Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for Children and Teens

If your child needs more than weekly therapy but wants to live at home and stay in school, we can help.

Teens smile while listening to their therapist in group therapy.

Intensive Outpatient Program for Children and Teens at Streamwood Behavioral Healthcare System: Why Choose Us?

The intensive outpatient program (IOP) at Streamwood Behavioral Health System (SBHS) provides focused mental health support, allowing kids to live at home and attend school.

Our IOP offers intensive therapy four hours a day in the afternoons, Monday through Friday. We are one of the few behavioral health programs with services available to children as young as 4. You can also expect robust care for young adults up to age 18 and every developmental stage in between.

Highlights of our program include:

Multi-specialty approach: Specialists work together to help your child get the most out of treatment. Child and adolescent psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, therapists, nurses and behavioral health technicians all play a role in helping your child make progress.
Coordination with schools and state agencies: Staff stay in touch with your child’s school and any agency involved in their care, like SASS (Screening, Assessment and Support Services). This helps everyone understand what your child is working on in treatment and how to support their progress outside our facility.
Special weekend sessions: As part of our commitment to the community, we occasionally offer weekend groups focusing on everyday challenges like bullying and self-esteem. Your child doesn’t have to be a current patient to join. These sessions help build skills, spark conversations and help kids feel less alone.
Summer option: Kids and teens can take part in IOP over school breaks, giving them a steady routine when class is out. The summer program blends therapy with creative activities so they can keep building emotional and social skills. Get more information about our summer intensive outpatient program.

Our Intensive Outpatient Program for Children: What to Expect

Staff help kids and teens build skills, manage emotions and make progress in a setting designed just for them.

Here’s what to expect at our IOP for teens:

Assessment: We conduct a detailed evaluation to better understand your child’s diagnosis and treatment needs. Find out more about the admissions process.
Meals: SBHS provides breakfast and lunch every day, helping your child stay focused and take an active role in their treatment.
Group therapy: Daily group sessions help kids and teens build skills, share experiences and support one another in a structured setting.
Individual therapy: Your child meets with staff members throughout treatment to discuss goals, challenges and progress.
Expressive therapies: Art, music and recreation groups offer creative ways for your child to explore feelings and practice coping skills. Explore expressive therapies.
Medication management: If needed, we prescribe medications such as antidepressants or mood stabilizers. Providers check in regularly to see if the medication and dose are working for your child and make necessary changes.
Family involvement: As your child builds new skills, we offer guidance on how to support their growth at home and plan for next steps.