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Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

  • Call 863.687.1304 to make an appointment.

For those who need a higher level of support than weekly therapy, but who do not require (or have just finished) inpatient hospitalization, our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) offers an ideal middle path.

A Structured Program with the Flexibility You Need

An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) provides structured treatment several days a week while allowing you to continue living at home and carrying on with daily responsibilities. At Lakeland Regional Health, our IOP meets three days a week for four hours per day, creating a concentrated therapeutic environment that can accelerate recovery.

The goal is to help patients build coping skills, stabilize their mood or behavior, and prevent relapse or hospitalization, all in a supportive outpatient setting.

Our IOP consists of:

  • Group therapy
  • Individual counseling
  • Educational sessions
  • Regular check-ins with our psychiatry team for any needed medication management

Conditions we commonly treat in IOP:

  • Moderate to severe depression
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Bipolar disorder
  • And challenges that significantly impact daily functioning, but can be managed safely outside the hospital

Please call 863.687.1304 to learn more.

Benefits of Our IOP

Highly effective: IOPs are highly effective for many individuals, providing results comparable to inpatient care for appropriate patients. These outcomes speak to the power of structured, continuous care.

Consistent: By attending therapy multiple times per week, patients can practice new skills, process challenges in real-time, and build momentum in their recovery.

Personalized, Small Groups: Our IOP’s success is bolstered by keeping group sizes optimal for personal attention and peer support. Patients often form strong bonds with others in their group, realizing they are not alone and learning from each other’s experiences under the guidance of our therapists.

Locations Offering IOP:

harrell family center for behavioral wellness

Harrell Family Center for Behavioral Wellness (ages 18+)

  • 1324 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33805

Collaborative Experts, Dedicated to You

Our Intensive Outpatient Program is facilitated by a team of experts who ensure that each patient’s mental health is addressed from all angles. Therapy sessions delve into emotional and behavioral work, while our psychiatric providers can adjust medications or recommend interventions as needed. This multidisciplinary approach means comprehensive care that treats the whole person, not just a diagnosis.

Why Choose Lakeland Regional Health's IOP?

Tailored to Your Life, Close to Home: Being located in Lakeland, our program is accessible for Polk County residents who previously might have had to travel to Tampa or Orlando for similar care. You get intensive therapy without uprooting your life, and you can immediately start applying the skills you learn at home, with our team just a phone call away for support between sessions.

Part of a Continuum of Care: Lakeland Regional Health’s IOP is embedded in our broader behavioral health continuum. This tight integration increases treatment success and safety.

What does this mean?

  • We ensure a smooth transition with our inpatient team briefing our IOP team on what strategies have helped so far.
  • If someone in IOP finds they’re in crisis and need a higher level of care, we can expedite admission to our inpatient unit, avoiding lengthy ER waits.
  • We also coordinate with our outpatient therapy and psychiatry services for follow-up once the IOP concludes.

Evidence-Based Curriculum with Real-Life Focus: Our IOP uses evidence-based therapeutic models like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) skills, relapse prevention techniques, and wellness education. Each person works on an individualized treatment plan within the group setting with specific goals.

We assign therapeutic “homework” to practice skills between sessions (such as journaling, mindfulness exercises, or trying new communication techniques with family), then review and troubleshoot together. This practical focus helps patients translate what they learn into their daily lives, yielding lasting change.

Supportive Group Environment: One of the greatest strengths of our IOP is the healing power of group support. Under the guidance of our therapists, patients share experiences and coping strategies in a confidential setting. Many find hope and motivation by witnessing others’ progress. Our facilitators foster an atmosphere of respect, encouragement, and accountability. Over the course of the program, participants often report feeling like they’ve gained a small community or “family” that understands what they’re going through. This sense of connection is a key factor in the IOP’s high success rates and is very much in line with our community-grown spirit.

Please call 863.687.1304 to learn more.

Choosing an intensive outpatient program can feel daunting, but at Lakeland Regional Health, you will find a well-organized, compassionate program that makes the process as easy as possible. Patients graduate from our IOP with renewed confidence, improved mental health, and a robust plan to maintain their gains. We remain available for whatever support is needed going forward.