Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

Our intensive outpatient program (IOP) provides focused therapeutic support on a shorter, more flexible schedule. Sessions take place three afternoons a week, so you can stay engaged with work, school and family responsibilities.

When you come to our IOP program, you benefit from personalized, supportive services. Our small groups enable our staff to understand your goals and challenges and deliver care that is responsive to your needs.

Clinicians draw on backgrounds in both inpatient and outpatient mental health care, which gives them insight into the challenges you are facing. They combine practical strategies with compassion to create an environment that puts your mental health goals within reach. This support helps you feel more grounded as you move through treatment.

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We proudly partner with Penn Medicine Lancaster General Hospital. Our facility is on a separate campus just a short drive away. You’ll find on-site parking and an easy-to-reach location that helps you fit outpatient mental health services into your busy schedule.

Your life is full, and daily obligations can’t always be put on hold when you need extra support. We make it easier to fit IOP into your busy schedule with intensive support that meets three afternoons a week. Our IOP program runs Tuesday through Thursday, 2:30 to 5:30 p.m.

You can choose the IOP format that meets your needs:

Services take place at Lancaster Behavioral Health Hospital, just down the road from our partner facility. With on-site parking and straightforward access, getting here is easy, which can help you focus on feeling better.

Participate in our virtual IOP program from home using a computer or tablet with a camera. No special apps or technology are necessary.

A smart screen at our facility connects you with in-person staff and attendees, so you can see, hear and participate in real time. This technology also enables us to share worksheets and other information to your device so you can take part fully from home.

To learn more about IOP, call us at 717-740-4160 or contact us. The process starts by scheduling a no-cost outpatient assessment. We are available during business hours to talk with you about your symptoms and how IOP might help. This assessment is available in-person and virtually. If you are eligible, you may be able to start treatment the same day.

IOP combines group sessions, brief individual support and creative activities. Together, these elements equip you to manage the challenges you’re facing and build healthier routines.

In-person and virtual IOP typically include:

• Group therapy: You spend much of your IOP time in groups where you practice coping skills, manage emotions in real time and strengthen communication. Topics may include stress management, conflict resolution, relationships and self-care.
• Individual therapy: You meet one-on-one with a therapist for brief check-ins that help you talk through concerns, set goals and track progress. These meetings give you personalized guidance to complement the skills you practice in groups.
• Expressive arts: You engage in creative activities such as painting or drawing that give you another way to process emotions and express yourself. These sessions can ease stress and help you explore feelings in ways that words sometimes cannot.
• Family involvement: You can invite loved ones to join during intake and again before discharge. Their involvement helps shape your care and strengthens support and communication at home.
• Discharge planning: You work with staff to create a clear plan for what comes after IOP. Together, you identify ongoing resources, whether that means weekly therapy, community support or continuing care at Lancaster Behavioral Health Hospital.

Lancaster Behavioral Health Hospital offers confidential level-of-care assessments to help determine the right care for you or your loved ones. Call our admissions department at 717-740-4160 to schedule an assessment today. Walk-ins welcome.