Park Royal Hospital in Fort Myers, Florida, offers an intensive outpatient program (IOP) for adolescents ages 12-17 who need treatment for mental health concerns. Our adolescent IOP provides exceptional behavioral health treatment services in a safe and caring environment, and we offer a variety of group therapies to help each young person achieve stability, growth, and well-being. Participants can engage in both on-site and virtual programming depending on their backgrounds and specific needs.
Benefits of IOP Participation
An IOP is a structured and comprehensive mental health or substance use disorder treatment option designed for people who require more support than regular outpatient therapy provides but do not need 24/7 care in a residential facility. Typically lasting several weeks or months, IOPs offer a higher frequency of sessions, usually three to five days per week for a few hours each day. Patients engage in group therapy, psychoeducation, and skill-building exercises to address their specific mental health needs.
IOPs provide a more flexible approach, allowing patients to maintain their daily routines while receiving intensive therapeutic interventions. Young people who need behavioral health support but are unable to attend in-person programming can benefit from our virtual IOP option at Park Royal Hospital. A virtual IOP offers several benefits compared with traditional in-person IOPs:
- Accessibility: Virtual IOPs make it easy for adolescents to receive care wherever they are located. Some people may benefit from outpatient care but cannot participate in a traditional IOP due to disabilities, transportation difficulties, or geographical limitations.
- Privacy: Some people may feel more comfortable discussing personal and sensitive topics in the privacy of their own homes. Adolescents in our virtual IOP participate in group therapy and may be more likely to show vulnerability in sessions if they are attending from home.
- Diverse support network: In a virtual IOP, adolescents can connect with other young people from different locations and backgrounds. This expanded network can provide diverse perspectives and foster a sense of community and connection among patients.
- Convenience: Virtual IOPs offer convenience and flexibility in scheduling. Patients can access therapy sessions at times that are more convenient for them, accommodating work, school, and family commitments. This flexibility can help young people get the treatment they need without significantly disrupting their daily routines.
An IOP can help young people learn valuable emotion regulation and coping skills to manage stress and other mental health disorder symptoms. Patients can receive education on topics such as addiction, healthy communication, and relapse prevention. Peers and therapists can offer support to help young people work through underlying challenges so that they can live happier and more peaceful lives after treatment.
Patients who prefer in-person care can enjoy all the services offered by our virtual programming but at our on-site Fort Myers location. The quality of care is the same for both programs, but the virtual option offers more accessibility and convenience.
Our Adolescent IOP Features
The adolescent IOP at Park Royal Hospital provides care for young people who are struggling with a variety of behavioral health disorders and co-occurring addiction concerns, including:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Adjustment disorders
- Bipolar disorder
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Substance use disorders
Our IOP provides structured programming that can help young people who are struggling with mental health challenges establish healthy routines, have productive discussions with peers, and focus on healing. Our programming is designed to provide whole-person care to address mental health conditions and other areas of life that may also impact emotional well-being. Patients who have substance use disorders can also benefit from our programming by learning relapse prevention strategies and tips for avoiding setbacks once treatment ends.
The length of participation in our IOP for adolescents varies depending on each person’s needs. However, each young person typically engages in treatment for two to 12 weeks, and teens can enter our IOP without completing another level of care first. Each patient receives a consultation with a psychiatrist upon admission and as needed throughout treatment. Our compassionate IOP therapists provide daily process and psychoeducational group therapy sessions, and we work closely with patients to help them lay the groundwork for long-term success.
Therapies Offered in Our Adolescent IOP
Group therapy is the primary form of treatment in our IOP for adolescents. Therapists lead three to five group sessions a day and discuss topics such as how to form healthy relationships, self-esteem, and setting boundaries. Group therapy allows young people to find support and solidarity with their peers in a safe and empathetic environment.
At Park Royal Hospital, we prioritize evidence-based therapy techniques and believe that a combination of treatment methods is most effective for long-term healing. Young people in our IOP can benefit from the following therapies:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): Through CBT, young people can learn how to identify and challenge negative thought patterns that can contribute to emotional distress. Therapists work with patients to explore and reframe unhelpful thoughts and teach them skills to manage their emotions and behaviors in healthier, more productive ways. In a group setting, therapists may facilitate discussions on thought patterns and behaviors, encouraging group members to support each other in making positive changes. Group therapy sessions can provide an additional layer of support, as young people can benefit from the shared experiences and perspectives of their peers, fostering a sense of community and mutual growth.
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): Using DBT, therapists help young people learn how to manage intense emotions effectively through guided mindfulness exercises that encourage them to observe their thoughts and emotions without reacting impulsively. In an IOP, therapists guide patients in exploring various self-soothing techniques, such as deep breathing, muscle relaxation, and participating in hobbies they enjoy. These strategies can empower young people to take an active role in managing their emotions, helping them feel more in control during challenging situations.
- Motivational interviewing (MI): MI is a collaborative counseling style aimed at identifying and strengthening a person’s motivation and commitment to change. Therapists use open-ended questions and reflective listening skills to explore a young person’s reasons for seeking help and their aspirations for the future. With MI, people can learn how to set goals and make strides toward achieving those goals in an empathetic and supportive group environment.
In Park Royal Hospital’s adolescent IOP, we understand that readiness for change varies among young people. We are committed to meeting each adolescent where they are on their journey to wellness so that they feel respected, supported, and empowered throughout the treatment process. Our compassionate and experienced staff takes the time to assess each patient comprehensively, gaining insight into their unique strengths and aspirations. This personalized approach to treatment allows us to cater treatment to each person’s needs and maximize the potential for successful outcomes.
We firmly believe in maintaining a nonjudgmental therapeutic environment where we can inspire young people to embrace positive lifestyle changes and take ownership of their mental health. As partners in their healing process, we strive to provide the tools, resources, and guidance they need to thrive.
Virtual & On-Site Adolescent IOP in Fort Myers, Florida
Located in Fort Myers, Florida, Park Royal Hospital is a premier provider of mental health and addiction treatment. By participating in our intensive outpatient program, young people can continue with their regular routines and apply the skills they learn during treatment to their daily lives. Patients have the option to join our on-site or virtual IOP directly or transition from another level of care, such as an adolescent residential or inpatient treatment program.
At Park Royal Hospital, we believe that transformational healing happens in the context of relationships. Our therapists are committed to helping each patient embrace their potential, recognize their value, and succeed in every area of their life. Upon their admission to our IOP, we provide each adolescent with a comprehensive care plan that includes age-appropriate therapies and services that are designed to promote lasting healing.
Mental health disorders like anxiety and depression can impact every area of a young person’s life, including their school performance, social functioning, and family relationships. Our group therapy sessions provide a safe space for adolescents to develop essential social skills, improve communication, and build meaningful connections with peers who may share similar experiences. At Park Royal Hospital, young people can receive the support and guidance they need to make lasting changes and navigate life’s challenges more effectively.
If you or someone you love could benefit from taking part in our virtual or on-site IOP, we encourage you to contact a member of our admissions team. We are available to answer your questions about our programming, disorders treated, therapy schedules, and how you can start your healing journey today.
This content was written on behalf of and reviewed by the clinical staff at Park Royal Hospital.
