Therapy Doesn’t Have to Be Spooky: What to Expect From a Mental Health IOP in Austin, TX
Halloween is just around the corner, and for many, the month of October conjures images of haunted houses, eerie decorations, and spooky stories. But for individuals managing mental health challenges, anxiety can feel much scarier than any costume or ghostly tale. Fortunately, therapy doesn’t have to be spooky. For children, teens, and adults in Round Rock and Austin, TX, Austin Anxiety & OCD Specialists’ Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) offers structured, evidence-based mental health care that is supportive, effective, and far from frightening.
Whether you’re experiencing anxiety, OCD, body-focused repetitive disorders, or other mental health concerns, this guide explains what a mental health IOP in Austin, TX, is, what to expect, and how the therapists at Austin Anxiety & OCD Specialists help clients regain control of their lives in a safe, welcoming environment.
What Is an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)?
An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is a structured mental health treatment format designed for individuals who need more support than weekly therapy but do not require full-time residential care. Anxiety and OCD intensive outpatient programs are typically housed within anxiety treatment centers, specialty clinics, or hospitals.
At Austin Anxiety & OCD Specialists, IOP treatment offers tailored programs for children, teens, and adults, ensuring that therapy addresses specific mental health challenges, including:
Generalized anxiety.
Panic disorder.
Specific phobias.
Social anxiety.
Selective mutism.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
Emetophobia.
Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs) such as hair pulling (trichotillomania) and skin picking.
Trauma and PTSD.
Unlike generalized mental health programs, the IOP at Austin Anxiety & OCD Specialists provides specialized therapy, so clients get practical, targeted strategies rather than a “one-size-fits-all” approach.
Why Halloween Can Make Mental Health Feel Scarier
For many people, Halloween can amplify anxiety. Costumes, crowded parties, dark streets, and unexpected surprises may feel overwhelming, especially for someone struggling with anxiety, trauma, or OCD. While spooky stories are fun for some, intrusive thoughts, compulsions, or emotional stressors can make these seasonal experiences feel unsettling.
And for many, Halloween doesn’t just bring one stressful night; it marks the beginning of a string of back-to-back holidays that often heighten pressure, social demands, and overall stress. The combination of travel, gatherings, and disrupted routines can intensify anxiety or OCD symptoms.
If this season feels especially difficult to manage, it may be time to consider a more structured form of support.
Who Can Benefit From IOP?
Children and Teens:
Young clients benefit from structured, extended therapy sessions that address anxiety, OCD, or related challenges while maintaining school attendance and extracurricular activities. The program provides developmentally appropriate strategies to help kids and teens face fears, reduce compulsions, and build lasting resilience.
Adults:
For adults juggling careers, parenting, and daily responsibilities, the IOP offers focused, high-impact therapy designed to fit within real life. Participants can make measurable progress in managing anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and avoidance while still maintaining their professional and personal commitments.
Families and Caregivers:
OCD and anxiety affect the entire family system. IOP treatment at Austin Anxiety and OCD Specialists includes parent coaching and caregiver training to help loved ones provide support effectively without unintentionally reinforcing anxiety or compulsions. Families learn effective communication tools, boundary-setting strategies, and ways to support progress both inside and outside of therapy sessions.
Austin Anxiety & OCD Specialists’ IOP is especially helpful for individuals whose symptoms are interfering with daily life despite ongoing weekly therapy, as well as those seeking faster, more sustainable progress through structured, evidence-based treatment.
What Makes Austin Anxiety & OCD Specialists’ IOP Different?
For more than a decade, Austin Anxiety & OCD Specialists has provided intensive, evidence-based treatment with a reputation for excellence and compassion. Our Intensive Outpatient Program combines clinical expertise, innovation, and individualized care in a welcoming and supportive environment.
1. A Clinically Led, Family-Owned Specialty Clinic, Not a Corporation
Austin Anxiety & OCD Specialists is a family-owned practice founded and led by a licensed psychologist who remains deeply committed to serving the Texas community she grew up in, not a large corporation driven by distant executives or investors. Our leadership team is closely involved in the day-to-day care of clients, blending clinical expertise with compassionate, hands-on support.
In addition to three licensed psychologists, the leadership team includes a dedicated practice manager who plays a vital front-line role, providing daily interaction and personalized assistance to clients and families. This close-knit, people-first approach ensures that every decision we make is guided by one priority above all else: delivering exceptional, ethical, and personalized care that truly supports each individual’s well-being.
Because our clinic is clinician-led and family-owned, every aspect of our IOP, from treatment planning to program structure, is grounded in clinical integrity and designed to meet the unique needs of those facing anxiety and OCD.
2. OCD and Anxiety-Specific Treatment Programs
Unlike many programs that combine clients with a range of unrelated mental health issues, our IOP is designed exclusively for individuals with OCD and anxiety disorders. This focus allows therapy to be practical, targeted, and research-driven, addressing the unique challenges of these conditions with precision and empathy.
