continuing to work, attend school, or care for family
- Are stepping down from PHP or another higher level of care
- Are stepping up from traditional outpatient therapy
- Need consistent support while managing everyday responsibilities
- Are stable enough to live at home and participate in outpatient treatment
If you're unsure whether PHP, IOP, or traditional outpatient care is the right fit, your initial assessment can help determine the appropriate level of support.
What Does IOP Look Like?
3 days a week. Approximately 3 hours a day. Home every evening.
IOP provides structured treatment through:
Content block 1
Skills-Based Treatment
Practical tools for coping, emotion regulation, communication, and managing everyday challenges.
Psychiatric & Medication Support
Clients meet once a week with a psychiatrist to receive psychiatric services and medication management as part of their care.
Consistent Clinical Support
Your care team works together around your needs, goals, and progress.
IOP may also be available through telehealth for eligible Virginia residents, giving you another way to access care when coming into the office isn't practical.
Is IOP or PHP a Better Fit?
The right program depends on how much structure and support you need. Both programs include psychiatric care, medication management, and group therapy – just at a different intensity.
PHP: 5 days per week, approximately 5 hours per day and may be appropriate when symptoms are having a significant impact on everyday functioning.
IOP: 3 days per week, approximately 3 hours per day, offering a more flexible schedule for adults who need structured treatment but can manage more of their regular routine.
You don't have to decide on your own. Your initial assessment and goals can help determine which level of care best fits your needs.
Your First Day
Starting a new program can feel unfamiliar. We'll help you know what to expect.
Arrive & Check In
Complete any remaining paperwork and meet a team member who will orient you to the space and your schedule.
Get Oriented
You'll learn about group expectations, confidentiality, breaks, phone policies, and who to go to with questions.
Join Your First Group
You'll attend your first group and begin getting familiar with the program. We understand that this type of setting can be a bit nervewracking. Our care team will be with you to help you adjust so you feel comfortable participating in group sessions.
Bring: Comfortable clothing and anything you need for the time you'll be here. Snacks and water are provided.
Meet Your Care Team
A flexible schedule shouldn't mean disconnected care.
Your IOP team includes licensed mental health professionals and clinical providers who work together to understand your needs, goals, and progress. Your care includes group therapy, skills-based treatment, psychiatric services, and medication management.
At Virginia Family Wellness, we believe good care means more than showing up for a session. It means having a team that knows you, listens to you, and stays connected to your care.
What's Next After IOP?
IOP isn't meant to be a dead end.
As you make progress, your treatment can change with you. Some clients step down to individual therapy or medication management after completing IOP. Others may need a different level of support along the way.
That's the benefit of a continuum of care: you're not starting over every time your needs change.
Your team will begin planning for what's next early in treatment, so you leave IOP with a clear direction—not a question mark.
Get Care That Fits Your Schedule
IOP gives you structured support three days a week, for about three hours a day—so you can make space for treatment while staying connected to your everyday life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work or attend school while participating in IOP?
IOP's part-time schedule can make it possible for many clients to continue working, attending school, or caring for family. Our team can also provide documentation for FMLA or school accommodations when appropriate.
What conditions does IOP treat?
IOP may support adults experiencing conditions such as depression, anxiety, trauma and PTSD, bipolar disorder, and other mental health concerns.
Virginia Family Wellness does not provide substance use disorder treatment. If substance use treatment is needed, our team can help connect you with an appropriate resource.
Will insurance cover IOP?
Virginia Family Wellness accepts many Virginia insurance plans, including Aetna, Anthem/Blue Cross Blue Shield, CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna/Evernorth, Optum, Sentara Health and UnitedHealthcare, plus select Medicaid plans. You can find the full list on our Pricing page.
We work with you to get the coverage information you need, but we can't guarantee services will be covered. Call the number on the back of your insurance card to ask about IOP coverage, deductibles and copays.
If your plan isn't listed, we are also an out-of-network provider. We can give you a superbill to submit to your insurance company, which decides whether to reimburse you.
