Intensive Outpatient Program

Our Intensive Outpatient programs are designed to serve those clients who may benefit from more frequent treatment sessions. These programs are available for those who are seeking intensive outpatient treatment for trauma related disorders, depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. Treatment is individualized based upon each client’s personal needs and goals. We offer both an Adult and Adolescent program, please see below for more information.

Our Adult IOP program is currently held virtually on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings from 4:00-7:00pm.

Our Adolescent IOP program is currently held in person, in our South Portland office, on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings from 3:30-5:30pm.

If you are interested in enrolling in our Intensive Outpatient Program, please send your New Client Referral Form to iop@artofawareness.org. If you do not receive a confirmation that we have received your referral within a week of sending it, please contact us at 207-805-0181.

Topics that will be addressed during session include:

  • Skills & Resources
  • Relationship With Self & Relationships With Others
  • Body Wellness & Creative Expression

What makes IOP unique:

  • The program is held virtually, making this an accessible treatment plan that can be completed from any location.
  • Clients may be followed by their own Primary Care Physician, Psychiatrist, and Nutritionist in the community. When necessary or requested, Art of Awareness will provide referrals to specialized medical providers.
  • The IOP staff collaborates with the client’s multi-disciplinary team of providers.

As clients progress in treatment, there are options to step down into a lower level of care, with a focus on relapse prevention and wellness maintenance.

Participants must meet the following criteria to qualify for the IOP Program:

  • The participant’s motivation to recover is at least moderate.
  • The participant must be seen by a doctor for medical clearance 72 hours prior to admission.
  • The participant is medically stable.
  • The participant may be required to be seen by a Psychiatrist by the 3rd day of admission.
  • The participant’s symptoms are causing impairment in social, occupational or family functioning and require intensive and structured intervention.
  • The participant demonstrates no feasible suicidal intent or plan.
  • The participant’s current weight is over 80% of ideal body weight, or more than 18 BMI, with no need for IVs or a feeding tube.
  • The participant must have normal lab tests or abnormalities that do not require active medical intervention.
  • The participant has adequate cognitive abilities to assume responsibility for behavioral change and is capable of developing skills to cope with their symptoms.
  • The participant is experiencing continued difficulty despite attempted treatment at lower levels of care.
  • Treatment for clients who are in need of a higher level of care and support.

Please find additional information about becoming a new client here!

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is an IOP?

IOP stands for “intensive outpatient program.” IOP programs can treat substance use disorders, eating disorders and co-occurring mental health disorders. Our IOP offers group therapy and skill building for those struggling with depression, anxiety, disordered eating, and trauma related experiences.

  • IOP is intensive due to the schedule of treatment. You will meet with clinicians and support groups for approximately 9 hours per week.
  • “Outpatient” means that at IOP, clients go home each night. This is unlike inpatient treatment, where you would live in the treatment center.
  • IOPs are structured programs that follow a schedule and routine. The program helps you build skills. IOP is a like an after-school program for mental health.

Who can I contact and how do I move forward?

All new client referral forms can be sent to IOP Coordinators Molly Tarr and Kaisa Mann at iop@artofawareness.org.

If you have more specific questions, clients are encouraged  use this email to schedule a time to talk with one of the coordinators. Email is the best way to contact us.

How long would I be in IOP?

Our IOP is a minimum 2 week commitment, though clients often are apart of the program for 3 to 6 weeks. We determine the length of stay collaboratively with participants through bi-weekly goal reviews. The program is rolling admission and is not a closed group, therefore it has no rigid start or end date. Length of stay is based on need and/or what insurance will cover.

What insurance does Art of Awareness accept?

We accept most major private insurance including:

Anthem, Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare, Aetna, Optum, United Healthcare, United Behavioral Healthcare.

Cigna can process as out-of-network and in some cases Cigna will cover adolescents as in-network.

What modalities are used?

Art of Awareness introduces a number of skills and modalities to clients. The goal is to introduce different skill sets with the intention of exploring relevant skills on a deeper level in individual therapy. AoA utilizes Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Polyvagal, and Internal Family Systems (IFS). All modalities are introduced and viewed through a trauma sensitive lens.

Can I do virtual IOP if I am living out of state? 

Clients living out of state are unable to do virtual IOP due to state licensing laws. It is illegal to service individuals living outside of the state a provider is licensed in.