What Is Intensive Outpatient Therapy?

A Guide to Structured Mental Health Support in Texas

If you or a loved one is struggling with anxiety, OCD, depression, or another mental health condition, you may be exploring treatment options beyond traditional weekly therapy. One effective and flexible option is Intensive Outpatient Therapy (IOP).

But what is it and is it the right choice for you or your family? In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about intensive outpatient therapy, how it works, who it’s for, and what to expect at Oath Therapy.

What Is Intensive Outpatient Therapy?

Intensive Outpatient Therapy (IOP) is a structured mental health treatment program that provides more frequent and focused care than traditional therapy without requiring a hospital stay or full-time inpatient admission.

Unlike residential or inpatient programs, IOP allows individuals to maintain their daily routines like work, school, or family life, while receiving 3–5 sessions per week of evidence-based treatment, often including CBT, ERP, mindfulness, and skills training.

It’s designed for people who need more support than weekly therapy provides, but don’t require 24/7 monitoring or crisis stabilization.

What Does Intensive Outpatient Therapy Include?

At Oath Therapy, our IOP services are customized based on each client’s unique needs. Here’s what a typical IOP plan may involve: Thorough Intake Assessment

We begin with a detailed assessment of symptoms, history, goals, and any co-occurring conditions like OCD, depression, or trauma. This helps us create a personalized plan of care.

Multiple Weekly Sessions

Most IOP participants attend 3–5 therapy sessions per week, depending on their clinical needs. These may include:

• Individual therapy (CBT, ERP, ACT, etc.)
• Family or caregiver sessions
• Psychoeducation and skills training
• Crisis prevention planning
• Mindfulness and self-regulation tools

Flexible Scheduling

We understand that life doesn’t stop when you begin treatment. Our IOP clients can schedule sessions during daytime or evening hours to accommodate work, school, or family obligations.

Evidence-Based Treatments

Our IOP relies on proven approaches like:

CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy): To address negative thinking patterns and build healthy coping skills.

ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention): Especially effective for OCD and anxiety disorders.

Mindfulness-Based Therapy: To improve emotion regulation and reduce stress.

Skills Training: For emotion regulation, communication, and building resilience.

Who Is Intensive Outpatient Therapy For?

Intensive outpatient therapy may be ideal for:

• Individuals whose symptoms are worsening or not improving with traditional weekly therapy.
• Clients who have recently been discharged from inpatient or residential programs.
• Teens and adults who need structured support without hospitalization.
• People experiencing frequent panic attacks, intrusive thoughts, or compulsive behaviors.
• Those dealing with relapse risk or recent crises who need extra support and accountability.
• Caregivers looking for coordinated treatment for a loved one with anxiety, depression, or OCD.

If you or someone you care about falls into one of these categories, IOP may be a powerful next step in your healing journey.

Virtual and In-Home IOP Options

Oath Therapy offers telehealth-based IOP services across the state of Texas. This allows you to receive intensive care from the comfort of home—while still accessing the full benefits of structured, consistent support.

We also offer in-home concierge therapy options for clients in the Houston area who may benefit from private, in-person care in a familiar environment.

IOP for Anxiety, OCD & Depression

Our team has specialized training in treating complex and overlapping conditions such as:

• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Using ERP and behavior-focused strategies to break cycles of obsession and compulsion.
• Generalized Anxiety and Panic Disorder: Helping clients gain control over racing thoughts, avoidance, and fear-based patterns.
• Major Depression and Mood Disorders: Supporting clients in rebuilding motivation, connection, and hope through consistent, targeted care.

Oath Therapy’s IOP is ideal for people managing multiple diagnoses or who feel overwhelmed by the demands of day-to-day life due to their symptoms.

10 FAQs About Intensive Outpatient Therapy (IOP)

• 1. What’s the difference between IOP and regular therapy?

  Regular therapy is typically once a week. IOP involves multiple sessions per week with a more structured and goal-oriented approach.

• 2. Is IOP the same as being hospitalized?

  No. IOP is an outpatient program, meaning you do not stay overnight. You continue to live at home and maintain your routine while receiving treatment.

• 3. Who provides the therapy in IOP?

  Licensed therapists with expertise in CBT, ERP, and trauma-informed care lead all sessions. Our team includes specialists in anxiety, depression, and OCD.

• 4. Can I work or go to school while doing IOP?

  Yes. IOP is designed to be flexible. Many clients continue work or school and attend sessions before or after hours.

• 5. How long does an IOP program last?

  Most IOP programs last 1 to 4 weeks, depending on your symptoms and progress. We personalize the timeline for each client.

• 6. Do you offer IOP virtually?

  Yes! We provide telehealth IOP services across Texas. All sessions are HIPAA-compliant and conducted over secure video platforms.

• 7. Is intensive outpatient therapy effective for OCD?

  Yes. IOP is especially helpful for OCD, particularly when paired with ERP therapy, which is the gold-standard treatment for OCD.

• 8. What age groups do you support?

  We work with teens, adults, and caregivers. Our therapists adjust their approach depending on developmental stage and family dynamics.

• 9. Do you accept insurance for IOP?

  We are an out of network provider for most insurances, but we provide superbills for clients to submit to their insurance for possible reimbursement. We also offer private pay options.

• 10. How do I get started with intensive outpatient therapy?

  Start by booking a free 15-minute consultation via our website. You can also call us at (281) 665-0888 or submit a contact form.

Serving Houston and Clients Across Texas

Whether you’re located in Houston, The Woodlands, Sugar Land, Katy, Austin, Dallas, or anywhere in Texas, our virtual IOP program can help you access structured care from wherever you are.

Ready to Take the Next Step? If you’ve been wondering whether weekly therapy is enough—or if someone you love is struggling intensive outpatient therapy may be the support you’ve been looking for.

Here’s how to get started:

Book a free 15-minute consultation via Calendly

Call us today at (281) 665-0888

Submit a quick message via our contact page

At Oath Therapy, we meet you where you are and walk with you toward healing.