Skip to main content

Intensive Outpatient Therapy

Intensive Outpatient Therapy provides psychological services adolescents ages 14-17 with general depression/anxiety who need a level of treatment less complex than hospitalization but more intense than traditional outpatient therapy. In IOP, patients will meet virtually for six weeks with a team of clinicians and a psychiatrist. During that period, they will meet three times a week for three hours. Key benefits of IOP include

  • IOP is virtual, so patients are able to receive therapy at home while maintaining a work or school schedule.
  • Treatments follow a schedule and routine, so patients know what to expect.
  • Patients can practice skills at home that they are learning in treatment.
  • Since patients live at home, they are encouraged to strengthen their network of friends and family members who will support them as they recover.

Ask your doctor if Intensive Outpatient Therapy is appropriate for you. All participants must be referred by their doctors. Reach out to Program Director, Helga LeMaster with questions at helga_lemaster@med.unc.edu

Intensive Outpatient Therapy flyer

Referrals

To make a referral in Epic, select “AMB REFERRAL TO PSYCH” and “UNC PSYCHIATRY IOP CHAPEL HILL” as the location.
Non-Epic users may call 984-974-4444.
We accept NC Blue Cross BlueShield and the State Health Plan for our Intensive Outpatient Therapy program. For other commercial insurance, we will work with you to determine if IOP is a covered benefit. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify.