Do you feel overwhelmed by intense emotions, stuck in painful relationship struggles, or trapped in harmful patterns you just can’t seem to break? Maybe your emotions feel like they’re running the show—crashing over you in waves of anger, sadness, or anxiety that leave you feeling powerless. You might find yourself acting on these emotions without thinking, only to regret it later. Relationships might feel like an endless cycle of conflict or disconnection, no matter how much effort you put in. Perhaps you’re caught in exhausting patterns of self-criticism, avoidance, or impulsive behaviors like self-harm, overspending, or overindulging. It’s lonely, it’s draining, and it can feel like there’s no way out—but the good news is, that change is possible.
Houston DBT Adult IOP
Our DBT Adult IOP is designed for individuals who are suffering from intense emotions and/or chronic disorders, such as chronic anxiety or depression, that are interfering with their ability to live their lives fully or perhaps even function on a daily basis. Maybe you’re going through your day overwhelmed with stress, withdrawn, or perhaps even not getting out of bed. You need relief as quickly as possible and once-a-week therapy sessions aren’t working fast enough or aren’t sufficient to bring about progress. In our DBT IOP, you meet 4 days a week for two hours a day in skills groups ( instead of having weekly groups) and you also meet with an individual therapist in addition to your IOP program.
Your learning is faster, which helps you get the relief you need. And there’s a strong focus on helping you practice and apply what you are learning. Our IOP is not just having the knowledge, it’s about being able to use that knowledge every day to make your life better. That’s key to making healthy changes in your life. You can know all about nutrition but if you don’t practice what you know, your health doesn’t improve. The same is true for your mental wellness. If you don’t learn to actually use new coping skills in your life you won’t see progress.
Why a DBT IOP?
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a proven, evidence-based approach that combines acceptance and change, giving you tools to manage overwhelming emotions, reduce impulsive behaviors, and create healthier relationships. Acceptance and change mean that we recognize that you’re doing the best you can and that change is needed to help you out of misery.
DBT has multiple components: skills groups, individual therapy, coaching, and team consultation. Team consultation means our team meets together weekly to help each other be the most effective therapists we can be for you.
DBT Skills Groups
In DBT skills groups, you’ll gain practical coping strategies for managing intense emotions and stress. During individual sessions, you’ll work on your unique goals, exploring how to apply these skills to your specific challenges. If you have an individual therapist at the Center, then you’ll have coaching calls between sessions to support you in real-time—whether you’re navigating a tough moment or figuring out how to use a skill outside the therapy room, you’ll have someone in your corner to help. If you already have an individual therapist, we are happy to collaborate with your current therapist to integrate DBT IOP skills groups into your existing therapy. This means you can continue in your current therapy and add the impact of IOP to your program.
Mastering the Four Core Skills of DBT
DBT has four core skill areas: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.
- Mindfulness: Mindfulness helps you stay present and focused in the moment without judgment. It’s about noticing your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings without being swept away by them or reacting impulsively. With practice, mindfulness gives you more control over your emotions and how you respond to situations. Mindfulness in DBT is not meditation.
- Distress Tolerance: These skills are all about getting through tough situations without making things worse. When you’re facing pain or stress that you can’t change right away, distress tolerance gives you healthy ways to cope. These tools help you stay grounded and avoid harmful behaviors, even in moments of intense suffering.
- Emotion Regulation: This skill is about understanding and managing your emotions so they don’t feel overwhelming. It helps you lower the intensity of negative feelings like anger or anxiety while also increasing positive emotions. Over time, you’ll feel more balanced and in control.
- Interpersonal Effectiveness: These skills teach you how to communicate clearly and confidently in relationships. You’ll learn to express your needs, set boundaries, and handle conflicts in a healthy way. The goal is to build stronger, more meaningful connections while staying true to yourself.
How Our DBT IOP Skills Groups and Individual Therapy Work Together
In our DBT IOP skills groups, you’ll learn skills in all these areas and how they can help you improve your mental health and wellness. You’ll learn through interactive group sessions, where you’ll gain insight and practice applying tools in real-life situations. For example, once you know the easy-to-understand steps to mindfulness, then you practice using those steps in situations in your life where mindfulness could be helpful, such as when interacting with a family member when you disagree with them.
