Mental Health IOP for College Students & Young Adults
Our intensive outpatient program in Tempe is designed for students and young adults ages 18 to 25 who need structured mental health support while staying enrolled in school or managing early-career responsibilities.
Whether you are managing anxiety before exams, struggling with depression after a difficult semester, or working through trauma while trying to keep your life on track, our program meets you where you are. Flexible scheduling, virtual access, and a peer group of young adults who genuinely understand what you are going through.
This form is NOT for Emergencies: If you are in immediate danger, feeling suicidal or have thoughts of harming yourself or others do not use this form. Please call or go to the nearest emergency room, call/text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or call 911.
Begin Your Path Forward
Confidential. Students and parents welcome to call.
Insurance We Work With
Coverage varies by plan. Our admissions team verifies your benefits at no cost before treatment begins.
Why College Students Choose IOP
The transition to college and early adulthood brings unique pressures. Our young adult IOP provides the intensity of clinical treatment while respecting the realities of academic and social life.
Flexible Scheduling
Sessions are arranged around class schedules, exams, and campus commitments. We understand that academic continuity is essential to your overall wellbeing.
Peer Connection
Group sessions include other young adults facing similar challenges, creating a supportive environment where participants can relate to one another authentically.
Virtual Access
Attend sessions from your dorm, apartment, or anywhere in Arizona through our secure virtual IOP platform. Ideal for students with demanding schedules or limited transportation.
Evidence-Based Methods
CBT, DBT, and other proven therapeutic approaches adapted for the developmental needs and challenges specific to young adults and college students.
Near ASU & Phoenix Metro
Our Tempe location on Mill Avenue is conveniently located near Arizona State University and accessible from across the Phoenix metropolitan area.
Coordinated Care
With your consent, we can coordinate with campus counseling centers, academic advisors, and family members to support your recovery across all areas of life.
Common Challenges for College Students
Young adults face a distinct set of stressors that require clinical approaches tailored to their developmental stage and environment.
Academic Anxiety & Burnout
Chronic stress around performance, deadlines, and academic expectations that interferes with functioning and quality of life.
Depression & Isolation
Persistent low mood, withdrawal from social activities, and loss of motivation that commonly emerge during the college transition.
PTSD & Trauma
Unresolved trauma from childhood, assault, accidents, or adverse experiences that resurface under the stressors of college life.
Social Anxiety
Difficulty navigating social situations, fear of judgment, and avoidance behaviors that limit participation in campus and community life.
Identity & Life Transitions
Challenges related to independence, identity development, relationship changes, and the pressures of early adulthood decisions.
Mood Disorders
Bipolar disorder, cyclothymia, and mood dysregulation that benefit from structured clinical support and psychiatric management.
Find a Time That Works Around Your Classes
Morning, afternoon, and evening tracks are available. All sessions meet Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday so you can structure care around your academic schedule.
Ideal for students with afternoon or evening classes. Complete your session and head straight to campus.
Works well for students with morning labs or seminars. Attend treatment after morning classes and keep your evenings free.
Our most popular option for full-time students. Attend all your classes and labs during the day and come to treatment in the evening. Located near ASU.
What Happens in Each IOP Session
Each week follows a consistent three-day structure designed to build emotional regulation, self-awareness, and real-world coping skills tailored to the young adult experience.
- Identifying emotional activation cues
- Distress tolerance and grounding skills
- Managing stress during exam season
- Understanding Your Emotional Patterns
- What Happens in Your Body When You're Overwhelmed?
- Identifying protective patterns and inner parts
- Reframing narratives around academic identity
- Understanding relationship and attachment patterns
- Parts of You That Show Up Under Stress
- Rewriting the Story You Tell Yourself
- Sustained change and coping ahead planning
- Values clarification and committed action
- Building a life that works alongside your academics
- Getting Back on Track When Things Feel Hard
- Building a Life That Aligns With Your Values
4-Week Rotating Treatment Schedule
Our IOP uses a monthly rotating calendar to ensure variety, sustained engagement, and full exposure to core therapeutic modalities. Each four-week cycle covers all three session themes.
Start Your IOP Program Today
Our admissions process is designed to be straightforward and supportive. From your first call to your first session, our team handles insurance verification, clinical assessment, and scheduling so you can focus on getting better.
How IOP Admissions Works at SMHWI
Most students begin treatment within days of their first contact. Here is what to expect during the enrollment process.
Initial Contact
Same DayCall us or submit the online form. Our admissions coordinator gathers basic information and answers your initial questions. Parents are welcome to call on behalf of a student.
Insurance Verification
Within 24 HoursWe verify your coverage, including student health plans and parent insurance policies, and explain any out-of-pocket costs before treatment begins.
Clinical Assessment
1 to 2 DaysA licensed clinician conducts a confidential evaluation to determine the appropriate level of care and build your individualized treatment plan.
Begin Treatment
Within DaysStart attending IOP sessions at your preferred location or virtually. We schedule your track around your class times from day one.
Your First Week in IOP
Meet your clinical team and fellow group members. Review program expectations, scheduling, and confidentiality guidelines.
Work with your therapist to set personalized goals aligned with your academic schedule, living situation, and clinical needs.
Begin attending group therapy and individual counseling as part of your structured weekly schedule.
If applicable, meet with a psychiatric provider for medication evaluation and management as part of your overall plan.
Common Admissions Questions
How quickly can I start IOP?
What do I need to bring to my intake appointment?
Do I need a referral to enroll in IOP?
Will my insurance cover IOP?
Can I enroll in virtual IOP instead of in-person?
Convenient Arizona Locations
Our Tempe location on Mill Avenue is steps from the ASU campus. Scottsdale and Glendale serve the broader Phoenix metro, with virtual IOP available statewide.
SMHWI Glendale
6120 West Bell Rd., Ste 130Glendale, AZ 85308
Mon / Wed / Thu • 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM (623) 288-0133
SMHWI Scottsdale
8350 E Raintree Dr, Ste 125 & 130Scottsdale, AZ 85260
Mon / Wed / Thu • 1:00 to 4:00 PM (623) 288-2628
SMHWI Tempe
1492 S Mill Ave, Suite 206 & 214Tempe, AZ 85281
Mon / Wed / Thu • 5:00 to 8:00 PM (623) 288-3656
Questions from Students & Parents
Can I attend IOP while enrolled in classes?
Will my university know I'm in IOP?
Can my parents be involved in my treatment?
Does insurance cover young adult IOP?
Is this program only for ASU students?
Is virtual IOP available for college students?
More Ways SMHWI Can Help
Our college student IOP is part of a broader continuum of care. Explore related programs and services at SMHWI.
You Don't Have to Navigate This Alone
Our team specializes in helping college students and young adults build the skills and support they need to thrive.
Start Your Journey