Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) in Tempe, Glendale & Scottsdale
If you are searching for an IOP near you in the Phoenix metro, SMHWI offers structured mental health treatment for depression, anxiety, and trauma three days per week. In-person and virtual IOP are both available so care fits around your work, school, or family schedule.
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Insurance We Work With
Coverage varies by plan. Our admissions team verifies your benefits at no cost before treatment begins.
What Is an Intensive Outpatient Program?
An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) provides structured, clinical mental health treatment without requiring a residential stay. At SMHWI, our IOP in Tempe, Glendale, and Scottsdale is designed for adults managing depression, anxiety, trauma, and other mental health conditions who need more than weekly therapy but want to maintain their work, school, or family routines.
Our program meets three days per week on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, with each session lasting approximately three hours. Treatment includes evidence-based group therapy, individual counseling, psychiatric support, and skill-building workshops led by licensed clinicians.
IOP is appropriate as a step-down from inpatient, residential, or partial hospitalization (PHP) care, or as a step-up for individuals who are not making adequate progress with standard outpatient therapy. Our clinical team conducts a thorough assessment to determine the right level of care for each patient.
Is Intensive Outpatient Treatment Right for You?
IOP is not entry-level therapy and it is not inpatient hospitalization. It occupies a clinically significant middle ground, offering the structure and frequency of residential care while you continue living at home, working, and maintaining daily responsibilities.
Our clinical team recommends IOP for adults who are experiencing significant impairment from a mental health condition and need more contact with a treatment team than once-weekly therapy can provide. It is also a common step-down from a higher level of care after inpatient, residential, or PHP discharge.
If you are unsure whether IOP is the right fit, our admissions team will conduct a free, confidential assessment and recommend the level of care that is most appropriate for your situation.
You are managing depression, anxiety, trauma, PTSD, or a mood disorder that is affecting your daily life
Weekly outpatient therapy has not provided enough support or your symptoms have worsened
You are stepping down from inpatient, residential, or PHP care and need continued clinical support
You are stable enough to live at home but not yet ready to manage without regular clinical contact
You want to maintain your work, school, or family schedule while receiving structured mental health care
Not sure if IOP is the right level of care?
Our team can help you find out.
Find a Time That Works for Your Life
Morning, afternoon, and evening tracks are available across our three locations. Each track meets Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday so you can build care around your existing commitments.
A good fit for those who prefer to get treatment done early in the day or who have afternoon work or family commitments. Complete your session and carry new skills into the rest of your day.
Well suited for those who have morning appointments, classes, or part-time work and prefer to attend treatment during the midday hours. Leaves evenings free for family or rest.
Built for working professionals who need to be available during standard business hours. Complete a full day of work or school and attend structured clinical sessions in the evening without disrupting your career.
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. Every session includes a core curriculum block, a modality-based experiential component, and a skills integration exercise.
- A clearer understanding of why depression and anxiety feel so hard to control — and how to change that
- Practical, proven skills to get through your most difficult moments
- A stronger connection between how your body feels and what your mind is going through
- Understanding Your Emotional Patterns
- What Happens in Your Body When You're Overwhelmed?
- A deeper understanding of how past experiences and trauma shape how you feel and behave today
- The ability to start shifting the stories you tell yourself about who you are and what you deserve
- Insight into why certain people, situations, or memories trigger depression, anxiety, or PTSD responses
- Parts of You That Show Up Under Stress
- Rewriting the Story You Tell Yourself
- The skills to recognize and interrupt the thought patterns that keep depression and anxiety in control
- Clarity on what matters most to you — and a plan for building a life that reflects it
- A personalized roadmap for staying well after IOP ends
- 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 across a range of evidence-based approaches.
Mental Health Conditions Treated at Our IOP Program
Our intensive outpatient program addresses a range of mental health conditions through individualized, evidence-based treatment plans.
Depression
Structured treatment for persistent sadness, loss of motivation, and changes in sleep or appetite using cognitive behavioral and interpersonal therapies.
Anxiety Disorders
Evidence-based interventions for generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder, and related conditions. Learn practical coping strategies and build resilience.
PTSD & Trauma
Specialized trauma-informed care including EMDR and CPT for individuals affected by traumatic experiences, abuse, or chronic stress.
Mood Disorders
Comprehensive treatment for bipolar disorder, dysthymia, and mood regulation challenges through medication management and therapeutic approaches.
Relationship & Life Stressors
Guided support for managing life transitions, interpersonal challenges, grief, and chronic stress that affects daily functioning.
Virtual IOP
The same evidence-based treatment delivered through secure video sessions. Ideal for individuals who prefer remote access or live outside our immediate service areas.
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 patients 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.
Insurance Verification
Within 24 HoursWe contact your insurance provider to verify coverage for IOP 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. Our team ensures a smooth transition into the program.
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 treatment goals based on your assessment 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?
IOP Locations Across the Phoenix Metro
Three convenient clinic locations in the Phoenix metropolitan area, plus a fully virtual option for patients throughout Arizona.
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
All IOP Programs at SMHWI
Explore our full suite of intensive outpatient programs across Arizona and Texas. In-person and virtual options are available for all programs.
Frequently Asked Questions About IOP
What is an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)?
How long does the IOP program last?
Can I attend IOP while working or going to school?
Does SMHWI offer virtual IOP?
Does insurance cover IOP?
What is the difference between IOP and inpatient treatment?
How do I know if IOP is right for me?
Is online IOP as effective as in-person treatment?
What should I expect during my first week of IOP?
More Ways SMHWI Can Help
Our IOP is one part of a broader continuum of care. Explore related programs and services available at SMHWI.
Take the First Step Toward Feeling Better
Our admissions team is available to answer your questions, verify your insurance, and get you started with a confidential assessment.
Start Your Journey