IOP Referral Guidelines for Providers

This page is intended for clinicians and referring providers considering whether Portland Mental Health & Wellness’s (PMHW) Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is an appropriate level of care for an adult patient. The guidelines below outline common referral considerations and situations where a different level or type of care may be more appropriate.

Our IOP is designed to support stabilization, reduce hospitalization, and provide a structured step-down option following inpatient or emergency psychiatric care.

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Appropriate Referrals

Age

Adults ages 18 and older

Symptom Presentation

Moderate to severe mental health symptoms

Functional Impairment

Moderate to severe impairment in daily functioning (work, school, relationships, or self-care)

Clinical Context

Patients needing stabilization over an 8–12 week period
Patients requiring a higher level of support to prevent hospitalization
Step-down care following inpatient admission or emergency psychiatric evaluation

Program Goals

The primary goals of IOP include:

Stabilizing symptoms and improving daily functioning
Reducing reliance on inpatient or emergency services
Supporting patients through a structured transition to ongoing outpatient care

Referrals That May Not Be Appropriate for IOP

Some clinical presentations require specialized or higher-acuity care and may not be appropriate for IOP at this time.

Active Eating Disorders

Active eating disorders require treatment through specialized eating disorder programs

Active Addiction or Significant Substance Use

Active addiction or significant substance use requires treatment through specialized substance use programs

Active Psychosis

If psychotic symptoms significantly impair reality testing or the ability to participate appropriately in group treatment, symptoms should be stabilized through medication management prior to IOP referral

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IOP Referral Guidelines for Providers

Appropriate Referrals

Program Goals

Referrals That May Not Be Appropriate for IOP

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