Teen IOP in Florida: A Parent's Guide
A clear, practical guide to teen intensive outpatient programs (IOP) in Florida, including how to choose the right level of care.
- Who it's for: Florida teens ages 14-18 (virtual)
- Time commitment: 8 weeks, 3 hours per day, 3 days per week (9 hours per week). After school, typically 4-7 PM.
- Modalities: CBT and DBT skills, group therapy plus weekly individual therapy
- Parent support: Weekly progress updates and optional parent coaching or support groups
- Start time: No waitlist. Most families start within 48 hours
- Not a fit: Active substance abuse requiring detox; immediate safety concerns needing 24/7 supervision; severe eating disorders needing medical monitoring; inability to participate in group settings
What is a 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. It is often recommended when symptoms are moderate to severe, or when weekly sessions are not enough.
How IOP compares to other levels of care
| Level of care | Typical time per week | When it is a fit |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly therapy | About 1 hour | Mild to moderate symptoms that respond to weekly support |
| IOP | Multiple days per week (often 9-20 hours) | More intensive support is needed but 24/7 care is not |
| PHP (partial hospitalization) | 20+ hours | Daily structure is needed but inpatient care is not |
A simple decision tree
- If your teen needs 24/7 supervision or is in immediate danger, inpatient care is the right level.
- If weekly therapy is not enough but your teen can stay home and attend school, IOP is often the right next step.
- If your teen needs daily structure but not 24/7 care, PHP may be more appropriate.
Florida-specific considerations
- Virtual IOP makes teen care available across Florida without travel.
- After-school schedules help teens stay in school and keep routines.
- Some school districts count IOP participation toward attendance requirements. Ask your school counselor or attendance office what documentation they need.
Florida options by category
Hospital-based teen IOP
Children’s hospitals often run IOP programs that may be a good fit when clinical complexity is high or coordination with hospital services is needed.
Local behavioral hospitals and clinics
Many local clinics offer in-person IOP. These can be a good fit if your teen prefers in-person groups or needs local psychiatric services.
Virtual teen IOP (statewide access)
Virtual programs can be ideal when families need flexibility or live far from major hospital systems.
Kin Therapy (virtual, Florida)
- 8-week program, after school, 3 days per week
- CBT and DBT skills, group therapy plus weekly individual therapy
- Small groups of 6-8 teens
- No waitlist; most families start within 48 hours
Learn more about the program here: /adolescent-iop/
Questions to ask any teen 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?
Helpful next steps
- Read the Parent’s Guide to IOP
- Take a Tour of Kin’s Teen IOP
- Learn why weekly therapy might not be enough
- Read the newsletter issue: How Virtual Teen IOP Works (Week by Week)
- Read the newsletter issue: When Weekly Therapy Isn’t Enough
Ready to Get Started?
Our team is here to help your teen thrive. Schedule a free consultation to learn more about our programs.