Adolescent Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

At Pacific Grove Hospital, our adolescent virtual IOP is a flexible option for young people who need behavioral healthcare services but cannot attend therapy sessions in person because of school or other personal responsibilities. Participating in an adolescent virtual IOP can provide several benefits, including:  

• Convenience: Virtual IOPs make it easier for clients to receive care while keeping up with their school and family commitments. Sessions can be scheduled at times that fit with their daily routines, making it easier for them to stay engaged in treatment. 
• Accessibility: Virtual programming can serve as an accessible option for those who live in remote areas, don’t have transportation, or have disabilities that make travel difficult.  
• Privacy: Some young people may not feel comfortable discussing their personal experiences and thoughts in an in-person group setting. Virtual programming offers them the privacy of being in their own home, potentially helping them feel more at ease and more willing to participate in therapy. 
• Broader support network: Virtual programs connect adolescents with peers from different backgrounds, which can help them build a broader sense of community through a shared understanding of the struggles they’re facing. 

Virtual IOPs give clients the tools they need to manage stress and intense emotions in healthier ways. Interactive group therapy sessions allow participants to learn about topics like anger management, anxiety reactions, recognizing boundaries, coping strategies, and challenging negative thoughts. With a supportive network of peers and experienced behavioral health professionals to encourage them, participants in virtual IOPs can begin to address the root causes of their struggles and take meaningful steps toward a healthier, more balanced life. 

In our adolescent virtual IOP in Riverside, California, we deliver specialized care for adolescents ages 13-17. This program offers a convenient, accessible, and effective way for young people to receive comprehensive support without the need for in-person attendance. It provides a strong sense of structure that can be especially beneficial for adolescents who are struggling with behavioral health concerns, as it can help them establish healthy routines, have productive discussions with their peers, and focus on their overall wellness.  

The adolescent virtual IOP allows clients to engage in therapy virtually from any location. Our virtual programming is scheduled late in the afternoon so that clients can receive services while they continue to focus on their academic or personal responsibilities. Sessions are offered Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 4:30-7:30 p.m. and are conducted via Microsoft Teams.  

Group therapy is a core component of our virtual programming for adolescents. To ensure that each client receives the attention they deserve, our group sessions are limited to 10 or fewer clients at a time.  

During group therapy sessions in our adolescent virtual IOP, our team incorporates therapeutic modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) to help clients learn how to manage their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Participating in group therapy also helps clients improve their communication skills and connects them with peers who may be facing similar challenges.  

In group therapy sessions, our licensed professionals cover a variety of topics, such as anger management, personal boundaries, and coping strategies. Group topics are selected based on clients’ current needs, but these sessions are also designed to give adolescents tools to help them on their journey to lifelong wellness. 

The length of participation in our adolescent virtual IOP can vary depending on each person’s individual needs and progress. However, each young person typically engages in virtual therapy for two to 12 weeks. Teens can enter our virtual IOP without completing another level of care. The program can also serve as a step-down option for adolescents who have completed a higher level of care, such as residential or in-person intensive outpatient programming.  

Behavioral health concerns such as anxiety and depression can affect nearly every aspect of a young person’s life, from their academic performance to their relationships with family and friends. At Pacific Grove Hospital, our adolescent virtual IOP provides a supportive environment where clients can strengthen their social and communication skills. With thoughtful guidance, our team helps young people build resilience, empowering them to face life’s challenges with greater confidence.  

Our adolescent virtual IOP offers group therapy, which includes a blend of educational and process groups that are tailored for teens. Within these sessions, our caring professionals incorporate evidence-based therapeutic modalities such as CBT and DBT, which have been shown to promote long-term healing.  

Cognitive behavioral therapy can help young people recognize negative thought patterns that can contribute to emotional distress. With CBT, therapists guide clients as they explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. They also teach clients practical strategies for coping in healthier, more effective ways. In a group setting, adolescents are encouraged to share their experiences, offer support, and learn from their peers, which creates a sense of connection. This peer interaction adds an extra layer of encouragement and accountability, promoting personal growth within a compassionate community. 

Dialectical behavior therapy can help clients learn how to manage intense emotions when they arise. With DBT, therapists introduce mindfulness practices that promote awareness of strong emotions without the need for an immediate reaction. Adolescents are guided through a range of self-soothing strategies, such as deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation techniques. These tools can help them regulate their emotions and cope when they face difficult moments in the future. 

Our expert team recognizes and understands the unique challenges young people face today. Our adolescent virtual intensive outpatient program provides a well-rounded care experience that is clearly structured and easy to access from home. Our compassionate staff is committed to providing high-quality behavioral healthcare options for adolescents in the Riverside area.  

If you choose to have your child participate in our adolescent virtual IOP, their personalized wellness journey will start with an in-depth assessment that will help us customize a care plan based on their specific needs. Their personalized care will include group therapy and a detailed discharge plan with recommendations for appropriate aftercare options.  

If you are ready to begin the admissions process, you can contact us by phone or visit our hospital in person at your convenience. Our caring staff is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to help you determine whether our adolescent virtual IOP is the right fit for your child. We can also help you schedule an appointment with our intake team or answer any questions you may have about our facility. 

If an adolescent in your life needs help, all you have to do is reach out. At Pacific Grove Hospital, we are here to support you and your child as they begin on the path to hope and healing. 

This content was written on behalf of and reviewed by the clinical staff at Pacific Grove Hospital.