Frequently Asked Questions
UNDERSTANDING THE PROGRAM
What is an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)?
An IOP is a structured mental health program for teens who need more support than a single weekly therapy session, but do not need to stay overnight at a facility. Our IOP meets 1–5 days per week for 3 hours per day, typically after school so your teen can keep their regular school schedule. In summer, hours shift to daytime.
What is a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)?
PHP is a more intensive level of care than IOP. It runs 5 days a week, 6 hours per day (9am–4pm), and is designed for teens who need full-day therapeutic support but are stable enough to return home each evening. It is often a strong next step after inpatient or residential care.
What is the difference between IOP and PHP?
The main difference is intensity and hours. PHP is a full-day program (9am–4pm, 5 days/week) for teens who need to make significant progress in a short amount of time. IOP is a shorter daily commitment (3 hours, 1–5 days/week) built around your teen’s school schedule. Both programs use the same evidence-based therapies and clinical team. The right level of care is determined during your intake screening.
Is this program right for my teen?
This program may be a good fit if your teen is dealing with any of the following:
- Anxiety or depression interfering with everyday life
- Trauma or painful experiences from the past
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
- Big emotional outbursts or conflict with family and friends
- Trouble at school, or avoiding school altogether
- Bullying or struggles with gender identity
- An intellectual or developmental disability (I/DD) making things harder
We serve teens ages 12–17 who need more than one therapy session a week but don’t need to stay overnight at a facility.
WHAT TO EXPECT
What does a typical day look like?
In the PHP program, your teen’s day runs 9am–4pm, Monday through Friday. In IOP, sessions are 3 hours per day, typically after school (daytime during summer), 1–5 days per week depending on need. Both programs include a mix of group therapy, individual therapy, and structured therapeutic activities. Here’s what a day can include:
- Group sessions using proven methods like CBT and DBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy) to help teens understand their feelings and change unhelpful patterns.
- Individual and family sessions as needed
- Family therapy: parents and guardians join regularly, because healing works better together
- Art and music therapy: for teens who express themselves better through creativity
- Fun, active groups: think playground, basketball, and team games to support mental and physical wellbeing
- Life skills: help with building sleep habits, healthy eating, meal prep, job interview tips, and more
Will my family be involved in treatment?
Yes. Family involvement is a core part of both programs. Parents and guardians join group sessions regularly, and family therapy is offered on an ongoing basis. We also provide parental coaching and family support. The frequency and format of family engagement is tailored to each family’s needs.
Will my teen miss school?
For IOP, sessions are scheduled after school specifically so your teen does not have to miss class. In summer, hours shift to daytime. PHP is a full-day program, so families will need to plan around school accordingly. Our team will work with you during intake to think through the best approach for your teen’s situation.
Do you offer medication management?
Yes. Your teen will work with licensed psychiatrists who are trained specifically in teen mental health and I/DD. In PHP, teens typically meet with a psychiatrist at least once per week. In IOP, check-ins occur approximately every other week. Medication management is approached collaboratively — some families want it, some do not, and both are okay.
Who is on the clinical team?
Your teen will be working with licensed psychiatrists, therapists, psychologists, occupational therapists, and clinical support staff who are trained specifically in teen mental health and intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD). This specialized expertise is one of the things that sets our program apart.
GETTING STARTED
How do I enroll my teen?
Getting started is straightforward. Here are the four steps:
- Call (800) 352-2290 — our mental health admissions team will answer your questions and can schedule a tour of our six-acre campus.
- Verify insurance benefits — our intake team will help confirm your coverage and determine the best payment options for your family. Have your insurance card ready.
- Complete a referral screening — once benefits are verified, our intake team conducts a screening to determine the best treatment level for your teen.
- Complete paperwork — our intake team will guide you through any necessary forms to begin services.
Do you accept insurance?
Yes, we work with insurance. Our intake team will help you verify your benefits and determine the best payment options for your family. Please have your insurance card ready when you call. We want to make sure you understand your options before committing to a program.
What ages do you serve?
We serve teens ages 12–17.
Do you specialize in teens with autism or developmental differences?
Yes. Wayfinder Health is one of the few IOP/PHP programs that specializes in supporting teens with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Our clinical team is trained specifically in this area, and we offer occupational therapy as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Where is the program located?
Our campus is six-acre campus is in the peaceful residential neighborhood of View Park in Los Angeles. Our admissions team can schedule a tour for your family. Call (800) 352-2290 to set one up.
Helping Families Find Hope.
Healing. And A Path Forward.
We’re here to support your family every step of the way.
