When your teen is struggling, finding the right kind of help can often feel like too much to handle. At Aurora Charter Oak Hospital in Covina, California, we understand how hard it is for parents to watch a child wrestle with emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges and not know what to do.
Fortunately, our Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is tailor-made to help families find a productive way forward. Designed for teens ages 9 to 17, the IOP program helps young people heal while staying connected to home, school, and the people who care about them most. Through a strategic mixture of therapy, education, and family support, we help teens build resilience, confidence, and hope for the future.
Whether your teen is navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, chemical dependency, or behavioral struggles, our team provides personalized care in a setting that is both safe and supportive. We are here to help your teen not just cope, but truly grow and transform.
What Is an Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program?
An Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is a structured and supportive treatment option for teens (ages 9 to 17) who need more help than weekly therapy but don’t require full-time hospitalization. It bridges the gap between inpatient and outpatient care and allows evidence-based treatment to fit into your teenager’s everyday life.
At Aurora Charter Oak Hospital in Covina, California, our adolescent IOP gives teens the tools they need to manage mental health challenges while continuing to live at home and attend school. Families appreciate that their teen can stay connected to home and school while getting the care they need to thrive.
Our licensed clinicians and therapists understand that adolescence can be a tough time filled with change and pressure. That’s why we focus on meeting each teen where they are, helping them build emotional strength, develop coping skills, and find excitement for a healthier future.
Conditions Treated and Eligibility
The adolescent IOP at Aurora Charter Oak helps teens manage a wide range of emotional, behavioral, and mental health challenges. We treat anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, psychological trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and more. Our clinicians also work with adolescents who engage in self-harm, experience suicidal thoughts, and experience other complex mental health challenges. We also specialize in treating co-occurring disorders, which means we help teens who are dealing with both a mental health condition and a substance use issue. Our integrated approach ensures both concerns are addressed together, creating a more complete and lasting path to recovery. For teens who require it, medically assisted detox is available to ensure safety and comfort throughout the recovery process.
Before a teen begins the IOP, we complete a psychiatric evaluation and assessment to determine if this level of care is the right fit. Most adolescents who enter our IOP program need more structure than outpatient therapy offers, but can still safely live at home while participating in treatment.
Program Structure and Schedule
Aurora Charter Oak’s IOP offers a consistent and balanced routine that supports healing without disrupting school or home life. Teens attend three days a week. This schedule gives them the structure they need to stay engaged in therapy while maintaining time for academics, family, and friends.
Our program includes a mix of individual therapy, group therapy, and family sessions. Individual sessions help teens work through personal struggles in a private setting. Group sessions build peer connection and show them that they’re not alone in what they’re going through. Family sessions bring caregivers into the process to improve communication, rebuild trust, and strengthen relationships at home.
Treatment Modalities and Clinical Approach
Our adolescent IOP combines science-based therapies with engaging and creative approaches that make treatment meaningful. Teens participate in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to change negative thinking patterns and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to learn emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and healthy communication. For teens coping with trauma, we provide a nurturing environment that encourages healing, self-understanding, and emotional growth with support from dedicated professionals.
We also offer experiential and expressive therapies such as art, yoga, and mindfulness practices. These holistic activities help teens express emotions they might not be able to put into words and develop self-awareness in the process. Patients are also taught coping tools so they can support themselves inside and outside the center.
Medication management is also available when needed. Our psychiatrists and nursing staff coordinate closely with therapists to ensure each teen’s care plan is safe, consistent, and effective. Every treatment plan is personalized to the individual because no two adolescents heal the exact same way.
Family Involvement and Support
Families play a central role in a teen’s healing journey. At Aurora Charter Oak, we involve parents and caregivers from the very beginning. Our family therapy sessions help improve communication, set healthy boundaries, and rebuild trust. By engaging families throughout the process, we help everyone move forward together. This collaborative approach empowers parents and teens to strengthen their relationships and sustain positive changes long after treatment ends.
Benefits and Outcomes of IOP
The Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) at Aurora Charter Oak Hospital gives teens the structure they need to heal and the freedom to stay connected to their everyday lives. This balance allows them to practice coping skills in real situations and notice their own growth all along the way.
The outcomes and changes often go far beyond emotional stability. Many teens begin to feel more confident, show up to school more consistently, and rebuild healthier connections with friends and family. Parents frequently tell us their teens seem lighter, more open, and better able to handle stress after completing the program.
Through a combination of individual therapy, group support, and family involvement, we see meaningful and lasting progress. Teens report fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety, stronger communication, and a renewed sense of purpose. By focusing on the whole person, we help each teen build the tools and confidence to keep moving forward long after treatment ends.
Comparison with Other Levels of Care
It’s normal for families to wonder how IOP compares to other types of treatment. An Intensive Outpatient Program provides more structure and therapy than standard outpatient counseling. However, it’s less intensive than a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) or inpatient hospitalization, which require full or nearly full days in treatment.
