Who is eligible for our IOP?

The Intensive Outpatient Program is designed for individuals (ages 12 and up) who are struggling with problems associated with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Anxiety Disorders, including Social Anxiety, Specific Phobias, and Separation Anxiety.  

Eligibility is determined after a comprehensive initial assessment with one of our clinical team members. If you enter the program, this person will serve as your lead clinician. The comprehensive assessment includes a structured interview, questionnaires and standardized measures of symptom severity, a functional assessment, and a review of medical records, if applicable.

If you are eligible to participate, you (and your family, if applicable) will meet with your lead clinician during the initial assessment to discuss developing a treatment plan that will include formulating achievable goals and a timeline of treatment, and to discuss approximate costs of treatment.

How long will the program take?

Treatment duration and session frequency are determined on an individual basis after the initial assessment and in consultation with the treatment team and patient (and their family if applicable). Patients generally receive around 5 to 8 hours of individual treatment per week, over a period of 3 to 6 weeks. Sessions are typically between 50- and 90-minutes in length. Treatment will also include parent/family sessions in order to further develop and support skills that patients learn in individual sessions if appropriate.

What does the program look like?

• Individual sessions, provided by clinicians who specialize in OCD and Anxiety Disorders
• Treatment includes Psychoeducation, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) – treatments for OCD and Anxiety that have the strongest research support
• Clinicians work with patients to develop exposure exercises that are specifically relevant to their needs
• Patients participate in activities designed to encourage the generalization of learned skills into everyday life
• Sessions occur both in the office and in a variety of real-life settings outside of the office, ensuring patients gain confidence in situations where they experience the most anxiety
  • Virtual sessions may be an option if determined to be appropriate by the clinical team
• Progress is assessed on an ongoing basis in order to gauge the achievement of treatment goals

How do I get started?

Please contact the Head of the Intensive Outpatient Program, Dr. Devika Basu at drbasu@anxietyatl.com for more information or fill out our screener to indicate interest in IOP.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• Do you offer any psychiatric (i.e., medication) treatment as part of the IOP?

Our practice is not affiliated with any hospital systems. As such, we are not able to provide medical care including but not limited to the initiation or management of psychiatric medications. If you do not have a current psychiatrist or medical provider to manage medication and your lead clinician determines that a medication consultation would be beneficial, you will be provided with appropriate referrals. As part of your services with our team, your lead clinician will consult with your psychiatrist and other medical providers on an as-needed basis after obtaining your permission to do so.

• What does the program typically cost?

The cost of the program depends on the length of sessions conducted, and a detailed treatment plan and fee schedule will be provided to you for your approval after your initial assessment. On average, the total cost of the program falls between $3000 and $4500. 

• Do you take insurance?

Anxiety Specialists of Atlanta, LLC does not participate with any insurance companies. Therefore, we are considered out-of-network “OON” providers. Most companies provide “out-of-network” benefits for non-participating providers. This means you will pay the agreed-upon fee at the time of service with us and you will be provided with the documentation required by most insurance companies for reimbursement.

Most of our clients have insurance and many want to use it to cover some or most of the costs of treatment. Our clients often take advantage of filing with insurance as many managed care organizations (MCOs) allow for reimbursement of a percentage of fees for an “out-of-network” OON provider. Whether you choose to file for reimbursement with your insurance company is an individual decision.  We are happy to talk with you further about these issues upon request.

To start this process, call your insurer or go to their website to determine eligibility and benefits. Many insurance companies have a separate phone number for Mental Health or Behavioral Health, so you will need to direct inquiries to those departments. You will want to secure information for Outpatient Mental Health benefits and learn about your “In-Network” and your “Out-of-Network” benefits.

*Services reimbursed by insurance can vary. It is your responsibility to check with your individual policy as we are considered “Out of Network” providers.

• Am I required to do any group therapy as part of the IOP?

While we do not require that clients complete any groups that we offer as part of their treatment plan for the Intensive Outpatient Program, sometimes we strongly recommend completing these groups if available. That is because group therapy can be a powerful reinforcer of skills as well as a source of valuable social support. You can learn more about our group therapy offerings here.

• What happens when I’m done with the program?

Typically, most patients have made meaningful progress by the end of the program. Next steps after completion are up to you and your treatment team! Most patients continue with “step-down” care that consists of sessions on a lower frequency. Others may wish to continue with once-a-week treatment either with a member of their treatment team or with their primary individual therapist (if they are located at a different practice). Some may wish to discontinue treatment altogether if symptoms have significantly improved.

• What happens if I need more than 15 sessions?

There are no guarantees that treatment will be successful, although most clients do make meaningful progress. The outcome of treatment is based on your motivation for treatment, how long you have had the symptoms, and other factors.

If you and your treatment team determine that you would benefit from additional services (such as another round of an IOP, more sessions on a lower frequency basis, group therapy, etc.), this will be discussed with you and appropriate recommendations will be made at the latest by your final week in the program. If you have not made meaningful progress and you and your team believe that a higher level of care would be appropriate, you will be provided with this information and referrals.