Adult Counseling Services
Mental Health Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

For people with persistent, disabling symptoms 
of depression and/or anxiety

• Information
• Frequently asked questions about the IOP
• Contact
• Survey Shows IOP Clients Very Satisfied
  
• Referring Clinicians Give IOP Rave Reviews
  
• Client Assessment Forms

Not too long ago, people who experienced persistent mental health symptoms that significantly impaired their ability to function at home and at work often found themselves in the hospital. 

Times have changed. Now, people who suffer with persistent symptoms, such as serious depression and/or anxiety, may find relief in an outpatient program that allows them to remain at home while they receive the care and support they need.

It's called the Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), and it's operated by The Providence Center, Rhode Island's largest outpatient provider of mental health services. The IOP is an non-hospital, intensive treatment experience designed for privately insured adults in Rhode Island whose clinical needs go beyond routine outpatient therapy. Eligible patients have acute symptoms of depression and/or anxiety  and may be at risk for hospitalization, or may be "stepping down" from a hospital stay. 

The IOP offers a unique treatment approach, and is run by master's level clinical professionals. Most importantly, it was designed with you in mind.

• Program runs three hours a day, for 5-10 days
• Classroom setting
• Individual and group interaction
• Teaches practical anxiety-reduction skills
• Physician supervision of medication
• Discharge coordination with private therapist/physician

Frequently asked questions about The Providence Center's IOP

How do I know if I need the IOP?
If your persistent symptoms of depression and/or anxiety are interfering with your ability to function in your daily life, and if nothing you've tried so far makes you feel better, you may be eligible for the IOP.

How do I schedule an appointment?
To schedule an appointment, call The Providence Center's appointment desk at 401-276-4020. You will meet with an IOP clinician who will determine if you are eligible for the IOP.

Is the IOP covered by my insurance?
The IOP is covered by most commercial insurance plans.

How long will I stay in the IOP?
Typically, IOP participants complete about five days, but some remain for a full 10 days. Your stay will be determined by your individual needs.  Back to top

Contact:
For more information about the IOP, or to schedule an appointment, please call 401-276-4020, Monday-Thursday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. and Fridays, 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. Back to top

Survey Shows IOP Clients Very Satisfied

All clients who complete the IOP are asked to complete a satisfaction survey.

Below is a sample of some of the results compiled from surveys completed by 188 IOP clients:

• 98% of clients rated the quality of services they received from good to excellent.
• 99% would recommend the program to a friend.
• 97% felt that the services they received helped them to deal more effectively with their problems.
• 96% were satisfied with the amount of help they received.
• 96% would return to the program.

Here are some comments from clients when asked what they liked best about the program:

"Everyday was a productive day. I benefited from the entire program. It has helped me to become a stronger, healthier person." "Education of our illness is the most beneficial part of getting well and I feel this program not only tells us why, but also how to cope with everyday situations." "The comfort of the groups-the tools I can use to control the depression/anxiety instead of it controlling me" "Everyone was so patient, understanding, and just plain wonderful."

"I was so impressed with the IOP staff's professionalism, and at the same time, with their sensitivity to the personal needs and support of myself." "When I came here, I had so much anxiety and depression, and I didn't want to be here, but now I feel much better and knowing everyone cared so much about my well-being made me feel like I was a somebody. I am special."

"Clarifying healthy and unhealthy thinking. It just never occurred to me that I had the choice of thinking differently, and that these more positive thoughts lead to positive actions and results!" "What I liked most about the program was that they teach you how to effectively go about tackling a problem! They have taught me many useful tools I can use." Back to top

Referring Clinicians Give IOP Rave Reviews

81 psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers who have referred their clients to the IOP were asked to complete a survey recently rating their satisfaction with the program.

Below is a sampling of how clinicians rated the services they received from the IOP:

• 97% rated the quality of services they received as either good or excellent.
• 97% felt that the program met most of their needs.

Here is how they rated the services their clients received:

• 100% rated the quality of services their clients received as either good or excellent.
• 100% would recommend other clients to the program.
• 94% felt that the services their clients received helped them to deal more effectively with their problems.

Here's what some of the clinicians said they liked best about the services offered by the IOP:

"Ease of referral and immediate availability. Overall, my patients have loved the program very much."

"The immediate response. My client was enrolled in the IOP the next day. Her complex needs were met. The program also met my needs by responding to me without delay."

"It provided my patient with structure on a daily basis as well as groups that enhance coping skills; opportunity to be with others and know they weren't alone; more timely medication adjustments."

"The acceptance of the most difficult patients. Patients come back with great things to say!"

"The teamwork. The IOP staff collaborated with me on my client's progress. They were also helpful in reaching out to this client, who was inconsistent initially."Back to top