Is an IOP Right for Me? Exploring Mental Health Intensive Outpatient Programs in Austin, TX
If you’re searching for an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) in Austin, TX, there’s a good chance you’ve already been trying to manage anxiety, OCD, or another mental health concern for a while now. Maybe you’ve been in weekly therapy and made some progress, but you’re still struggling to get through the day. Or maybe the idea of starting therapy at all feels overwhelming because things already feel so heavy. If that sounds like you, you're not alone. And more importantly, you're not out of options.
Sometimes, weekly therapy just isn’t enough. That doesn’t mean you’re failing; it means it might be time for more support. That’s where an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) can help. It’s a step forward, not a step back. And it's a way to get focused, compassionate care without putting the rest of your life on hold.
What Is an IOP, Really?
An IOP is a higher level of mental health care that provides more frequent and focused treatment than traditional weekly therapy. At Austin Anxiety and OCD Specialists, our Austin IOP outpatient program offers one-on-one therapy sessions several hours per week. The program typically runs over the course of about two weeks. We work with kids, teens, and adults. Here’s what’s different: Our IOP isn’t group-based. You won’t be sitting in a circle with strangers unless that’s something you specifically want.
Instead, you'll work directly with a licensed therapist who builds a treatment plan around your values. Not ours or someone else's. Just yours. Unlike inpatient hospitalization or residential treatment, you don’t live at the center. You can go to work, spend time with your family, sleep in your own bed, and still get intensive support. It’s flexible, intentional care that meets you where you are, literally and emotionally.
Who Is IOP For?
So, how do you know if an IOP is the right next step for you or your loved one? It can be hard to tell when it's time to move beyond weekly therapy or when more support might make a meaningful difference. Here are some signs to help you figure out whether an intensive outpatient program in Austin might be a good fit:
Weekly therapy hasn't been enough to manage your symptoms
You find yourself constantly avoiding places, people, or tasks because of fear or anxiety
You're experiencing OCD, health anxiety, social anxiety, panic attacks, or a specific phobia
You want to make meaningful progress but feel stuck in your current routine
You’re juggling work, school, or parenting and need care that fits your life
We see clients from all across Texas, and even other states. Some people come to us because they've tried other programs that didn't feel like a good fit, while others are looking for care that aligns with their specific goals and values. We know how important it is to feel safe, seen, and supported when you're working on something this personal. So whether you're local or looking for care away from home, we're here.
Why OCD Clients Often Start Here
That might look like fear of germs, fear of harming others, or intense discomfort with uncertainty. We also see people who are terrified they’ll make a mistake, get someone sick, or overlook something important. Let’s say you’re afraid of undercooking food and making someone ill. That fear might seem small at first, but it can start to impact your daily life in big ways. Including what you eat, how you prepare meals, or whether you cook at all. These patterns often grow quietly until they start getting in the way of what really matters to you.
A lot of IOPs might respond by asking you to cook chicken breast repeatedly and serve it to people you care about. But if you don’t even enjoy cooking, that exposure might feel unnecessary or even irrelevant. Instead, we might explore a different challenge that still targets the same core fear, like delivering sushi for your coworkers.
This is What We Mean By a Values-Based Approach: We Focus On What Matters to You.
Exposure therapy isn’t just something we check off a list. It’s a tool we use with intention, to support meaningful change in the areas that matter most to you. Our team makes sure every exposure is designed to help you move forward, not just to challenge you for the sake of it. In addition to OCD, we also work with clients who are experiencing:
Panic attacks
Body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs), like hair-pulling or skin-picking
Specific phobias (e.g., driving, bridges, throwing up)
In future blogs, we’ll dig into how IOP can help with each of these. Each condition presents its own unique challenges, and the treatment approach needs to reflect that. Whether it’s working through fears of social rejection or managing compulsive behaviors that feel out of control, our team is here to support you. We understand that each experience with anxiety or OCD is deeply personal. That’s why we approach treatment with compassion, flexibility, and a deep respect for your values. Together, we’ll focus on what matters most to you. No matter where you're starting from, there’s a path forward—and we’ll walk it with you.
What Makes Our Austin IOP Different
We know that searching for an IOP in Austin, TX, can feel overwhelming. There are a lot of options, and not all programs are the same. Here's what makes ours stand out:
1. Personalized, One-on-One Therapy
No group sessions unless you want them. Our IOP is entirely individual therapy with a highly trained, licensed clinician. We don’t use behavior techs or interns. You get expert-level care that’s tailored to your exact needs. This means more personalized attention, more meaningful progress, and a therapeutic space that truly feels like yours.
2. Your Values, Your Plan
Our therapists don’t set your goals; you do. We’re here to support what matters most to you. That might be attending a friend’s wedding, driving on the highway, or getting through your workday without checking your phone 300 times. What matters to you becomes the foundation of your treatment plan, not an afterthought. And as your goals evolve, your therapy does too.
3. Flexible Scheduling
We work around your job, your kids’ school schedule, and your real life. Therapy should support your daily routine, not disrupt it. That flexibility can make a huge difference when you're already juggling so much. It means you're more likely to stick with therapy, stay engaged, and actually see the progress you're hoping for.
4. Real-World Practice
Your therapist will meet you where the anxiety lives: grocery stores, schools, airports, highways, hotels. We’ll even work in your home or neighborhood if that’s what you need. Practicing skills in real-life environments makes the work more meaningful and the progress more sustainable. When your therapist is by your side in the moments that matter, change starts to feel possible, and often, less scary.
