About Our DBT IOP

Standard outpatient DBT works well for individuals with emotion dysregulation problems. However, sometimes a more intensive approach is needed.

We recommend DBT IOP:

  • to avoid hospitalization for intense problems
  • when there is a desire for rapid gains
  • as a step-down from higher levels of care (hospitalization, residential treatment)
  • to receive treatment in a more consolidated fashion when time constraints (e.g., returning to school or work) or travel limitations (e.g., living a far distance from where treatment is available) are a concern
  • to receive more intensive treatment for particular problems (e.g., suicide ideation, self-harm, anxiety disorders, depression) that require daily intervention
  • as a way to “start strong” before beginning standard outpatient DBT

Adult Program (ages 18+)

Intensive outpatient DBT for adults (18+) provides 9-12 hours of treatment per week, with all the same elements of comprehensive DBT, but in a more intensive format: two days per week of individual therapy and 1 day per week of mindfulness group, along with skills training. Additionally, participants have access to phone consultations with their individual therapist outside of sessions. Further services, including psychiatry, are also available.

Typical adult DBT IOP schedule

Treatment occurs in 8-week rounds; clients typically complete at least one 8-week cycle, and may repeat the cycle one or more times if needed. We recommend clients step down to standard outpatient DBT upon completion of IOP to solidify gains achieved during intensive treatment.

  • Individual therapy: 1 hour M & Th (time varies based on your assigned therapist’s availability)
  • Mindfulness group: 1:00-2:00 W
  • Skills group: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm M, W, Th
  • Phone consultation
  • Optional services: environmental support/educational group or individual sessions for parents or partners of adult clients, if needed