In the sessions with your individual DBT therapist, you will apply what you have learned in the group to your specific needs. Plus you’ll use tools like a diary card to track your progress and chain analysis to take a close look at what is creating your misery and how to address it. If you have an individual therapist here at the Center, you’ll have the option of coaching calls too. This means if you are facing a tough situation and aren’t sure how to use the coping skills you’ve learned, you can call or text your therapist for coaching at the moment that you need it!
Since its development in 1991, DBT has been extensively researched and shown to help people navigate intense emotions more effectively. One of the key strengths of DBT is its emphasis on practice—it’s not just about learning skills; it’s about using them in real life. That’s why we’ve chosen to focus on DBT in our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)—because it delivers results.
Is Adult IOP for You?
If you’ve been struggling with emotions or behaviors that feel out of control, feel stuck in unhealthy patterns, like intense mood swings or damaging relationships, and traditional therapy just isn’t enough, our IOP might be the right fit for you. IOP gives you more support to make real changes when you’re feeling stuck. If you’re having trouble coping with stress or life events and need more consistent care to get through tough moments, IOP offers the structure and intensity that can make a difference. It’s also a great option for those looking to build more resilience between therapy sessions, offering a safe, supportive space to learn, practice, and grow every day.
Benefits of DBT Intensive Outpatient Programs
One of the biggest advantages of our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is that it offers a higher level of care while allowing you to stay fully engaged in your daily life. You can continue living at home, maintaining your connections with family, friends, and your community. Instead of stepping away from your life, as you might in a hospital or residential setting, our IOP helps you face your challenges head-on, in real-time.
This approach means you’ll be learning and practicing coping skills as you navigate the very situations that bring up stress, conflict, or overwhelming emotions. Whether it’s managing a tough conversation, handling work stress, or finding balance at home, you’ll have the opportunity to work through these challenges while they’re happening, with the guidance and support of your therapy team.
By addressing real-life problems as they arise, you’ll gain confidence in using the tools you’re learning and see progress in areas that matter most to you. This hands-on approach helps create lasting change because you’re not just preparing for life after treatment—you’re actively building the life you want, one step at a time.
A Comprehensive Approach to Treatment
At Houston DBT Center, our IOP program, with more frequent sessions and a supportive structure, helps you build skills and make progress faster. The increased frequency means you have more opportunities to practice and reinforce what you’re learning, with feedback from your individual therapist and the group. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of your emotions, relationships, and behaviors while receiving consistent support from people who understand what you’re going through. With a balanced mix of group skills training, individual therapy, and optional weekend sessions, IOP provides a comprehensive approach to treatment, offering both personalized care and a sense of community.
If you feel trapped in your emotions or patterns, our DBT IOP provides the structure, tools, and community to help you regain control, build stronger connections, and create a life that feels meaningful and balanced. With the right support, healing is within reach.
Adult IOP FAQ’s
To help you better understand our program, here are some frequently asked questions.
What is adult outpatient?
Adult outpatient care in mental health refers to treatment services provided to adults who need professional support but do not require 24/7 care in a hospital or residential setting. These services are flexible and allow individuals to continue with their daily lives, such as working, going to school, or managing family responsibilities, while receiving mental health care. Adult outpatient could be once-a-week sessions, an intensive outpatient program, or a partial hospitalization program.
Adult outpatient care can be a step down from more intensive treatment or the first step toward improving mental health.
What is an Intensive Outpatient Program for depression?
An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for depression is a structured mental health treatment program designed for individuals experiencing moderate to severe depression. It provides a higher level of care than traditional outpatient therapy but allows participants to live at home and maintain daily responsibilities.
Goals of an IOP for Depression:
- Alleviate depressive symptoms (e.g., sadness, hopelessness, lack of motivation).
- Teach practical skills to manage emotions and cope with stress.
- Help participants rebuild routines and improve daily functioning.
- Foster connections through group therapy and peer support.
- Prevent hospitalization or serve as a step-down after inpatient care.
Who Benefits from an IOP for Depression?
- Those whose depression significantly impacts their life but does not require inpatient hospitalization.
- Individuals stepping down from a hospital or residential program to transition back to daily life.
- People who need more support than weekly therapy provides.
What to Expect:
An IOP for depression provides a safe and structured space to address your symptoms, learn effective coping strategies, and gain support from both therapists and peers. While every individual’s progress varies, many people find IOPs help them stabilize, regain hope, and build a foundation for long-term recovery.
