Adult Mental Health Intensive Outpatient Program in Cincinnati

IOP is a structured level of mental health care for people who need more support than traditional weekly therapy but do not require daily monitoring or 24-hour inpatient care. It may be someone's first mental health treatment, a step up from weekly individual therapy, or a step down after inpatient treatment or a partial hospitalization program (PHP).

The appropriate level of care is determined through a clinical assessment. Traditional outpatient therapy may be appropriate when symptoms are stable and manageable with weekly support. PHP may be recommended when more intensive, daily treatment or monitoring is needed. Inpatient care may be appropriate when someone needs 24-hour stabilization or immediate safety support.

IOP may be appropriate for adults experiencing moderate mental health symptoms that interfere with daily functioning and cannot be adequately addressed through weekly outpatient therapy alone. Participants must be able to remain safe and function independently between sessions, engage in treatment, and not require daily monitoring or 24-hour care.

The program may support adults experiencing:

• Anxiety
• Mood disorders
• Bipolar disorder
• Trauma and stress-related disorders
• Psychotic spectrum disorders
• Personality disorders

An assessment considers the person's symptoms, safety, daily functioning, treatment needs, and ability to participate in a group-based program. A diagnosis alone does not determine whether IOP is the right level of care.

When IOP may not be appropriate

IOP may not be appropriate for someone who requires inpatient care to maintain safety, is unable or unwilling to participate in treatment, cannot benefit from a group-based program because of current symptoms or cognitive functioning, or cannot follow program expectations in a way that supports a safe and therapeutic group environment.

IOP is not a crisis or emergency service. If you or someone else may be in immediate danger or at imminent risk of harm, call 911, call or text 988, or go to the nearest emergency department.

Each three-hour session typically includes:

• A check-in
• Structured skills training or psychoeducation
• Group discussion and processing
• Opportunities to practice applying new skills to daily situations
• Short breaks throughout the session

The group combines skills training, education, therapeutic discussion, and peer support. Areas of focus may include interpersonal skills, boundaries, coping skills, goal setting, distress tolerance, value-based actions, mindfulness, and emotion regulation.

Treatment approaches may include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Solution-focused and trauma-informed therapy
• Family education, medication management, and wellness education

Treatment is individualized within the group program according to each participant's clinical needs and goals.

Each participant meets with a psychiatric provider for medication management as part of the admission process. Follow-up appointments are provided during the program when clinically appropriate.

Family or support-person sessions may be offered when clinically appropriate and with the participant's consent. These sessions may provide education, strengthen communication, and help loved ones support treatment and recovery.

NCGC accepts Ohio Medicaid, including participating Medicaid managed-care plans, and most commercial insurance plans for the IOP. The program is out of network with all Medicare plans.

Some plans require prior authorization before treatment begins. Our team helps coordinate that process and verifies available IOP benefits, including applicable deductibles, copays, coinsurance, and prior-authorization requirements. Benefits verification is not a guarantee of payment. Final coverage and payment decisions are made by the insurance plan.

Before treatment begins, participants receive an estimate of expected financial responsibility. The final amount may vary based on insurance processing, coverage decisions, and the services provided.

Self-pay is available for people who do not have insurance or choose not to use their insurance benefits. Contact our office for current self-pay rates, an estimate, or help reviewing the available coverage information.

Suite 250 is the dedicated IOP location. The general NeuroPsych Center of Greater Cincinnati Sharonville office remains in Suite 320 at the same street address.

Reasonable accommodations are available to support participation. Please contact our office before your assessment or first session to discuss any accessibility needs.

IOP care is provided by an interdisciplinary team that may include a psychiatric nurse practitioner, clinical psychologist, clinical social worker, registered nurse, and practice coordinator.

Scott Bullock and Brynn Pembroke are among the clinicians who support the program.

Planning for continued care begins before discharge and is tailored to each participant's needs. The care team helps coordinate the transition to outpatient therapy, medication management, and other recommended services.

Former participants may also continue receiving support through the optional IOP Alumni Support Group. The group provides an opportunity to reconnect, reinforce skills learned during treatment, and receive ongoing support.