Sometimes, weekly therapy sessions just aren’t enough. If you’ve been consistent with your treatment and you still aren’t seeing the results that you want to, there are other options out there and you aren’t alone! In some cases, higher intervention is important to address specific needs.
In this article, we will explore structured, supportive mental health programs & how they can make a difference for you & your current symptoms. We will review the signs that support higher levels of care intervention and differentiate between Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) and Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) to give you a sense of what they could mean for you or a loved one.
Needing a higher level of intervention is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength and commitment to your mental health!
For many people, weekly therapy sessions are an effective way to manage stress, build coping skills, and work through challenges. But when symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other mental health concerns become more severe or persistent, once-a-week sessions may not provide the level of support needed.
Some reasons include:
In these cases, a more intensive approach—such as a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP treatment) or Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP treatment)—can make a difference. These programs offer multiple hours of therapy each week, along with group support, skill-building, and structured care, giving individuals the tools and consistency needed to regain stability and make meaningful progress.
If you’re experiencing severe or persistent symptoms of depression, anxiety, or another mental health condition, it may be time to consider a higher level of support. Here are some signs you may benefit from a specialized mental health program like PHP Program or IOP Program:
If you answered “yes” to some or any of these, exploring a higher level of care could help you regain stability and get the support you need.
So, how do we really know that it’s time to seek further intervention? Ask yourself the following questions:
If you answered yes to any of these questions, don’t fret—there are other options out there for you. Below, we will review some safe spaces to stabilize, learn new skills, and start feeling like yourself again.
While IOP therapy is a step-up from 1:1 weekly therapy, you don’t have to put your whole life on hold. You are able to essentially add a strong safety net to your overall self while keeping your usual routines. Yes—you can still continue work, school, and family schedule without disruption in most cases!
Most IOP programs are 3-5 days per week, for a few hours each day. There are both virtual IOP and in-person IOP settings to meet your unique needs. IOP programs consist of group therapy, 1:1 individual sessions, and skill-building workshops that will educate folks on ways to manage symptoms in real life.
The community aspect of these mental health programs is incredibly validating for most, as you will have the opportunity to connect with others who are in similar situations. Over all, IOP programs provide individuals with the structure needed to heal within the context of their lives.
If IOP therapy sounds great, but you are seeking further intervention and more structure, a partial hospitalization program (PHP therapy) could be a good fit for you! PHP programs are often thought of as a “middle ground,” more supportive than IOP and outpatient therapy, and more flexible than inpatient hospitalization.
Typically, a PHP is 5 days per week for a large chunk of the day. During program, you will receive comprehensive care including group & individual therapy, psychiatric support, medication management, and more depending on the program you choose & the resources they provide. The environment is structured & provides a level of stability quickly, while still being able to sleep in your home each night.
IOP & PHP programs are quick & effective in nature, designed to get you back on your feet in a short period of time. You will gain new coping skills, consistent support, and a space to work through difficult emotions in a safe space. Essentially, these outpatient mental health programs allow you to quickly gain stability & support.
Through this process, you will be able to transition back to weekly therapy with a strong foundation & mental clarity to move forward. You will be able to identify your needs & wants with a newfound awareness.
Research shows that upon finishing an IOP or PHP program, individuals report feeling more confident, capable, and equipped to manage their mental health long-term.
Maybe you’ve been feeling discouraged because your weekly therapy “isn’t working.” Please know this: you are not failing. Weekly outpatient therapy is extremely valuable—it provides a therapeutic space to process emotions, gain insight, and develop coping tools.
However, IOP & PHP programs provide repetition and structure. You have the opportunity to create a sense of community. They also provide multiple layers of support:
In essence, while weekly therapy plants seeds of growth, IOP & PHP provide the sunlight, water, and care that help those seeds take root & thrive, continuing to grow stably. Needing & seeking more support is not a weakness but a sign of strength. It shows that you recognize that the current system isn’t working for you, and you are brave enough for change.
Mental health treatment isn’t “one size fits all,” it can take time to find the right fit. Sometimes the best thing you can do is change your plan & gain support, and that is perfectly okay! The main point is that choosing a higher level of care – whether IOP or PHP – could be the turning point that helps you feel stable and hopeful again.
If you’ve been searching for an IOP program near you or exploring PHP programs near you, Clarity Clinic offers specialized outpatient care right here in Chicago.
Our Partial Hospitalization Program and Intensive Outpatient Program provide structured, evidence-based treatment for depression, anxiety, stress, and other mood related disorders. With a blend of individual therapy, group therapy, and skill-building sessions, these programs deliver more intensive support than weekly therapy—without the need for overnight hospitalization.
At Clarity Clinic, our PHP and IOP programs give you the consistency, guidance, and community you need to manage symptoms and regain stability. We offer our outpatient mental health programs in the following mental health clinic locations:
Related Readings:
- Is This the Anxiety Treatment That Sets You Free?
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