What are the three types of outpatient?
In mental health care, outpatient services are typically divided into three types based on the level of care and support needed:
Traditional Outpatient Therapy
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- What it is: This is the least intensive form of outpatient care, typically involving weekly or biweekly therapy sessions with a licensed therapist.
- Who it’s for: Individuals managing mild to moderate mental health challenges who need ongoing support but can function relatively well in daily life.
- Examples: Individual therapy, couples counseling, or family therapy.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
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- What it is: A structured program providing 3-5 sessions per week, each lasting 2-4 hours, focusing on skill-building, group therapy, and individual sessions.
- Who it’s for: People who need more frequent and intensive support than traditional therapy but can still live at home and handle daily responsibilities.
- Examples: DBT-based IOPs, general therapy IOPs, or trauma-focused programs.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
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- What it is: A higher level of outpatient care, offering 5-7 sessions per week, each lasting more than 6 hours a day, often resembling a hospital-like schedule without the need for overnight stays.
- Who it’s for: Individuals with more severe mental health challenges who need structured daily care but do not require inpatient hospitalization.
- Examples: Programs for severe depression, anxiety, or eating disorders.
These levels of outpatient care allow for flexibility in treatment, ensuring you receive the right amount of support based on your mental health needs.
What does IOP mean in mental health?
In mental health, IOP stands for Intensive Outpatient Program. It is a structured treatment program designed for individuals who need more support than traditional outpatient therapy but do not require 24/7 care like inpatient hospitalization.
IOPs typically involve attending therapy sessions multiple times a week for several hours per day. These programs provide a higher level of care and focus on helping individuals manage mental health challenges, build coping skills, and work towards recovery while still allowing them to live at home and maintain their daily responsibilities like work, school, or family obligations.
Why do people go to IOP?
People attend an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for various reasons, but the primary goal is to receive focused, structured mental health treatment while still being able to live at home and maintain daily responsibilities. Here are some common reasons why people choose IOP:
- Need More Support Than Traditional Therapy
- Weekly therapy sessions may not be enough to address severe symptoms, frequent emotional distress, or significant life challenges. IOP provides more frequent sessions (3-5 days per week) and a higher level of care.
- Step-Down from Higher Levels of Care
- After completing inpatient treatment or a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), individuals often transition to IOP to continue their progress with a structured program while reintegrating into their regular routine.
- Struggling with Specific Mental Health Issues
- IOPs are often designed to treat conditions such as:
- Anxiety and panic disorders
- Depression
- Trauma and PTSD
- Bipolar disorder
- Substance use disorders
- Borderline personality disorder (e.g., in DBT-based IOPs)
- Emotion regulation disorders
- Crisis Management and Skill Building
- IOPs help individuals in emotional crisis develop effective coping skills, manage distress, and learn tools to regulate emotions, improve relationships, and prevent relapse.
- Prevent Hospitalization
- For those experiencing escalating mental health symptoms, IOP can provide enough structure and support to avoid needing inpatient treatment.
Overall, people go to IOP to stabilize their mental health, gain tools to manage challenges and build a foundation for long-term recovery—all while maintaining their independence. If you’re considering IOP, we’re here to help assess if it’s the right fit for your needs.
Does IOP really work?
Yes, IOP (Intensive Outpatient Program) can be very effective for many people. Research shows that IOPs can provide the same benefits as inpatient treatment for individuals who are committed to attending sessions and actively participating. These programs are designed to offer the structure and support needed to make meaningful progress in managing mental health challenges while still allowing clients to live at home and continue with their daily lives.
The success of an IOP depends on several factors, including:
- Active Participation: Engaging in sessions, practicing skills learned, and completing any assigned work.
- Program Fit: A program tailored to your specific needs (e.g., coping skills for anxiety, depression, or trauma).
- Support System: Having support from family, friends, or others outside of therapy can enhance progress. Family members may attend meetings to learn more about the needs of their loved one and how to best support them.
At our DBT-based IOP, clients typically report significant improvements in emotional regulation, interpersonal skills, and overall quality of life. The program is designed to give you the tools and skills to handle challenges more effectively and build a stronger foundation for long-term mental health.
If you’re wondering if IOP is right for you, consider your current level of need and whether you’re ready to commit to a structured approach to therapy. We’re here to help you decide!
What is the difference between a skills group and group therapy?