3. Highly Trained, Licensed Therapists
IOP sessions are led by licensed professionals with master’s or doctoral degrees, not trainees or students. Our therapists are experts in treating all OCD subtypes, including taboo and highly sensitive intrusive thoughts, ensuring clients feel safe, respected, and deeply understood while confronting their most distressing symptoms.
4. Short-Term, High-Impact Format
Our intensive 2–3 week program provides focused care without long-term disruption to work, school, or family life. IOP clients receive:
Individualized therapy sessions.
Optional group therapy.
Family coaching and support.
Real-world practice in home, school, or community settings.
Collaboration with referring treatment providers.
5. Evidence-Based, Integrated Treatment
We use proven, gold-standard therapies including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), tailoring each treatment plan to the client’s goals, values, and readiness.
6. Real-World Skill Application
Therapy extends beyond the office. Clients practice skills and strategies in real-life settings, where anxiety actually occurs, promoting meaningful, lasting change.
7. Family Support and Collaboration
Families often play an essential role in overcoming anxiety and OCD. Our team teaches parents, caregivers, and partners how to respond to anxiety and compulsive behaviors without reinforcing them, while supporting their loved one’s progress with confidence and compassion.
8. Innovation Grounded in Experience
We continually refine our programs using emerging research, technology, and client feedback while staying grounded in over a decade of clinical experience and success. This balance of innovation and expertise allows us to provide the highest standard of care in an ever-changing mental health landscape.
Clearing Up Common Misconceptions About IOP
Even with growing awareness of mental health treatment options, Intensive Outpatient Programs are often misunderstood. Many people imagine sterile hospital settings, endless group sessions, or even horror stories about exposure therapy, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. At Austin Anxiety & OCD Specialists, our IOP is designed to be structured yet flexible, evidence-based yet compassionate, and always tailored to meet clients where they are in their journey. Let’s clear up a few of the most common misconceptions:
Myth #1: “IOP is scary or only for severe cases.”
Reality: IOP treatment isn’t reserved for people in crisis. IOP is built for individuals with moderate to severe anxiety or OCD who need more support than weekly therapy but don’t require hospitalization. Clients receive intensive care in a warm, collaborative, and empowering outpatient office setting.
Myth #2: “It’s just extended group therapy.”
Reality: A high-quality specialized IOP, like the one at Austin Anxiety & OCD Specialists, combines multiple treatment components: individual therapy, optional group therapy sessions, parent coaching, and real-world exposure therapy practice. This integrated model allows clients to build skills, gain confidence, and make meaningful progress faster than in standard weekly therapy alone.
Myth #3: “You have to live at a hospital.”
Reality: Unlike inpatient or residential programs, IOP clients live at home and continue attending school, work, and family activities while receiving structured daily care. This balance allows clients to apply skills in real-world settings while maintaining connection to their everyday lives and support systems.
Myth #4: “I’ll be forced to do something extreme or humiliating.”
Reality: Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), the gold-standard treatment for OCD, is often misunderstood. Effective ERP is never about shocking or overwhelming clients, and certainly not about doing something unsafe or demeaning (like “licking a toilet seat”). Instead, ERP at Austin Anxiety & OCD Specialists is collaborative, gradual, and designed around your values and the things that matter most to you. At Austin Anxiety and OCD Specialists, therapists work alongside clients to plan exposures that feel challenging but achievable, building confidence and resilience step by step.
Myth #5: “Medication is required to participate.”
Reality: While some clients may benefit from medication, it is not a prerequisite for IOP participation. Evidence-based therapy alone, especially Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) combined with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), can be effective for reducing anxiety, managing intrusive thoughts, and improving daily functioning. Decisions about medication are individualized and coordinated with psychiatric specialists when needed, ensuring that each client receives a holistic, tailored approach to treatment.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) at Austin Anxiety & OCD Specialists: What to Expect
The first step is reaching out to our office by phone or email. You will speak with our friendly and compassionate practice manager or administrative assistant, who will provide an overview of availability, scheduling options, costs, and answer any questions you may have about pursuing IOP treatment at Austin Anxiety & OCD Specialists.
If IOP appears to be a good fit, our admin team will help you schedule a complimentary 15-minute introductory phone call with our IOP Coordinator or another anxiety specialist on our IOP team. During this call, the Coordinator will discuss your treatment goals, give a general overview of our evidence-based approach to therapy, and answer any clinical questions you may have about the program.
When it seems like a good fit, the next step is a 2-hour new client appointment. During this session, our IOP Coordinator or another licensed therapist on our team will:
Spend time getting to know you.
Explore how anxiety or OCD impacts your daily life.
Provide diagnostic feedback.
Begin developing an individualized treatment plan aligned with your values and goals.
Once the treatment plan is in place, our IOP team will coordinate a detailed schedule tailored to your needs, which will be sent to you for review and approval.
After you approve the schedule, our administrative team will contact you to collect a deposit, securing your reserved treatment dates and ensuring your place in the program. You will be assigned 1-2 anxiety specialists who will be with you every step of the way.
