Intensive Outpatient Program

Anxiety Institute offers an intensive outpatient program (IOP) for adolescents and young adults who are struggling with moderate to severe anxiety, depression, or OCD.

Our IOP combines evidence-based treatment with individual, group, and family therapy to treat our clients. Intensive outpatient programs are available at our clinics in Greenwich, CT, Madison, NJ, and McLean, VA.


What is an IOP?

An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) offers a higher level of care for teens and young adults facing significant anxiety, OCD and anxiety-related disorders. More structured than traditional outpatient therapy, an IOP provides frequent, targeted sessions—typically several times per week—while allowing clients to remain at home.

At Anxiety Institute, our IOP creates a safe and supportive environment where clients can grow emotional resilience, confront fears, reduce anxiety responses and build confidence. Treatment includes a comprehensive range of services, including individual and group therapy, family therapy, parent coaching, wellness programming, and additional evidence-based supports tailored to each client’s needs.


  See our 2025 IOP Outcomes Report


How Does the IOP at Anxiety Institute Work?

Our IOP is designed for clients whose needs haven’t been fully addressed by traditional weekly individual therapy.

These clients often experience withdrawal from important relationships and activities like family, friends, and school, and may rely heavily on technology (such as social media or gaming) as a coping mechanism.

Our personalized outpatient treatment for anxiety, depression, and OCD occurs Monday through Friday, over a six to 12-week time frame, depending on the severity of symptoms. Each day consists of four hours of targeted individual and group therapy.

Each client is assigned a dedicated anxiety specialist who provides one-on-one therapy as part of their treatment plan. This individualized support is complemented by group therapy and family work to ensure well-rounded care.

Clients can also choose to work with their existing psychiatrist or receive care from our integrated psychiatric team, ensuring a seamless and coordinated treatment experience.

Our IOP Treatments

While in Anxiety Institute’s IOP, you’ll undergo these treatments, depending on your personalized plan:

  • Individual and Outpatient Group Therapy Sessions
    Therapies include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure response prevention (ERP), and may integrate dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing and emotion-focused therapy.
  • Parent Support, Education, and Family Therapy
    Parents and their children learn new skills together, improving family dynamics and breaking the cycle of accommodation and avoidance. Parent coaching using the SPACE program is also available. 
  • Supportive Advanced Treatments
    We use innovative technologies including virtual reality, biofeedback, and EMDR therapy.
  • Recovery Tracking
    We provide a quantitative measure of progress over time.
  • Wellness Program
    To strengthen the mind-body connection, restore physical wellness, build group cohesion, social confidence and manage technology consumption. Daily wellness activities may include mindfulness, music therapy, art therapy, restorative yoga, and fitness training.
  • Integrated Psychiatric Services 
    Collaborative care with your existing psychiatrist or our staff psychiatrist.
    *Psychiatric Services available at our Greenwich, CT and Madison, NJ locations.

What are the benefits of Anxiety Institute’s IOP?

Unlike traditional IOPs, Anxiety Institute provides a highly specialized, evidence-based intensive outpatient program tailored specifically for anxiety and OCD.

Our comprehensive treatment model includes cutting-edge therapies like virtual reality and biofeedback, family-focused interventions, and a holistic wellness program to address both emotional and physical well-being.

We believe that to achieve clinical progress, you must measure it, and that is why we are at the forefront of Measurement-Based Care (MBC). MBC replaces assumptions and guesswork by utilizing client-reported measures and data-driven decisions over the course of treatment. MBC has been demonstrated to improve clinical outcomes, enhance treatment decision-making processes and increase client engagement in therapy.

After completing an IOP, many teens see significant improvements in their ability to manage anxiety, with 96% reporting reduced anxiety or depression levels post-treatment, according to our 2025 Report. They often feel more confident and equipped with tools to handle stress and other challenges. Parents usually notice positive changes at home and in their teen’s daily life. The goal of an IOP is to help teens regain control over their lives and continue their path to better mental health.

Anxiety Institute’s unique IOP offers techniques, such as virtual reality and outpatient therapy, as well as art, yoga and other experiences to keep anxiety under control after the program ends.

Interested in learning more about our Intensive Outpatient Programs?

Contact Us

This program is available at the following locations:

Greenwich, CT
Madison, NJ
McLean, VA

Download a Brochure

Have Questions?

Intensive Outpatient Program
FAQ

 

 

 

Who is a candidate for an IOP?

An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is designed for adolescents and young adults whose anxiety or OCD significantly interferes with daily functioning, whether it’s attending school, maintaining social connections, or engaging in everyday activities.

These individuals may need more support than traditional outpatient therapy provides but do not require the level of care offered in a hospital or residential setting. Our IOP offers a structured, evidence-based path forward, helping clients build the skills and confidence while continuing to live at home with family support.

Why is an IOP program important?

An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is a type of treatment that provides important support for teens and young adults struggling with anxiety, OCD or other mental health disorders. Unlike traditional therapy, an IOP offers more frequent and focused sessions, usually several times a week. This helps teens get the care they need while still living at home. An IOP gives them a chance to develop emotional resilience, confront fears, reduce anxiety responses, build confidence, and work through their challenges in a safe environment. 

Where can I find an IOP near me?

