When your child needs more than traditional therapy, an intensive outpatient program can be a helpful step for their mental wellbeing. Decade2Connect offers a supportive, family-inclusive child IOP in Denver, Colorado.
Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) are a crucial level of care for children and adolescents struggling with mental health issues, filling the gap between traditional outpatient therapy and inpatient treatment. At Decade2Connect, our IOP is designed to provide comprehensive, evidence-based treatment in a supportive environment that promotes healing and growth.
We developed this After-School Intensive Outpatient Program based on 65+ years of experience helping Colorado children, adolescents, and their families. Healing involves the whole family for true success. That’s why our IOP focuses on the family system.
IOPs that prioritize family involvement, like the one offered at Decade2Connect, have been shown to lead to better treatment outcomes and long-term success. By addressing the needs of the entire family system, our program helps create a supportive home environment that reinforces the skills and strategies learned in therapy. This holistic approach is essential for promoting lasting change and preventing relapse.
Are age 10-14
Are transitioning from a mental health hospitalization, partial hospitalization, residential treatment or a wilderness program
Need more than 1 time per week individual therapy
Require an IOP for depression or anxiety that persists despite traditional therapy
Experience self-destructive, self-harming, or suicidal thoughts or behaviors
Struggle with adjusting from a loss, grief, or trauma
Have difficulty in school or avoiding school due to mental health issues
Will not follow the expectations and routines provided by their parents
Find it difficult to maintain positive social/peer relationships
Are withdrawing from daily activities or mood disorder
Struggle with emotion processing and regulation leading to struggles in the home
Our IOP is particularly helpful for children and adolescents who have experienced trauma, abuse, or major life changes that have led to the development of mental health conditions such as anxiety disorders, depression, and self-harming behaviors.
By providing a structured, supportive environment and evidence-based therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), we help these young people develop the skills they need to manage their emotions, communicate effectively, and build resilience.
At Decade2Connect, we recognize that parents play a crucial role in their child’s mental health journey. Our IOP includes a strong focus on parent education and support, with opportunities for family therapy sessions and parent support groups. Using Emotion-Focused Family Therapy, we help parents navigate the challenges of caring for a child with mental health needs, providing them with the tools and resources they need to create a stable, nurturing home environment.
Our IOP curriculum incorporates a range of evidence-based therapies and approaches, carefully selected to meet the unique needs of each child and family. These may include:
CBT is a highly effective treatment approach that helps children identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. Through individual and group CBT sessions, our skilled therapists guide participants in developing coping strategies, problem-solving skills, and self-awareness.
DBT is a specialized form of CBT that emphasizes mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. This approach is particularly useful for children struggling with self-harm, suicidal ideation, or intense emotional dysregulation.
EFFT is a therapeutic approach designed to improve family relationships and emotional connections. This approach focuses on helping family members understand and express their emotions more effectively, fostering stronger bonds and resolving conflicts.
Our IOP is for children and adolescents ages 10-14, as well as their families. This experiential therapy program runs in-person three times per week in a small group setting by highly-experienced therapists. The treatment duration is 9-12 weeks. Mondays and Thursdays are for the kids and Wednesdays include family programming.
In addition to these core therapies, our IOP also incorporates elements of motivational interviewing, family systems therapy, and expressive arts therapy to create a well-rounded, individualized treatment experience. Our team of experienced mental health professionals, including licensed therapists, clinical social workers, and psychiatrists, work collaboratively to ensure that each child receives the support and guidance they need to thrive.
Monday 3:30 -6:30pm
Wednesday 5:00 -8:00pm
Thursday 3:30 – 6:30pm
One of the most common concerns for families considering an IOP is the cost of treatment and whether their insurance will cover it. At Decade2Connect, we work closely with families to help them navigate their insurance benefits and understand their financial options.
Check out our FAQ’s to learn more about Decade2Connect’s insurance options for IOP treatment. Many health insurance plans do cover IOP treatment, although the specific coverage and out-of-pocket costs may vary depending on the plan.
While the cost of IOP treatment can be a significant investment, it’s important to remember that prioritizing your child’s mental health is one of the most valuable things you can do for their future. Untreated mental health conditions can have long-lasting effects on a child’s development, relationships, and overall quality of life.
By seeking comprehensive, evidence-based treatment through an IOP, you are giving your child the tools and support they need to build a strong foundation for lifelong well-being.
Completing an intensive outpatient program is a significant milestone in a child’s mental health journey, but it’s not the end of the road. To maintain progress and prevent relapse, it’s essential to have a plan for continued care and support. At Decade2Connect, we work with families to develop individualized aftercare plans that may include:
By prioritizing ongoing support and care, families can help their children build on the progress made in IOP and continue to thrive in the long term.
We support hope and harmony in families.
303-674-6681
connect@decade2connect.org