Think of a skills group as more like a class. The main goal is to teach you practical tools and strategies to help you manage things like overwhelming emotions, tough relationships, or stressful situations. You’ll learn things like how to stay calm during a crisis, how to communicate better, or how to handle anxiety. Skills groups focus on teaching you what to do when faced with stress in your life.
Skills groups follow a clear plan, with handouts, exercises, and specific techniques to practice. The focus is on moving forward and giving you tools you can use in real life. Unlike group therapy, It’s not about diving deep into your personal story—it’s about building new skills to handle life’s challenges.
How long are most IOP programs?
Most Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs) last between 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the individual’s needs and the structure of the program. Sessions typically take place 3 to 5 days a week for about 2-3 hours per session.
Our IOP is 4 days a week for 2 hours a day. It runs on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, providing both structure and flexibility. The exact length of time you’ll spend in the program can vary based on your progress and personal goals, and we’ll regularly review this with you to ensure the program continues to meet your needs.
If you’re unsure about the time commitment, we’re happy to discuss your situation and help you plan a schedule that works for you!
What does an IOP assessment look like?
An IOP (Intensive Outpatient Program) assessment is a comprehensive evaluation that helps determine if an IOP is the right level of care for you. The goal is to understand your mental health history, current symptoms, and any factors that might affect your treatment. Here’s what the assessment typically involves:
- Personal Information: You’ll provide details about your background, living situation, and support system. This helps the clinician understand your context and potential challenges.
- Mental Health History: The clinician will ask about any past mental health conditions, treatments you’ve tried, hospitalizations, or previous therapy. This helps them identify patterns or recurring issues.
- Current Symptoms and Concerns: You’ll discuss your current struggles, whether it’s anxiety, depression, trauma, emotional regulation, or other challenges. This is important for tailoring the program to your needs.
- Medical History: If relevant, the clinician will ask about your physical health history, as these factors can influence your treatment approach.
- Risk Assessment: To ensure your safety, the clinician will assess for any immediate risks, like thoughts of self-harm or harm to others, and discuss coping strategies or safety plans if needed.
- Goals and Expectations: The clinician will ask about your goals for treatment and what you hope to achieve in the IOP. This helps shape the program to focus on your specific needs.
- IOP Fit: The clinician will assess whether IOP is the right level of care for you or if a different treatment approach, like outpatient therapy or inpatient care, might be more appropriate.
The assessment is typically done with a therapist or clinician who specializes in mental health treatment, and it will help create a treatment plan that best addresses your needs. Afterward, you’ll have a clearer idea of what to expect from the IOP and how it will work to support your mental health journey.
Is intensive outpatient the same as partial hospitalization?
No, the Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) and Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) are similar but not the same. The main difference lies in the level of care and the amount of time you spend in treatment each week:
- Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) is more intensive than IOP. It typically involves 6 or more hours per day, 5 days a week, and is often recommended for people who need more support than an IOP but don’t require inpatient hospitalization.
- Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is generally 2-5 hours per day, 3-5 days a week. It can be a step-down option for people who are stabilizing but still need significant support. It is also an option for those who need more than one hour a week therapy but don’t need 6 hours a day. It’s less intensive than PHP and allows for more flexibility since you can live at home and manage daily activities.
In short, PHP is more structured and provides more daily hours of treatment, while IOP offers slightly more flexibility with fewer hours per week. Both programs are effective depending on your individual needs and what level of care is most appropriate for you.
What does an IOP focus on?
Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs) focus on providing structured and supportive mental health care to help individuals stabilize, build coping skills, and improve their overall well-being and functioning. The specific focus may vary based on the program, but common areas of focus include:
- Skill Development
- IOPs teach practical skills to manage mental health symptoms and navigate life challenges. For example:
- Emotional Regulation: Learning to manage intense emotions.
- Coping Skills: Strategies to handle stress, anxiety, or depression.
- Interpersonal Effectiveness: Building healthier relationships and improving communication.
- Addressing Mental Health Symptoms
- IOPs focus on helping individuals understand and manage specific mental health conditions, such as:
- Depression or anxiety
- Bipolar disorder
- Borderline personality disorder
- PTSD or trauma-related symptoms
- Substance use disorders
- Developing Healthy Routines
- Encouraging structure in daily life, such as improving sleep, exercise, and self-care habits, which contribute to overall mental health stability.
