Intensive Outpatient Psychiatry (IOP) Program for Anxiety & General Disorders

The Intensive Outpatient Psychiatry (IOP) Program offers two different programs for children with anxiety disorders and those with general disorders (such as mood or disruptive behavior disorders). Both programs were developed by the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Children's Hospital Colorado, Colorado. 

What is the IOP Program for Anxiety Disorders?

This program serves youth ages 8 to 18. It is targeted toward kids with anxiety disorders who are stepping down from higher to lower levels of care, or those who have not been successful with routine outpatient treatment. It is also well-suited for youth experiencing symptoms of anxiety with a recent need for urgent or emergent psychiatric assessment.

The IOP Program for Anxiety Disorders is staffed by a multidisciplinary team of experts who specialize in the treatment of anxiety disorders in youth. As part of the program, we conduct a comprehensive assessment, psycho-education, exposure training, creative arts therapies and skills training.

Skills training for children and adolescents includes:

• Relaxation
• Somatic monitoring
• Cognitive restructuring
• Exposure training

Skills training for parents includes:

• Anxiety-management strategies
• Psycho-education about anxiety

What is the course of treatment for anxiety disorders?

We hold sessions for parents and youth three times a week, for a six-week course of treatment.

How can I get a medication consultation for my child?

For more information about medication, please call (720) 777-6200.

What is the General IOP Program?

The General IOP Program serves youth with mood or disruptive behavior disorders. Similar to the anxiety disorders program, the General IOP Program is also geared toward kids who are stepping down from higher levels of care, or patients who have not been successful with outpatient treatment. It is well suited to serve youth with a recent need for an urgent or emergent psychiatric assessment.

The general program is staffed by a multidisciplinary team of experts who specialize in the treatment of disruptive and mood disorders in youth and their families. Components include a psychosocial assessment, psycho-education, psychosocial skills training, parent effectiveness training and creative arts therapies.

Skills training for children and adolescents includes:

• Social skills 
• Relaxation
• Anger management
• Cognitive restructuring

Skills training for parents includes:

• Parent Effectiveness Training for parents of children
• Parent Effectiveness Training for parents of adolescents

What is the course of treatment for mood or disruptive behavior disorders?

The General IOP Program holds sessions for parents and youth three times weekly, for a five-week course of treatment.

How can I get a medication consultation for my child?

Please call (720) 777-6200 for more information regarding medication consultations.

Learn more about Children's IOP Programs

For more information about either the Anxiety Disorders or General IOP Program, or to request an evaluation, please call (720) 777-6200.