Mental Health IOP at Charlie Health

Charlie Health logo shieldIntensive support for serious mental health conditions

What is mental health IOP?

When symptoms persist, intensify, or start interfering with daily life, weekly therapy may not be enough. For some, it’s the next step after traditional outpatient care. For others, it’s a step down from a higher level of care like residential treatment, partial hospitalization, or inpatient services.

Charlie Health’s Mental Health Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is designed for teens and adults who need structured, consistent support for conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and self-harming behaviors.

Our virtual model combines clinical depth with flexibility—helping people make meaningful progress while staying connected to their everyday lives.

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Who this program is for

We specialize in working with people experiencing:

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Some clients come to us after trying outpatient therapy without progress. Others are transitioning from inpatient or residential care. Many are referred by providers who recognize the need for a more robust level of support.

Three 3-hour group sessions per week

Weekly individual therapy

Psychiatric consultation and medication management, if needed

Ongoing access to crisis support outside of scheduled sessions

How we personalize care

We start by getting to know you. During your intake, a licensed clinician will gather information about your symptoms, goals, and preferences.

From there, we use our treatment mapping model to design your care plan. This model accounts for:

 

Primary mental health concerns

Age

The best type of therapy for your diagnosis

Lived experiences and personal preferences

Virtual, flexible access

What makes our mental health IOP effective

93%

of clients reported improvements in symptoms associated with depression

90%

of clients reported improvements in symptoms associated with anxiety

89%

of clients reported improvements in self-harm

Our methods

Art & music therapy

Uses artistic mediums to help people express emotions non-verbally.

Attachment-based family therapy

Helps families resolve conflicts and improve communication.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

Focuses on the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

Compassion-focused therapy (CFT)

Helps people combat negative self-talk and boost self-esteem.

Dance & movement therapy

Uses movement and dance to help people process emotions.

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) skills

Focuses on teaching skills to manage emotions and improve relationships.

Drama therapy

Uses theater and role-play to help people process trauma and resolve conflicts.

Experiential therapy

Uses interactive activities to help people explore their thoughts and emotions.

Exposure therapy

Helps people overcome fears and anxieties through gradual exposure.

Internal family systems

Encourages self-healing by exploring and understanding inner parts.

Motivational interviewing

Helps people shift negative feelings and thoughts through structured conversations.

Nutrition counseling

Incorporates nutrition education to support emotional wellness and mind-body balance.

Relational therapy

Focuses on the connections and interactions between people in relationships.

Trauma-informed therapy

Prioritizes safety and empowerment to support trauma recovery.

Yoga, mindfulness & meditation

Uses physical and mental wellness practices to improve overall mental health.

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Screenshots of Charlie Health's Care Center on mobile device
Screenshots of Charlie Health's Care Center on mobile device

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Ready to start your journey?

FAQs about Mental Health IOP at Charlie Health

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What is virtual IOP?

Virtual Intensive Outpatient Programming (IOP) is a level of mental healthcare that is typically more structured and intensive than traditional once-weekly therapy. Treatment is delivered to clients directly at home.

There are two main reasons someone may enroll in an IOP:

  1. A recent discharge from a residential treatment program (behavioral health or substance use), partial hospitalization program, or an emergency department.
  2. If they are already attending weekly therapy but are continuing to struggle with their mental health.

IOPs include multiple group, individual, and family sessions per week. The goal of IOP is to help people manage their mental health and achieve lasting recovery while still allowing them to maintain their daily routines and responsibilities.

How does virtual IOP work at Charlie Health?

Our virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) at Charlie Health is a personalized treatment solution for people with serious mental health conditions. Each treatment plan consists of up to 9-12 hours per week of:

  • Curated groups
  • Individual therapy
  • Family therapy
  • Psychiatry, as needed

In addition to our standard treatment model, all clients have access to 24/7 crisis care, 20+ free family support groups, peer mentors, Alumni Programming, and more.

We design each treatment plan with one primary goal in mind: helping clients heal and rediscover hope. If you think you or a loved one could benefit from Charlie Health, please contact our Admissions Team to get started in as little as 24 hours.

How do I know if Charlie Health’s virtual IOP is right for me or my loved one?

Our primary treatment offering – virtual Intensive Outpatient Programming (IOP) – is an appropriate level of care for those who need more than once-weekly therapy. Many of our clients have either recently been discharged from a higher level of care (e.g., residential, inpatient, emergency room) or are seeking more support than traditional weekly talk therapy (outpatient).

While typical outpatient treatment involves one therapy session per week, our virtual IOP offers multiple hours of treatment per week. At Charlie Health, each client receives a customized treatment plan that includes three group sessions per week, one individual therapy session per week, and one family therapy session per week. We also offer psychiatric services as needed.

Different therapy modalities are used throughout sessions, creating a truly comprehensive treatment program.

How long is the program?

Our program typically lasts 9-12 weeks; your exact discharge date will depend on your overall treatment progress. Your Primary Therapist will help determine the best discharge date for your needs. View a sample schedule and learn more about how it works here!

To get started with your personalized treatment plan, reach out today.

Will insurance cover virtual IOP at Charlie Health?

We accept most major insurance providers and Medicaid (in states where IOP is covered). Please contact our Admissions Team to learn more about your plan’s specific coverage, or check out our Insurance page.