Choosing the Right Program for Your Child: Key Questions to Ask About IOPs and PHPs

When your child’s mental health needs more support than weekly therapy can provide, it’s common to feel overwhelmed by the array of program options. Recommendations for an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) or a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) can create a whirlwind of questions. The good news? By slowing down, understanding the basics, and asking the right questions, you can make an informed decision that suits your child’s unique needs.

Understanding IOPs vs. PHPs

Before comparing programs, it helps to know what these acronyms stand for:

• IOP (Intensive Outpatient Program): Typically meets three to five days a week for three to five hours per day. IOPs are structured yet flexible, allowing participants to continue attending school or work while receiving intensive support.
  
  

• PHP (Partial Hospitalization Program): Often meets five to seven days a week, ranging from five to seven hours per day. PHPs provide a higher level of care and structure, serving as a step down from inpatient treatment or a step up from IOPs, depending on the individual’s needs.
  
  

The right choice depends on the severity of symptoms, safety considerations, and your child’s ability to function outside the program. Both levels of care serve adolescents struggling with conditions like anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and related challenges.

Key Questions to Ask When Evaluating a Program

Once you understand the basic differences, focus on gathering details about any program you’re considering. Here are the essential questions to guide your decision-making.

1. What kind of curriculum do you use?

A well-designed program follows a structured curriculum that covers specific topics and skills over time. Ask how long the curriculum runs (six, eight, ten, or more weeks) and whether it’s consistent across participants. Does the program offer evidence-based therapies—such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)? Are creative or experiential elements like art, music, or nature included? A clear curriculum helps you understand what your child will learn and how progress will be measured.

2. Who leads the program?

The qualifications of the staff directly impact the quality of care. Find out whether the sessions are facilitated by independently licensed therapists, associate-level clinicians working toward licensure, interns, or behavioral health technicians. Ask about staff-to-client ratios and whether multiple therapists are present during group sessions. Knowing who will be interacting with your child—and their level of training—gives you confidence in the program’s expertise and safety.

3. What type of family involvement is included?

Family participation is often a vital component of adolescent mental health treatment. Ask how frequently parents or caregivers are expected to attend sessions. Are there weekly parent support groups or education workshops? Are family therapy sessions provided? How will the program communicate updates—through in-person meetings, email, phone calls, or progress reports? Understanding your role helps you support your child effectively and fosters long-term change.

4. How long is the program and what outcomes can we expect?

Program lengths vary, and so do definitions of success. Clarify how many weeks the program runs and whether there’s a minimum participation requirement. Ask about typical outcomes: Do participants continue to outpatient therapy after completion, or do they often return to a higher level of care? A good program will outline its goals—such as improved emotional regulation, reduced symptoms, or enhanced coping skills—and share how it measures progress.

5. What happens after discharge?

The transition back to daily life is critical. Inquire about aftercare and discharge planning. Does the program help arrange follow-up services, like individual or family therapy? Are there alumni or peer-support groups your child can join? Does the program offer a step-down option—such as a teen DBT group—to maintain momentum? A thoughtful discharge plan ensures the skills learned in treatment translate into lasting change.

6. How many kids are in each group?

Group size affects the level of individual attention your child receives. Smaller groups (three to seven participants) allow more interaction and personalized guidance, while larger groups (up to twelve or more) can foster broader social learning. Ask how the program maintains a safe and supportive atmosphere, regardless of group size.

7. What diagnoses and challenges are represented in the group?

Some programs specialize in specific diagnoses, like substance use disorders or depression, while others serve a broader range of conditions. Understanding the primary diagnoses of group members can help you determine if the peer environment will resonate with your child’s experiences and needs.

Trust Your Parental Intuition

While mental health professionals provide valuable recommendations, remember that you know your child best. If something doesn’t feel right—whether it’s a program’s philosophy, staff interactions, or curriculum focus—trust your gut. Ask follow-up questions and explore alternative options. Your instincts, combined with the right information, are powerful tools for advocating for your child’s well-being.

Take Advantage of Tours and Consultations

Many providers welcome parents to tour their facilities or schedule consultations. Visiting in person (or virtually) allows you to observe the environment, meet staff, and ask additional questions. At The Rosemary Tree, for instance, families are invited to stop by for a 10–15 minute tour of the IOP and PHP spaces or to schedule a phone call to discuss their concerns in more detail. Seeing the space and meeting the team can ease anxiety and provide reassurance that your child will be cared for in a safe, nurturing environment.

Final Thoughts: You’re Not Alone

Choosing a mental health program for your child can feel daunting. By understanding the differences between IOPs and PHPs and asking thoughtful questions about curriculum, staff qualifications, family involvement, program length, discharge planning, group size, and diagnoses, you’ll be better equipped to find the best fit. And remember—your child’s treatment journey is a collaboration between you, your child, and the professionals who will support them. Don’t hesitate to reach out for guidance, ask for tours, or seek a second opinion. Organizations like The Rosemary Tree are dedicated to helping families navigate these decisions with compassion and expertise.

If you’re considering an IOP or PHP and have more questions, get in touch. Our team is ready to listen, guide, and walk alongside you every step of the way.