Child & Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Programs

The Child & Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) are community-based mental health programs designed to meet the unique needs of patients ages 8-18. The IOP's provide a "step down" level of treatment for children and adolescents discharged from inpatient or acute partial hospitalization settings, or a "step up" level of treatment when traditional outpatient services are not effectively meeting the needs of the child.

The IOP's offer a level of intervention that is more structured in both frequency and variety of services offered than traditional outpatient treatment. The IOP provides a range of individualized intensive therapeutic socialization and skill development opportunities in addition to more traditional individual and family interventions. Typically, patients receive 9 hours of treatment per week which may include group, individual, and family interventions. The IOP's utilize evidenced based treatment modalities including CBT and DBT.

Our IOP's are conveniently located in Pittsburgh (Southside) and in Wexford. Transportation is the responsibility of the patient and family.

Our Mission

Our mission can be defined by the acronym ACCEPT. This acronym was developed in a collaborative effort between our staff and adolescent community members. ACCEPT reflects our guiding principles especially those of inclusion, love, kindness, and dedication to providing the highest quality and effective care. Our programs use the Evidence-Based Treatments of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).

Admission Considerations

• Child/Adolescent is experiencing a chronic and/or acute mental illness
• Child/Adolescent is in a less restrictive level of care and experiencing an increase in symptoms resulting in decreased functioning at home, school, and/or the community.
• Child/Adolescent is experiencing suicidal and/or homicidal ideation w/o intent and/or is experiencing self injurious behaviors
• Child/Adolescent is stepping down from an Acute Partial Hospital Program

Exclusion Criteria:

• Primary Diagnosis of Substance abuse or conduct disorder
• Aggressive behavior across multiple settings - home, school, community
• Intellectual Disability

Referral Information

Referrals will be considered from any interested agency or party including, but not limited to, inpatient units, outpatient programs, schools, county mental health clinics, private mental health practitioners, health professionals, patients and families.

If you would like to make a referral, please complete the referral form below and fax or email to the Intake Coordinator.
Fax: 412-235-5322
Email: Adol_PHP_IOP_Intake@upmc.edu

If you have questions, please call 412-246-6668.

Our Experts

Sarah Fallica, LSW, HSV
Program Director