A Day in IOP/PHP at Connections Wellness Group
If you landed here, chances are that traditional one-on-one talk therapy is not enough for you or someone you care about, and you’re looking for other mental health treatment options. You may have heard about accelerated therapy programs, like intensive outpatient program (IOP) partial hospitalization program (PHP), but wonder what each entails and if they are right for you or your loved one.
At Connections Wellness Group, our IOP and PHP group therapy curriculum is grounded in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a modern, evidence-based approach that encourages patients to accept their thoughts and feelings while committing to actions that align with their personal values. Our programs are designed for adults and adolescents to provide structured, compassionate care that addresses both immediate challenges and long-term mental health goals.
Below, you’ll find a snapshot of a day in IOP/PHP, and when you’re ready to take the next step, please connect with us here.
ACT and the Core of our Curriculum: Open Psychotherapy and Skill Therapy
ACT is central to both open psychotherapy and psychoeducation, which form the backbone of our accelerated therapy programs, PHP and IOP. These therapeutic approaches help patients develop a deeper understanding of their internal experiences while building skills to manage everyday challenges.
Two main components of our IOP/PHP group therapy programs:
Open Psychotherapy
Aligned with the principles of ACT, open psychotherapy, also sometimes referred to as process therapy, allows patients to explore their thoughts, feelings and challenges in a supportive group setting. Facilitated by a masters level licensed therapist, these sessions encourage participants to recognize and accept uncomfortable thoughts and emotions rather than avoiding them, then guides them to commit to actions that reflect their values. Patients share their progress toward treatment goals, discuss where they feel stuck, and receive valuable feedback from peers who share similar experiences, helping to cultivate a sense of acceptance and belonging.
Skill Therapy
Following the psychotherapy session, a therapist or nurse will introduce practical skills, techniques and education to the group that can help patients with the challenges they just discussed. Also known as psychoeducation, topics range from mindfulness exercises and emotional regulation to nutritional guidance and sleep hygiene. These skills and techniques are intended to empower each patient to accept their challenges, yet unhook themselves from them to lead a more fulfilling life that aligns with their values.
What Does a Day in an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) Look Like?
A day in an IOP at Connections Wellness Group consists of three hours of structured group therapy. Each session incorporates ACT principles, with a focus on both self-exploration and practical skills. Though the general framework remains the same for all patients, programs are flexible and convenient with morning, afternoon, evening and virtual group therapy sessions available.
Here is what an average day in IOP looks like:
- 50 minutes of open psychotherapy
- 50 minutes of skill therapy
- 50 minutes of skill therapy
Psychiatric services are available to IOP patients once a week, during which time they will meet with a prescribing clinician to review the treatment plan, medications and dosages.
Individual therapy and family therapy are offered to all patients before or after group therapy, but are not required for adult patients. Adolescent patients are required to take part in these treatments, plus have access to academic support.
What Does a Day in a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) Look Like?
A day in a PHP at Connections Wellness Group is similar to IOP but extends the time spent in therapy to four hours, providing more in-depth opportunities for reflection and skills practice. Like IOP, ACT principles guide the various steps of the treatment process, and morning, afternoon, evening and virtual group therapy sessions are available.
Here is what an average day in PHP looks like:
- 50 minutes of open psychotherapy
- 50 minutes of skill therapy
- Meal break
- 50 minutes of skill therapy
- 50 minutes of open psychotherapy
Patients in PHP receive comprehensive support beyond group therapy. PHP patients meet with a psychiatrist for medication management twice a week to review their treatment plan, any prescribed medications and dosages.
Individual therapy and family therapy are required for adolescent PHP patients and encouraged for adult PHP patients to promote whole-person care and healing, and occur before or after group sessions. Together, patients and their therapist will determine frequency. Like IOP, adolescent patients also have the option to spend time focusing on their academics.
Take the First Step Toward Wellness Through IOP or PHP
Our IOP and PHP offer accelerated therapy options with proven outcomes to deliver measurable, lasting results. The shorter, intensive format of our therapy programs helps patients make meaningful progress in a shorter amount of time. Plus, we accept a wide range of insurance plans, which typically leads to treatment that is not only results-driven but is also more affordable than emergency room visits or long-term inpatient care.
If you’re ready to take control over your depression, anxiety or other mental health challenges, fill out our online form or call (877) 747-4294 to learn more about the IOP and PHP options at Connections Wellness Group to get you on the path toward a brighter future.