Adolescent IOP

In our adolescent IOP, we are focused on helping teens address and navigate the symptoms of mental health concerns like depression and anxiety.  

Programming is tailored for young people ages 13-17, with the goal of meeting them where they are developmentally. Teens respond to treatment differently than adults do, so we know that it’s important to offer care that takes their age-specific emotions, behaviors, and thought processes into account.  

If your child is withdrawing from friends, experiencing drastic mood swings, having problems performing academically, or struggling to cope with daily stressors, this program can give them a safe space to address those concerns and learn how to reframe their thoughts and make positive changes.  

The core component of care in our adolescent IOP is group therapy. For young people, their peer group can often be the most significant source of influence and validation. In a group setting where sessions are led by qualified therapists, teens can come to understand that they are not alone in their struggles. They have the ability to give support to and receive support from kids their age who may be facing similar challenges. This can reduce the isolation many teens who are struggling with mental health concerns frequently feel. 

While in the group therapy sessions, adolescents have an opportunity to discuss many topics, including: 

• Coping skills – Learning healthy ways to handle stress instead of resorting to avoidance or self-destructive behaviors 
• Communication – Developing the vocabulary to express needs and feelings clearly and respectfully 
• Healthy boundaries – Understanding how to set limits with others and respect the limits others set, which can be crucial for developing and maintaining healthy friendships and family dynamics 
• Mental health education – Gaining a deeper understanding of diagnoses and the symptoms they’re experiencing 

While group therapy is a cornerstone of our care approach, we recognize that biological factors play a role in mental health, which means that medication can sometimes be beneficial for patients. For this reason, we offer medication management services for adolescents who are taking medication as part of their overall treatment plan. 

Patients meet with a psychiatrist at the time of admission to evaluate if medication could be helpful for them. If our team determines that medication is necessary, they consult with the parents prior to providing a prescription. Any adolescents who are taking prescription medication have access to medication management services on an as-needed basis while they are in our Riverdale IOP.  

Please note that while we do offer medication management services, we do not provide basic medical care or detoxification services. 

We strive to make the process of admitting to our adolescent IOP as simple and streamlined as possible: 

• Contact us – Reach out to our admissions team to ask initial questions to see if the adolescent IOP may be a good fit for your child. 
• Assessment – Your child will participate in a comprehensive assessment with our intake department. 
• Criteria review – Our clinical team will review the results of the assessment to make sure that your child meets criteria for this level of care and that our program is the right fit for their specific needs. 
• Admission – Once it has been determined that criteria is met, our team will coordinate a start date so that your child can begin their journey to healing. 

How long will my child be in the adolescent IOP? 

The length of stay in our Riverdale, Georgia, adolescent intensive outpatient program varies for each teen. It is largely determined by the patient’s clinical needs and the progress they make while in the program. Insurance authorization can also be a factor. Our team will communicate with you regarding the anticipated duration of care. 

Does my child need to be hospitalized first? 

No. Our adolescent IOP is a stand-alone program. While we do accept patients who are stepping down from inpatient or residential care, many teens enter our IOP directly from home as a preventive measure to avoid hospitalization. 

What kind of insurance do you accept? 

We work with a number of insurance providers. Because coverage for intensive outpatient programs can vary, the length of stay and coverage details will depend on your specific insurance plan. Our intake team is available to help verify your benefits. 

Are parents involved in treatment? 

While the core programming consists of group therapy for adolescents, we believe in the importance of keeping families informed. You will be fully supported while your child is in our care, and we will maintain consistent communication so that you are aware of the progress your child is making.  

Watching a teenager struggle with depression, anxiety, or another type of mental health concern can be painful, but you do not have to navigate it alone. Our team at Riverwoods Behavioral Health in Riverdale, Georgia, is here to provide the structured and compassionate care your family needs.