Program Overview
Our Intensive Outpatient Program is a structured, non-residential level of care that runs five days per week. It offers the depth and routine of inpatient treatment with the flexibility of outpatient care, so clients can continue living at home and managing work, school, and family. This program is ideal for people who need more than once-weekly therapy but do not require hospitalization.
Who We Support
Adults living with personality disorders, especially Borderline Personality Disorder, whose symptoms impact relationships, emotional regulation, and daily functioning.
What to Expect
Comprehensive Assessment
Every client begins with a thorough psychiatric and psychological evaluation. We review history, current symptoms, and goals, then create a personalized treatment plan.
IOP Diagnostic & Treatment Planning Intake with Program Director
Duration: 90 minutes
This extended intake is conducted by Dr. Justin Jones, Ph.D., Program Director of The Kimberly Center’s Intensive Outpatient Program.
The IOP Diagnostic & Treatment Planning Intake is a comprehensive, in-depth evaluation designed to determine clinical appropriateness for the IOP and to establish a clear, individualized treatment framework from the outset. Unlike standard therapy intakes, this session focuses on diagnostic clarity, personality organization, relational patterns, and risk assessment, with particular attention to complex presentations involving trauma, attachment disturbance, and personality pathology.
During this 90-minute session, Dr. Jones will:
- Conduct a thorough diagnostic and developmental assessment
- Evaluate current functioning, risk, and readiness for intensive outpatient treatment
- Assess personality structure, relational dynamics, and core defensive patterns
- Determine appropriateness and level-of-care recommendations
- Develop a tailored IOP treatment plan, including recommended modalities, frequency, and clinical focus
This intake establishes the clinical foundation and structure of care and ensures that treatment is cohesive, intentional, and appropriately matched to the individual’s needs.
Completion of this intake is required prior to enrollment in The Kimberly Center’s Intensive Outpatient Program.
Structured Weekly Schedule
- Five days per week, Monday to Friday
- 2 to 3 hours per day, totaling about 9 to 19 hours per week
- Each day includes a mix of skills training, process-oriented work, and supportive therapy
Individual Therapy
Regular sessions with a primary therapist to work on personal goals, deepen insight, and reinforce skills learned in group.
Group Therapy
Central to the program, groups offer a supportive setting to practice new skills and receive feedback.
Medication Support (as needed)
A psychiatrist or prescribing clinician is available for consultation and ongoing medication management for symptoms such as anxiety, depression, or impulsivity.
Evidence-Based Approaches
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Focus on emotion regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness. Programming may include individual sessions and skills groups, with between-session coaching when available.
- Transference-Focused Psychotherapy (TFP): A psychodynamic approach that helps transform relational patterns and emotional responses.
- Mentalization-Based Treatment (MBT): Builds reflective functioning and improves the ability to understand oneself and others in terms of thoughts and feelings.
- Supportive and cognitive therapies: Strengthen self-esteem, restructure unhelpful thought patterns, and reinforce consistent, healthy behaviors alongside the core modalities.
Clinical Goals
- Reduce self-harm and suicidal behaviors using proven interventions
- Improve emotion dysregulation, impulsivity, and interpersonal instability
- Enhance identity stability, resilience, and sense of self
- Decrease hospitalization risk through consistent, structured care
Patient Experience
Clients learn and apply skills to real-life situations with support from peers and clinicians. The program emphasizes a safe, collaborative environment that reduces isolation and builds a sense of belonging.
Measuring Progress
Your treatment team tracks progress toward clear outcomes, including fewer impulsive or self-harming behaviors, improved emotional stability, stronger interpersonal effectiveness, and a more resilient sense of self.
Transition and Aftercare
When you are ready to step down from IOP, we create a personalized plan that may include weekly therapy, ongoing skills groups, medication management, or other step-down services to sustain gains over time.
Is IOP Right for You?
If you are seeking more support than weekly therapy provides but do not need inpatient care, our IOP offers evidence-based structure with flexibility and compassion. Contact us to schedule an intake and learn how this program can help.
Ready to Begin?
Secure your 90-minute diagnostic intake with Dr. Jones and determine if the IOP is the right path for your recovery.