Atlanta’s Leading Intensive Outpatient Program

The effects of a behavioral health concern can negatively impact a person’s ability to carry out daily activities if left untreated. At Riverwoods Behavioral Health System, we offer an intensive outpatient program for adults who are suffering from certain mental illnesses and substance use disorders.  

The IOP at our Riverdale, Georgia, facility can help people who are struggling with a wide range of concerns, including: 

• Bipolar disorder 
• Major depressive disorder 
• Schizoaffective disorder 
• Schizophrenia 
• Alcohol use disorder 
• Opioid use disorder 
• Suicidal ideation 

The IOP at Riverwoods Behavioral Health System may be the right choice for adults who are looking for a step-up level of care from traditional outpatient services or a step-down from other levels, such as our partial hospitalization program (PHP). People can also enter our IOP without completing a higher level of treatment. 

Each person can expect to participate in our IOP three to five days a week for three hours per day, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Outside of therapy, you may attend school, work, or take part in other activities. The typical length of stay in this program is 28 days, but the length of time you spend in our IOP will depend on prior authorization from your insurance provider and other individual factors. 

Intensive outpatient programming provides structured support and offers many opportunities for people to engage in an independent, healthy lifestyle. We personalize each person’s care based on the results of a thorough assessment of their unique needs, strengths, and goals. 

Based on the information we gather from your assessment, we’ll create a care plan that is tailored for you. We incorporate elements of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and motivational interviewing into our programming. 

We offer individual therapy sessions as needed, family therapy sessions at least once during your stay, and group therapy sessions daily. Group therapy is the main method of care in our IOP and may consist of psychoeducational and process groups. All therapy sessions are led by therapists, master’s-level clinicians, counselor interns, and mental health specialists. 

Topics that may be covered during group therapy at our Riverdale, Georgia, facility include: 

• Relapse prevention 
• Conflict resolution 
• Discharge planning 
• Healthy boundaries 
• Effective communication 

During your time in our IOP, our psychiatrists and nurse practitioners will provide basic medical care as needed. Depending on your exact needs, you may also receive medication management services once or twice per week. Our team of nurse practitioners can administer and monitor your medications. 

Our team recognizes that women may find comfort in receiving treatment in a program in which they are surrounded by other women without having any men present. For this reason, we are pleased to offer an intensive outpatient program for women only. 

This program meets Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. While in the program, women participate in group therapy sessions where they discuss a number of topics, which may include:  

• Managing mental health  
• Emotional wellness 
• Trauma 
• Grief 

Participating in our women-specific IOP can give patients a chance to process their experiences, build a sense of community with other women who may be facing similar challenges, and develop coping skills that can help them long after their time in the program has come to an end. 

At Riverwoods Behavioral Health System, we offer a virtual IOP for adults age 18 and older who are living with anxiety and depression. Our virtual outpatient programming is designed to reduce barriers to care and eliminate stress that may be associated with in-person program participation. In our virtual IOP, you can benefit from a well-rounded treatment experience from the comfort of your own home.  

Features of our virtual IOP include: 

• In-depth assessments 
• Tailored, holistic treatment that addresses your needs 
• A supportive community of professionals and peers 
• Continuing care plans 

Virtual programming takes place Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and consists of process group therapy sessions. During these sessions, you will have the opportunity to connect with peers and gain insight into a variety of topics, such as coping, healthy boundaries, and identifying triggers.  

Virtual group sessions are led by an experienced psychiatrist and offer a level of confidentiality and privacy that may help some people feel more comfortable opening up about their personal experiences. By sharing your thoughts and feelings with others, you can establish meaningful connections, which can improve social connectedness and reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. 

Virtual intensive outpatient services also offer flexible scheduling, making it easier for you to fit therapy sessions into your daily routine. Telehealth therapy is a convenient, accessible, and effective way for individuals to receive the support they need. 

At Riverwoods Behavioral Health System, we want to help you lay the foundation for long-term wellness. We will strive to ensure that you have the proper tools and develop the skills necessary to continue the progress you started with us. 

Our IOP is the first step on your journey toward better health. We will design a comprehensive discharge plan that outlines the resources and next steps after you complete the IOP offered at our facility. 

From the time you enter the program, we’ll begin planning for your eventual discharge. This will involve you working with our multidisciplinary team to identify the most beneficial continuing care options for you. These options can include ongoing medication management and counseling services or additional 12-Step education. 

A behavioral health concern can have a devastating impact on a person’s life. Let the professionals at Riverwoods Behavioral Health System in Riverdale, Georgia, help you get on the path to a brighter future.