To find an IOP in your area, contact one of the Anxiety Institute locations in Greenwich, CT, McLean, VA, or Madison, NJ. Our team will then guide you through the intake process and determine the best treatment path for you or your child.

Interested in learning more about our Intensive Outpatient Program?

Contact Us

Call us at (844) 881-1846.

What will happen afterward?

After completing an IOP, many teens and young adults see significant improvements in their ability to manage anxiety, with 96% reporting reduced anxiety or depression levels post-treatment, according to our 2025 Report. They often feel more confident and equipped with tools to handle stress and other challenges. Parents usually notice positive changes at home and in their teen’s daily life. The goal of an IOP is to help teens regain control over their lives and continue their path to better mental health.

Anxiety Institute’s unique IOP offers techniques, such as virtual reality and outpatient therapy, as well as art, yoga and other experiences to keep anxiety under control after the program ends. Additionally, many clients continue their care through weekly one-on-one therapy with one of our clinicians, allowing them to reinforce skills, deepen insight, and stay on track with their mental health goals.

How long does the program last?

The length of our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is personalized to meet each client’s unique needs, typically lasting between 6 to 12 weeks. With multiple sessions each week, clients have the opportunity to engage in focused, intensive treatment that promotes meaningful change and sustained progress.

What treatments are included in the IOP?

Our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) focuses on evidence-based approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure response prevention (ERP) along with dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), psychodynamic therapy, mindfulness practices, and family support to address anxiety and OCD. Individual, group, and family sessions are included to provide comprehensive care.

How is progress tracked during the IOP?

We use quantitative recovery tracking to monitor each client’s improvement over time. This data-driven approach allows us to adjust treatment strategies and ensure long-term success.

We believe that to achieve clinical progress, you must measure it, and that is why we are at the forefront of Measurement-Based Care (MBC). MBC replaces assumptions and guesswork by utilizing client-reported measures and data-driven decisions over the course of treatment. MBC has been demonstrated to improve clinical outcomes, enhance treatment decision-making processes and increase client engagement in therapy.

What makes the Anxiety Institute’s IOP different from other outpatient programs?

Unlike traditional outpatient programs, Anxiety Institute’s Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) offers a highly specialized, evidence-based approach designed specifically for anxiety and OCD. At the core of our treatment model is exposure response prevention (ERP) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), the gold-standard therapy for OCD and anxiety disorders. Our comprehensive care also includes innovative therapies such as virtual reality and biofeedback, family-focused interventions, and a holistic wellness program to support both emotional and physical well-being. Each client receives ten hours of individualized treatment per week, and our lead clinicians work with no more than three clients at a time—ensuring personalized, focused care that drives meaningful progress.

Will my child still receive individual therapy in the IOP?

Yes. Each client is assigned a dedicated anxiety specialist who provides one-on-one therapy as part of their treatment plan. This individualized support is complemented by group therapy and family work to ensure well-rounded care. Each client in our Intensive Outpatient Program receives ten hours of individual treatment sessions weekly and our lead clinicians are dedicated to a maximum of 3 clients.

Can the IOP be customized for specific needs?

Absolutely. We recognize that each individual’s experience with anxiety, OCD and anxiety-related disorders is unique. Our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is tailored to meet each client’s specific clinical profile, developmental stage, and treatment goals. From selecting the right therapeutic modalities to adjusting the pace and focus of treatment, we customize the IOP to ensure the most effective path toward progress.

Does the IOP include psychiatric services?

Yes. Clients can choose to work with their existing psychiatrist or receive care from our integrated psychiatric team, ensuring a seamless and coordinated treatment experience.

*Currently, we offer Psychiatric Services at our Greenwich, CT and Madison, NJ locations.

How do I get started with an IOP?

To learn more about our intensive outpatient program (IOP) or to schedule a consultation, contact us today. Our team will guide you through the intake process and determine the best treatment path for you or your child.

Call us at (844) 881-1846.

People are saying...

Compassionate • Specialized • Proven

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“I feel so grateful that we found this program. This is the first place our daughter felt that they were actually looking to help her and having the ability to do so. It’s the first time she felt ‘we are going to help you’ and they did.”

Parent of Anxiety Institute Teen

“I spend less hours ruminating, more hours outside of the home, and my outlook has shifted towards being hopeful and excited for the days.”

Anxiety Institute Client

“We couldn’t have asked for a better team. Our daughter has a great bond with the clinicians. They were phenomenal. I don’t know how you could’ve found better people who were more prepared to get our daughter through this. It’s a fine combination of active listening and professional traits. It’s a difficult job. The 360 involvement with family and their ability to push and ask the hard questions…it was brilliant.”

Parent of Anxiety Institute Teen

“AI gave my daughter a sparkle she never knew she had. She has a completely different outlook on life and it is amazing to see after 8 weeks. I will be forever grateful to AI and for not just saving my daughter from constant anxiety but giving her a life she didn’t think was possible. She is experiencing happiness for the first time in her young life.”

Parent of Anxiety Institute Teen

“I was looking for the most intense outpatient program that would keep me from being inpatient. Anxiety Institute’s flexibility and willingness to put together a custom program made it the obvious choice.”

Anxiety Institute Client

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