5. Confidential and Compassionate Care
Your privacy matters deeply to us. Over the years, we’ve supported high-profile clients who needed discreet, reliable care. The same level of confidentiality, compassion, and respect is extended to everyone we serve, no matter their background. You can trust that your story stays in trusted hands.
6. Collaborative When You Want It
If you want us to coordinate care with your psychiatrist, your partner, or your child’s teacher, we’ll do that, but only with your consent. You stay in the driver’s seat. We’re here to support your goals in a way that feels collaborative and empowering, not intrusive.
What Happens Before You Start
Every person who is interested in our Austin IOP outpatient program gets a free consultation call with Dr. Samantha Myhre, our IOP coordinator. She takes the time to learn your story and help determine if we’re the right fit. Sometimes that means we recommend residential care instead. And sometimes we think weekly therapy is actually a better match. No matter what, we’re honest about what we think is in your best interest. If we’re not the right fit, we’ll connect you with someone who is.
FAQs: Things People Ask Us All the Time
Making a decision about IOP can come with a lot of questions, and that’s completely normal. We’ve worked with hundreds of individuals and families who were unsure at first and just needed more information to feel confident. Whether you’re sorting out the logistics, wondering how our program actually works, or just trying to picture how this would fit into your day-to-day life, we’ve got you. We know this is a big decision, and we’re here to help you feel as informed and supported as possible. Below are some of the most common questions we get about our Austin IOP outpatient program.
Do I need a formal diagnosis to start?
Not at all. We just ask that you come with a willingness to explore what you’re going through and what support might look like.
Will I still be able to work or go to school while doing IOP?
Yes. We’ll build a schedule that works with your life, not one that adds stress to it.
Do you take insurance?
We’re considered out-of-network. However, many of our clients receive partial reimbursement through their insurance by submitting superbills.
Can I keep my current therapist or psychiatrist?
Definitely. We’re happy to collaborate with your current providers, or we can be your main treatment team if that feels like a better fit.
How do I talk to my family about starting an IOP?
You don’t have to navigate that conversation alone. We’re here to help you think through how to share this decision in a way that feels true to you.
What Healing Can Look Like
No, IOP isn’t a magic switch. But it is a chance to build a life where fear doesn’t call the shots. Nervousness might still show up when you drive on the highway, but you’ll be able to merge into traffic and keep going. Germs might still cross your mind at a party, but you’ll be able to enjoy the people around you instead of planning your exit. Progress looks like freedom, flexibility, and peace of mind.
Still Wondering If an IOP in Austin, Texas Is Right for You?
Exploring IOP can bring up a lot of feelings—uncertainty, hesitation, even hope. It’s okay to have questions and not be totally sure what the right next step is. What matters is that something in you wants things to feel different, more manageable, more aligned with your values. If that’s where you’re at, we’d be honored to walk alongside you as you explore what healing could look like.
At Austin Anxiety and OCD Specialists, we offer free consultation calls so you can get your questions answered, learn more about the program, and see if it feels like a good fit. You don’t have to figure it all out alone.
Here’s how to get started:
Call us at 512-246-7225 or email hello@austinanxiety.com to schedule your free IOP consultation today.
Learn more about IOPs and if the program is right for you.
Take the next step toward a life that anxiety doesn’t get to control.
Other Therapy Services Offered at Austin Anxiety and OCD Specialists
Mental health isn’t one-size-fits-all, which is why we offer more than just IOP. Our team provides therapy for children & teens, and adults facing challenges like OCD, phobias, emetophobia, generalized anxiety, panic disorder, PTSD, social anxiety, selective mutism, separation anxiety, tics, BFRBs, and depression. We also offer parent coaching, SPACE treatment, group therapy, assessments, online therapy across Texas, and Camp Courage, a supportive program for youth building skills and confidence.
What sets us apart is our commitment to honoring your values and goals. Treatment is tailored to your needs, with evidence-based approaches like CBT, ERP, and ACT delivered by compassionate, highly trained clinicians. Whether you're seeking individual support or care for your family, we’re here to help you move forward with purpose and clarity.
Meet Our IOP Team
Behind every IOP success story is a team of thoughtful, highly trained clinicians who bring expertise, warmth, and intention to every session. At Austin Anxiety and OCD Specialists, our IOP team is made up of licensed therapists who are deeply committed to delivering personalized, values-based care for clients of all ages.
Dr. Samantha Myhre, PhD, is our Assistant Clinical Director and IOP Coordinator. She brings a strong background in evidence-based treatments for anxiety and OCD, as well as a focus on self-worth, depression, and mindfulness. Dr. Myhre works with clients ages 6 and up and is known for her collaborative, compassionate approach.
Ann Elise Taylor, LCSW, PMH-C, works primarily with adults and specializes in anxiety, OCD, trauma, and perinatal mental health. She’s certified in perinatal mental health and integrates CBT, ACT, ERP, and EMDR to help clients move toward a more fulfilling life.
Ayla Bridges, LMFT, brings deep expertise in working with children, teens, and families. She helps clients navigate OCD, anxiety, ADHD, and behavioral concerns with a hands-on, strengths-based approach rooted in CBT, ERP, and PCIT. Ayla is passionate about helping younger clients build confidence, face fears, and develop lasting skills for everyday life.
Dr. Ansimone Youssef, PsyD, primarily works with adolescents and young adults experiencing OCD, anxiety, and depression. She emphasizes warmth, cultural humility, and holistic, evidence-based care tailored to each client’s unique needs.
Whether you’re looking for support for your child, teen, or yourself, our team offers developmentally appropriate, compassionate care at every age. We’re honored to be part of your healing journey.