Intensive Outpatient Program
About
Our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is thoughtfully designed for individuals experiencing mental health/psychiatric challenges that require more support than what traditional, weekly outpatient therapy services can provide. It is especially helpful for those who can keep themselves safe but whose symptoms or behaviors are significantly affecting their ability to fully function at work or at school.
The IOP offers a structured and compassionate environment where individuals can learn and practice new coping skills while navigating the stressors of daily life. Many participants are often able to continue or return to work or school as they receive the care and guidance they need to support their healing and stability.
The program, which runs for 8 consecutive weeks, consists of a 3 day a week schedule. Treatment includes daily skills-based group therapy, psychoeducation, relapse and prevention strategies, medication management (if needed), weekly individual therapy, and family support.
I’m admitted, now what?
Upon starting the IOP program, clients will first meet with their assigned psychiatrist and primary clinician who will begin the comprehensive evaluation and assessment process, discuss treatment planning, and review medication history. Clients can expect to regularly meet with their assigned clinicians to support their treatment needs, typically once per week.
The Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is primarily centered around group therapy, offering a supportive experience where individuals can connect with others facing similar struggles. Most group sessions focus on building practical skills to help manage symptoms and strategies that encourage long-term wellness.
What does the program look like?
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AFS’s Intensive Outpatient Program runs for eight weeks and is designed to support individuals in making meaningful progress toward lasting emotional wellness. Each week focuses on a specific theme, with thoughtfully designed activities and discussions that build upon the previous week—helping clients gradually develop the insight, skills, and confidence needed to manage their mental health beyond the structure of the program. Programming includes, but is not limited to, individual check-ins, group exercises and processing, mindfulness, and skills practice.
Individuals can join the program at any time, admission is rolling.
Benefits to an IOP
● Rolling admission to program
● Tailored treatment to meet individual needs
● More support than typical outpatient therapy
● Step-down from hospitalization
● Live at home while getting more structured care
● Long lasting life skills development
● Evidenced-based treatment models
Your Treatment Journey
Orientation & Schedule
The clinician will provide an orientation by outlining the IOP structure, expectations, rules, and resources. They will also be given a weekly schedule (see sample). Clients can expect treatment to begin immediately.
Comprehensive Evaluation and Assessment
The assigned clinician will conduct a thorough clinical assessment that includes reviewing the individual’s mental health history, substance use (if applicable), current symptoms, strengths, and treatment goals to co-develop a personalized care plan tailored to each person’s unique needs.
Medication Management (if needed)
Some mental health conditions are best managed with a combination of therapy and medication. In these cases, clients will meet with our psychiatrist, who will review their current medications and provide ongoing monitoring and adjustments as needed to support their treatment goals.
Programmatic Participation
Admitted clients are expected to attend all IOP group sessions. Regular attendance and active participation in the program ensures that clients receive the full benefit of the program’s structure, therapeutic support, and skill-building opportunities.
Discharge Planning & Aftercare
Discharge planning begins at admission, and is essential for ensuring a smooth transition to post program support,including referrals to outpatient therapy, support groups, community resources, or medication follow-up. AFS is able to offer post IOP outpatient therapy and outpatient psychiatry services.
Click here to learn more about AFS outpatient therapy services.
Click here to learn more about AFS outpatient psychiatry services.
Want to better understand your mental health?
For many, gaining clarity about their mental health can truly be life-changing. It’s not uncommon for individuals seeking support at AFS to have received multiple - and sometimes conflicting - diagnoses in the past. We recognize how important it is to finally have answers that feel accurate and make sense. That is why we offer comprehensive psychological testing.
This process allows us to develop a deeper, more nuanced understanding of a person’s emotional, cognitive, and behavioral functioning/ It provides insights that go far beyond what can be gathered through interviews or therapy alone and can be especially helpful when symptoms are complex, overlapping, or when there is uncertainty about a diagnosis.
Psychological testing is conducted by an AFS licensed psychologist and results are summarized in a detailed report, often followed by a feedback session to explain findings and recommendations.
For more information about obtaining a psychological assessment, please click here
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Your Providers
Dr. Evan Trager
Dr. Evan Trager is a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in working with both adults and children. His experience with becoming a foster parent provided him with a profound comprehension of trauma and children's emotions, igniting his passion to pursue a dedicated career as a Child Psychiatrist.
Dr. Trager's educational path includes medical school at the University of California, San Francisco, Adult Psychiatry Residency at the University of California, Riverside, and a Child Psychiatry Fellowship at Stanford University.
Dr. Jennifer Wu
Dr. Wu is……
Dr. Peggy Huber, Psy.D. - Licensed Psychologist
Dr. Huber is a licensed psychologist specializing in family therapy, child and adolescent mental health, and evidence-based treatment approaches across the lifespan. She completed her doctoral degree in clinical psychology at the California School of Professional Psychology in 2020. Her clinical work draws on Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Narrative therapy, and developmental psychology, with a strong focus on early intervention and prevention. Her experience includes working with children, teens, and adults facing challenges such as trauma, eating disorders, self-harm, suicidal ideation, mood and anxiety disorders, and complex family dynamics.
Dr. Huber is committed to using a collaborative and compassionate approach, working closely with her clients to create practical, personalized strategies that foster lasting change. She believes that healing happens not only in the individual, but also within the relationships and support systems that surround them.
More Information
Location
All services are provided at 2325 Clement St., Alameda, CA. There is limited on-site parking available. Additional street parking may be found around the neighborhood. Please be sure to remove any valuables from your vehicle.
Hours and Schedule
Adult IOP daily schedule (Monday, Wednesday, Friday)
● 9:00 -10:20 a.m.: Process Group
● 10:30 -11:10 a.m.: Skills Group I
● 11:20 -12:00 a.m.: Skills Group II
Teen IOP daily schedule (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday)
● 9:00 -10:20 a.m.: Process Group
● 10:30 -11:10 a.m.: Skills Group I
● 11:20 -12:00 a.m.: Skills Group II
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The IOP is an intensive, short-term program that is designed to be attended consecutively without absences. Please arrive on time and do not miss any groups or program days. Arriving late, missing groups, and missing program days takes away from the full benefit of the program.
We understand that sometimes there are issues that arise which cannot be avoided, and will work with clients to help identify barriers to attending. Absences should be kept to a minimum and will be actively monitored by us. If you miss more than three groups or program days, you may be discharged from the program.
Payment
Insurance Authorizations
Prior to being admitted to the IOP, services must be approved by your insurance company. We will work with your provider to get the initial authorization and co-pay information. At times we may have our clinicians consult with the insurance company to get continued authorization.
While initial authorization may be obtained for the first programmatic day, authorization is an on-going process. Please keep in mind:
■ Notices sent to you regarding days authorized, or the response to calls you make to your insurance company will almost invariably NOT provide the latest information, and will not reflect current authorizations in process.
■ At times, we will be unable to obtain additional authorizations even when we believe they are appropriate. In that situation, you have the option to pay out of pocket for additional days or work with us to bring your participation to a close.
Please be patient with this process and trust that we are experienced and doing our best to ensure that the appropriate length of treatment is authorized.
We are contracted to work with Anthem Blue Cross of California.
If you’re uninsured, don’t see your insurer listed, and/or have a question about our fees for care, please call us at XXXX