IOP can serve as a wonderful step-up in care for teens who need more than weekly therapy or a step-down for those who are transitioning out of inpatient or residential treatment. This flexible model makes it an excellent choice for families looking for consistent, high-quality care without removing their teen from school or home life.
Our admissions team helps each family choose the level of care that best fits their teen’s current needs. We want every adolescent to receive the right amount of support at the right time so they can achieve lasting stability and success.
Access, Locations, and Payment Options
Our hospital is located in Covina, California, and serves families across Los Angeles County and surrounding communities. We are located on 10 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds with 134 Patient Beds, clean facilities, a gymnasium, pool, and recovery center designed to support both patient comfort, growth, and healing.
Getting started at Aurora Charter Oak is simple. We offer free and confidential assessments 24 hours a day, so families can reach out whenever they are ready. During this first call, our team listens, learns about your teen’s needs, and recommends the most appropriate level of care.
Once you’re prepared to start, we are happy to explore payment and insurance options. Aurora Charter Oak accepts most major insurance plans and is in-network with many providers. Our admissions team will verify your benefits, explain coverage, and answer any financial questions before treatment begins. If you’re uninsured or underinsured, we’ll work together to explore self-pay options or other financial assistance programs.
Additionally, each insurance plan has its own requirements for admission and coverage. Our team is here to help you navigate the details. Medicare, Medi-Cal, and other health insurance plans all have specific criteria. Please reach out to our Assessment Center at 626-699-8396 with any questions about coverage or payment options.
Aftercare and Continued Support
When a teen completes our IOP, the journey doesn’t stop there. We provide a detailed aftercare plan to help families maintain progress and prevent setbacks. This plan may include continued outpatient therapy, medication management, or participation in local peer support groups.
By offering thoughtful follow-up and easy access to resources, we help teens stay grounded and confident as they take the next steps forward. Our goal is to make sure each teen feels supported, connected, and ready to thrive long after treatment ends.
Why Choose Aurora Charter Oak Hospital
Aurora Charter Oak Hospital has been a trusted name in mental health care for many years. As part of the Aurora Behavioral Health Care network, we’re known for compassionate, evidence-based treatment that truly changes lives. Our hospital combines clinical expertise with a warm, welcoming environment designed to help teens and families feel safe and supported.
Our team includes psychiatrists, therapists, nurses, and educators who work together to create personalized treatment plans that fit each teen’s goals and strengths. We offer a full continuum of care, including inpatient, residential, PHP, and IOP programs, so families can count on us for ongoing support at every stage of recovery.
Families choose Aurora Charter Oak because we put people first. We believe in hope, healing, and helping each teen discover their potential. With 24/7 admissions and free assessments, help is always just a phone call away.
Why Choose Aurora Charter Oak Hospital for Adolescent IOP
If your teen is struggling with anxiety, depression, substance abuse, mental health, and/or behavioral challenges, you don’t have to face it alone. The Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program at Aurora Charter Oak Hospital offers compassionate care, expert clinicians, and a clear path toward healing.
Call 800-654-2673 today to schedule your free confidential assessment. Our admissions team is available around the clock to answer questions, verify insurance, and help you take the first step.
Your teen deserves support, understanding, and a chance to feel better. We’re here to help make that happen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is an Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program?
An Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program, or IOP, is a structured mental health treatment program for teens who need more care than traditional therapy but don’t require full hospitalization. It combines individual, group, and family therapy several days a week while allowing teens to live at home and continue attending school.
At Aurora Charter Oak Hospital, our IOP provides teens ages 9 to 17 with a supportive environment where they can learn coping skills, manage emotions, and rebuild confidence.
How long does the program last?
The length of our adolescent IOP varies depending on each teen’s needs and progress. Most programs last anywhere from six to twelve weeks, but some teens may benefit from a shorter or longer stay. Our clinical team regularly reviews progress with families to ensure the program continues to meet the teen’s goals.
How often do teens attend sessions?
Teens typically attend IOP sessions three to five days per week for several hours each day. This schedule gives them consistent support while leaving time for school and family activities. Attendance and participation are key parts of treatment, and our team works with families to create a schedule that fits their lifestyle.
What kinds of therapy are offered in the IOP?
Our adolescent IOP uses a variety of evidence-based therapies, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and other treatment modalities. Teens also take part in holistic therapies like art, drama, mindfulness, and life skills training. Family therapy is another major component of the program because healing happens best when families heal together.
Who is eligible for the program?
Our IOP is designed for adolescents ages 9 to 17 who are struggling with mental health or behavioral challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, substance use, or self-harm. Before entering the program, each teen completes a psychiatric assessment to determine if IOP is the right level of care.
What’s the difference between IOP and PHP or inpatient care?
An IOP provides intensive therapy several days a week while allowing teens to live at home. A Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) offers more hours of care per day, but still allows the teen to return home in the evening. Inpatient care is the most intensive level and includes 24-hour supervision for those in immediate crisis.
IOP can be a “step-up” from outpatient therapy or a “step-down” from inpatient care, depending on each teen’s situation.
