How Tween Anxiety is Treated in an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

IOP programs can be an effective way to treat anxiety in children due to the comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach that focuses on therapeutic and skill-building interventions. Many times, individual therapy is not enough for teaching the skills and strategies required to develop change and improve symptoms due to the length and frequency of sessions. Hopewell Health Solutions’ IOP is designed to provide structured, intensive support without requiring an inpatient setting. 

Here are some ways Anxiety is Treated in an IOP setting: 

• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
• DBT focuses on emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and mindfulness. For tweens with anxiety, DBT helps them learn to manage overwhelming emotions and learn to build healthier responses to stress. 
• DBT skills is particularly helpful for tweens who are struggling with intense emotions, self-harm, suicidal ideation, or impulsivity, alongside anxiety. 
• Mindfulness 
• In our IOP, tweens are taught mindfulness techniques to help them stay grounded and present. These practices can help reduce worry thoughts that exacerbate anxiety. Relaxation techniques like deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and guided meditations can also be helpful in helping tweens manage physical symptoms of anxiety; like increased heart rate, nausea, sleep disturbances and more. 

• Group Therapy Setting 
• Hopewell Health Solutions’ IOP follows a group therapy model. This allows tweens to connect with peers who are experiencing similar struggles. Peer support helps reduce feelings of isolation and shame surrounding mental health challenges. In our group sessions, tweens learn important skills like communication skills, problem-solving, and emotional expression. They also have the opportunity to share coping strategies and experiences related to their anxiety, offering mutual support. 
• Family Therapy 
• Our IOP includes family involvement which is a crucial component of IOP for tweens. Family therapy helps improve communication and understanding between the tween and their family members. It teaches parents the skills being taught in IOP as well as the language being utilized to support the children. There is also an opportunity for family therapy through Hopewell Health Solutions. This allows parents to support their child’s recovery and manage family dynamics that may be contributing to anxiety. 
• Development of Coping Skills 
• Tweens are taught a variety of coping skills to help them manage anxiety outside of their time at Hopewell Health Solutions. Some of these skills include self-talk, journaling or creative expression, mindfulness, and problem solving. 
• Medication Management (If Desired)
• Hopewell Health Solutions also offers medication management for children and families interested in that approach. Our skilled team of medication providers can prescribe medications to help manage symptoms of anxiety. The combination of medication and therapy is proven to be effective. 

As you can see, there are many ways that Hopewell Health Solutions’ IOP can support children with anxiety. It doesn’t stop at the end of the program; we work with families and providers to develop a discharge plan for continued support in accessing their skills and managing their anxiety. By combining therapy, mindfulness, peer support, family support, and psychoeducation, tweens can gain the tools they need to manage anxiety effectively.

Notice is hereby given that, pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes Sec. 19a-638, Hopewell Health Solutions, LLC is applying for a certificate of need to establish an outpatient behavioral health care facility for adults at 248 Flanders Road, East Lyme, with an associated capital expenditure of $10,000. Interested persons may contact the State of Connecticut, Office of Health Strategy, Attention: Steven Lazarus, 450 Capitol Ave. MS #510HS, Hartford, CT 06134 or by phone at 860.418.7001 for additional information.