Adolescents who undergo intensive outpatient therapy need caregivers' support

Parents and caregivers strive to offer their children the best care possible. This may involve enrolling them in an intensive outpatient therapy program to meet their child’s mental health needs.

IOP is a comprehensive therapy program designed to help young people who are struggling with their mental health. With intensive outpatient therapy, families can provide their children with the care and support they need to thrive.

Liliana Klay, a mental health therapist for Rosecrance Behavioral Health, leads an IOP group in Crystal Lake, Illinois, specifically designed for children between the ages of eight and 12. The program allows them to receive treatment during the day while living at home, which can help them maintain their daily routine and responsibilities.

The therapy sessions include techniques and coping mechanisms like mindfulness, stress management, and communication skills. These therapies help adolescents learn how to manage their emotions and develop healthy coping mechanisms to deal with life’s challenges.

“The groups are small, and it can be very effective talking through challenges in a group setting because it allows the children to hear it from a peer,” Klay said. “It acts as a mirror to them.”

While a student may spend six weeks with Klay, she said what’s important in the long-term success of the child receiving the treatment is having a supportive environment that doesn’t end when they leave the program.

“We often look for those big wins and celebrate those, but celebrating the small wins is something the child’s support system can do very easily,” Klay said.  “A small change might be when a child who used to throw something from the table may instead yell that they need a break or take a moment to collect themselves.”

Parents and caregivers are often asked a lot by their child’s therapist, but being open and truly working with their child’s therapist frequently leads to long-term success.

“Caregivers play a big role, and it’s important that they bring a team mentality focused on change. It’s not just the kids in the program; it’s the family. We offer support to the family, work with teachers, and support the parents; it’s a community effort.  I think it’s important, especially if we’re talking about treatment long-term success,” Klay said.

Parents and caregivers who notice their child is struggling at home, in school, or in both environments can call 888-928-5278 to work with a team of professionals who can provide the best opportunity for lasting recovery.