Teen IOP in Florida: A Parent's Guide

Editor’s note: Parents usually ask the same five questions: Is IOP right? How many hours? Can my teen stay in school? How fast can we start? What if it’s not a fit? This guide answers those in plain language.

Quick facts (Kin)

• Ages: 14-18 in Florida (virtual)
• Time: 8 weeks, 3 hours per day, 3 days per week (9 hours/week)
• When: After school, typically 4-7 PM
• Modalities: CBT and DBT skills, group therapy plus weekly individual therapy
• Start time: No waitlist; most families start within 48 hours

What is teen IOP?

A teen intensive outpatient program (IOP) is a structured level of care that provides more support than weekly therapy while allowing teens to live at home and stay in school.

When IOP is a fit

IOP is often the right level when weekly therapy is not enough, but your teen does not require inpatient or residential care. It can also help after a recent crisis or hospitalization when support needs to be stepped down.

When IOP is not a fit

IOP is not appropriate for active substance abuse requiring detox, immediate safety concerns needing 24/7 supervision, severe eating disorders requiring medical monitoring, or inability to participate in group settings.

Questions to ask any IOP

• How many hours per week is the program?
• How large are the groups and who leads them?
• How are parents or caregivers involved?
• Can the program coordinate with our school?
• What happens between sessions if symptoms worsen?
• What does aftercare look like after IOP ends?

If you want the full Florida-specific guide, start here: Teen IOP in Florida.