- Relapse Prevention
- Teaching strategies to identify triggers, manage high-risk situations, and maintain progress. This is especially emphasized in programs for substance use recovery or chronic mental health conditions.
- Building Support Systems
- Helping clients strengthen their existing support networks (e.g., family, friends) and connect to community resources for ongoing care.
- Preparation for Long-Term Recovery
- IOPs are often a stepping stone, helping clients transition to less intensive therapy or reintegrate into daily life with greater confidence and stability.
At its core, IOP is about equipping individuals with the tools, skills, and support they need to manage challenges, improve their mental health, and build a more fulfilling life. Each program tailors its focus to meet the specific needs of its clients.
Do I have to tell the skills group what’s going on with me?
No, you only share with the group what you are comfortable sharing.
Will the group give me feedback?
Each group member is encouraged to share only how they might handle a situation and talk about themselves. DBT skills groups aren’t a type of group where members give each other advice or feedback.
How long is the program?
Many people attend the IOP for 12 weeks. But our focus is on what’s best for you and what works for you. If you need longer, that’s fine. If you are ready to step down to less intensive therapy before the 12 weeks, then that’s what we’ll do. The length of the program is decided by you and your therapist.
Do I learn one set of DBT skills at a time?
No, when you start our IOP you will begin learning skills from each of the four modules. Emotion Regulation is taught on Mondays, Mindfulness on Tuesdays, Distress Tolerance on Thursdays, and Interpersonal Effectiveness on Fridays, for example.
Does insurance cover the IOP?
Insurance does not cover our IOP. We can provide you with a superbill that you can send to your insurance company for possible reimbursement. The steps to do this are listed on our website under Pricing and Insurance.
Cope Effectively With The Support of Adult IOP in Houston, TX
You don’t have to live in misery. Therapy can help you recover your ability to enjoy your life and to cope effectively. At Houston DBT Center, we have caring therapists who specialize in DBT IOP. To start your recovery, follow these simple steps:
- Call 713-973-2800 or email administration@houstondbtcenter.com today for a free consultation.
- Meet with a skilled DBT therapist for the first session to evaluate your needs and goals.
- Start learning how to make effective changes in your life to have to life you want to live.
Additional Services Offered by Houston DBT Center
Adult IOP is not the only service we offer at Houston DBT Center. We also offer trauma treatment (including DBT PE, CPT, and EMDR), Radically Open DBT, Teen IOP, parent coaching, play therapy, and more. With a staff of over 15 therapists, we’re able to offer services for multiple disorders and work collaboratively as a team with your family. If you’d like to learn more or you’re ready to get started, contact us today.
More About The Adult IOP Program
DBT has proven to be effective for treating and managing a wide range of mental health conditions, including:
- Borderline personality disorder (BPD)
- Self-harm
- Suicidal behavior
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Substance use disorder
- Eating disorders, specifically binge eating disorder and bulimia
- Depression
- Anxiety
Skills Taught in IOP
In the IOP you’ll learn Interpersonal Effectiveness Skills, including how to ask for what you want, how to say no, how to ask for help, and how to regulate your emotions during interpersonal conflict. You’ll also learn Emotion Regulation Skills. Emotion regulation skills include learning how to get off the emotional roller coaster of ups and downs and be less reactive to people and events that happen.
Distress Tolerance Skills are ways to get through difficult situations without making them worse. Sometimes you need to tolerate difficult emotions for a time or get through a difficult situation. Mindfulness Skills help you stay in the present moment without your mind obsessing on the future (often creating anxiety) or the past (often creating depression).As part of mindfulness we offer a yoga group that is DBT based, and is adapted especially to the individuals in the class and their needs. Yoga breathing is helpful in many different situations.
IOP Schedule
The IOP is 9 to 10 hours per week, meeting on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. An individual session is scheduled by the individual therapist, either a therapist at the Center or a therapist outside the Center. If you are currently seeing a therapist who is not affiliated with the Center, you can continue working with your therapist.
Cost
$860 per week. ($121 per hour)
If we are not covered by your insurance, check with your insurance company. You may have out of network benefits that would help with the cost. We can give you a receipt to submit for reimbursement.
Contact Stephanie at 713-973-2800 for additional information.
LOCATION
DBT Center: 1348 Heights Blvd, Houston, TX. 77008
Telehealth: All of Texas