How to Find an IOP in New York

Searching for care while you are struggling can be difficult. In this article, we want to extend a hand and offer practical information to help you find an intensive outpatient program (IOP) in New York that is best for you. Keep reading to find out more about IOP and how it may be right for you.

What is an IOP (intensive outpatient program)?

Intensive outpatient programs are one level of care on the spectrum of available services. The most effective care is in the least restrictive environment possible. Services increase in intensity to best match client needs, while also respecting people’s autonomy. 

Inpatient levels of care include inpatient hospitalization, which is the highest level of care, followed by residential treatment. The outpatient level of care includes traditional services such as weekly therapy or monthly medication management appointments. It also includes intensive outpatient programs (IOP) and partial hospitalization programs (PHP). IOP is considered the lower of the two levels of care, since PHP tends to involve a higher level of monitoring and medical support. 

Intensive outpatient programs consist of three days or more of treatment, including at least three hours of clinical programming and skill-building a day, sometimes more. Therapy in IOPs includes group therapy, and many programs also offer individual and family therapy. Many, but not all, also offer medication management and peer support services. 

Who is an IOP for?

IOP is for people who may need more mental health treatment support than what traditional outpatient care can offer; however, they are also stable enough to live at home or in the community in supported housing.

Intensive outpatient programs can be a great resource for people who may be dealing with things like depression, anxiety, substance use concerns, or other mental health symptoms that interfere with daily life and functioning. People may experience things like suicidal ideation, but they have been assessed by a professional and determined that there isn’t a need for a higher level of care. 

How do you find an IOP in New York?

In this article on how to find an IOP in New York, we want to offer some concrete steps to finding one that is right for you. 

Start with your provider or a referral

If you have an existing relationship with a mental health or medical professional, they may be your best resource to locate high-quality programs in your area. They likely have recommended several programs to others and heard from them about their experiences. They also may have relationships with their admissions team and know who to contact to get your intake process started quickly. 

‍Use trusted directories 

While the internet has an abundance of information, it contains the good, the bad, and the outdated. To find a reputable program, we highly recommend using a reputable directory. 

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers FindTreatment.gov, where you can search by location and type of program. 

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) offers a directory to find Medicare providers 

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has an online locator to find VA locations and providers. 

The National Institute of Mental Health offers a resource page to find various programs and mental health supports. 

‍Consider virtual IOP options

Many people live in remote or resource-scarce areas, or lack the time or ability to physically go to appointments at a treatment center. Virtual offerings, like those offered by Willow Health, are emerging to fill this gap. Another benefit is that it allows people to access specialized, high-quality services from a distance. 

What should you look for in an IOP?

It’s important to know the aspects of reputable programs, and to understand how to find a good fit. Here are some questions to ask 

Specializations and levels of care

Programs can be either general mental health-related or a specialty program. People with the following concerns tend to benefit from specialized programs:

• Addictions 
• Co-occurring mental health and substance use concerns
• Eating disorders 

Some companies provide a variety of programs including IOP, partial-hospitalization programs, and traditional outpatient services. 

Questions to ask before enrolling

• Is the program licensed with the state? This can help to weed out programs that are not legitimate. 
• Is the program accredited? Most behavioral health programs are accredited through the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) or the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JACHO). 
• What credentials do the director and staff hold? The director should be a licensed mental health professional, as should those providing therapeutic services. Other staff, such as peer support providers or interns, may not be licensed. 
• How will progress towards my goals be tracked? Asking this gives them the opportunity to tell you about what tools and processes they use to ensure their patients improve. 
• What concerns do most of the patients have? By asking this, you can learn if the groups of fellow clients you will be in are similar to those of your own. 
• Is this a specialty program or a general mental health program? This tells you whether they specialize in a certain type of concern or address many types of mental health conditions. 
• What is my estimated out-of-pocket cost? We cover this more below, but programs should inform you of this prior to admission. 

How much does an IOP cost in New York?

The cost of an intensive outpatient program will vary depending on whether you have insurance coverage, what the plan covers, and your deductible and any other coinsurance payments or out-of-pocket costs. Because this varies so dramatically, we encourage people to contact their insurance provider and find out where they are in meeting the deductible and any co-pays for an intensive outpatient program. 

Many programs offer sliding-scale fees for those without insurance, and some may work with clients to do payment plans if there is an out-of-pocket cost. 

Does insurance cover IOP in New York?

Most insurance plans do cover the intensive outpatient level of care. Most do require a pre-authorization based on medical necessity. Your program staff should review your insurance benefits with you as well as the process of obtaining authorization. 

What if you need help before an IOP starts?

Not everyone is ready or able to immediately begin an IOP. Some programs, especially those with niche specializations, may have waitlists. 

People may also require stabilization before they are ready to commit to the structure of an IOP, and a crisis stabilization program can be a bridge between levels of care. 

For people who are in active crisis, such as those who are suicidal or a risk to the safety of themselves or others, or experiencing psychosis or substance-use-related health concerns, more immediate support is needed. If you or a loved one needs immediate help, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 or going to the nearest emergency room. Contact 911 if anyone is in immediate danger. 

How Willow Health Can Help

Willow Health offers both an intensive outpatient program and a crisis stabilization program. Our services are provided virtually and are currently available to residents anywhere in New York, and we are in the process of expanding nationally. 

Our crisis stabilization program can be a bridge for those waiting for admission to an IOP. We offer same- or next-day appointments and offer individualized treatment and continuous support for people experiencing a mental health crisis who may not need inpatient care, but do need urgent support. Patients in our crisis program have access to 24/7 on-call support, as well as individual therapy, medication management services, peer coaching, and care management. 

To learn more about Willow Health’s crisis program and intensive outpatient program (IOP), call us at 646-814-1530. 

How to find an IOP in New York: frequently asked questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about intensive outpatient programs.

Can you do an IOP online in New York?

Yes! Willow Health offers a virtual IOP, so you can attend treatment from the comfort of your own home, no matter where you are in New York.

How long does an IOP last?

The amount of time someone spends in IOP depends on their individual needs, goals, and progress. This can range from 4-12 weeks. 

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Sources 

Least Restrictive Care | Zero Suicide 

Help for Mental Illnesses - National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) 

Find Healthcare Providers: Compare Care Near You | Medicare 

Find VA Locations | Veterans Affairs