Starting an IOP can feel intimidating at first, but you are not alone. From your very first contact with our team, every step is designed to be supportive, transparent, and flexible. Our experienced clinicians will guide you in a safe and compassionate environment, helping you build practical skills that translate into real-world results. By the time your IOP begins, you’ll have a clear understanding of the program, a personalized treatment plan, and a team dedicated to helping you feel confident, supported, and empowered in your recovery journey.
Don’t Let Anxiety or OCD Haunt Your Holidays
This Halloween, don’t let anxiety or OCD make life feel scarier than it has to be. Austin Anxiety & OCD Specialists’ Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) in Austin and Round Rock, TX, provides evidence-based, personalized care for children, teens, and adults, helping clients navigate real-world challenges confidently. Led by highly trained licensed therapists, our program combines individual therapy, practical skill application, and family support to ensure lasting progress. Whether you’re managing anxiety, intrusive thoughts, compulsions, or seasonal stress, our compassionate team is here to guide you every step of the way. Take the first step this fall. Reach out to Austin Anxiety & OCD Specialists and empower yourself or your loved one to reclaim the parts of your life that are most meaningful.
Find Support Through a Mental Health IOP in Austin, TX
Starting something new, especially therapy, can feel intimidating, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Austin Anxiety and OCD Specialists, our Mental Health Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) provides a structured, compassionate environment for those ready to take the next step toward recovery. Designed for adults, teens, and children managing anxiety, OCD, and related concerns, our IOP combines evidence-based treatment with genuine warmth and understanding. You’ll gain practical coping skills, emotional support, and a sense of community that helps make healing feel possible—not scary.
Here’s how to begin:
Contact us at hello@austinanxiety.com or call 512-246-7225 to schedule a free consultation.
Learn more about how our Mental Health IOP in Austin, TX can provide structure, flexibility, and support that meets you where you are.
Our team will guide you through the process, answer your questions, and help you take the first step toward confidence and emotional stability.
Therapy doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Together, we can make it a safe and empowering experience.
Expanded Mental Health Services at Austin Anxiety and OCD Specialists in Austin, TX
At Austin Anxiety and OCD Specialists, we understand that anxiety, OCD, and related struggles look different for everyone. That’s why our care goes beyond our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) to meet clients wherever they are in their healing journey. We work with children, teens, and adults experiencing a range of challenges, including OCD, panic attacks, phobias, PTSD, social anxiety, generalized anxiety, selective mutism, emetophobia, separation anxiety, depression, tics, and body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs).
Our clinicians also provide parent coaching, SPACE treatment, psychological assessments, and group therapy, as well as convenient online therapy for clients across Texas who prefer the flexibility of virtual sessions.
In addition, we’re proud to host Camp Courage—a supportive, experiential program that helps kids and teens gradually face fears, strengthen coping skills, and build lasting self-confidence in a positive, encouraging setting.
Whether you’re looking for early intervention, structured therapy, or ongoing support, our approach is always personalized, evidence-based, and rooted in collaboration and compassion. Each therapist on our team is dedicated to creating a warm, judgment-free environment where growth feels possible and progress can take root.
Meet Our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) Team in Austin, TX
At Austin Anxiety and OCD Specialists, our Intensive Outpatient Program is led by a skilled, compassionate team of clinicians dedicated to helping clients find relief and lasting progress. We work with children, teens, and adults experiencing anxiety, OCD, and related challenges—offering care that is both evidence-based and deeply personal, tailored to each individual’s goals, values, and stage of life.
Dr. Samantha Myhre, PhD – Assistant Clinical Director & IOP Coordinator
Dr. Myhre brings extensive experience in treating anxiety and OCD using evidence-based approaches. She also specializes in mindfulness, depression, and issues related to self-worth. Working with clients ages six and older, she takes a warm, collaborative approach that fosters confidence, insight, and meaningful growth.
Ann Elise focuses on adult care and holds certification in perinatal mental health through Postpartum Support International. Her advanced training in anxiety, OCD, trauma, and postpartum adjustment allows her to integrate CBT, ACT, ERP, and EMDR into her sessions—helping clients reconnect with themselves and build emotional resilience.
Ayla has a deep passion for supporting children, teens, and families navigating OCD, ADHD, anxiety, and behavioral challenges. Through CBT, ERP, and PCIT, she uses a strengths-based framework to help young clients face fears, regulate emotions, and apply coping tools both in therapy and in daily life.
Dr. Youssef works primarily with adolescents and young adults dealing with OCD, anxiety, and depression. Known for her empathy and cultural sensitivity, she personalizes therapy to each client’s experience, creating a safe, inclusive environment where sustainable change can take root.
Whether you’re seeking help for yourself, your child, or your teen, our IOP team offers age-appropriate, research-backed care with compassion and understanding. We’re here to walk beside you through each step—helping you move from struggle toward strength and lasting stability.