What Is an Eating Disorder IOP?
An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for eating disorders provides a structured level of clinical care that is more intensive than traditional weekly therapy but less immersive than a Partial Hospitalization Program. At IKANN Wellness, our eating disorder IOP meets 3 to 5 days per week for approximately 3 hours per session, offering a combination of individual therapy, group therapy, nutritional counseling, and skill-building workshops.
Our IOP is designed as both a step-down from PHP and as an entry point for women who are clinically appropriate for outpatient-level eating disorder treatment. Whether you're continuing the work you began in a higher level of care or seeking structured support for the first time, our IOP provides the clinical depth and community connection essential to lasting recovery.
Who Is Eating Disorder IOP Designed For?
Our eating disorder IOP is designed for women who:
- Are transitioning from PHP or residential treatment and need continued structured support
- Have a stable medical status but require more support than weekly outpatient therapy
- Are managing eating disorder symptoms while maintaining work, school, or family responsibilities
- Have co-occurring conditions (anxiety, depression, PTSD, substance use) alongside an eating disorder
- Are motivated and engaged in recovery but need accountability and community support
- Want flexible scheduling, including evening sessions, that accommodates their daily routine
What Does a Typical IOP Week Look Like?
| Day | Time | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 5:00–8:00 PM | Group therapy + psychoeducation (body image, emotional regulation) |
| Wednesday | 5:00–8:00 PM | Individual therapy + nutritional counseling session |
| Friday | 5:00–8:00 PM | Skills group + holistic therapy (yoga, mindfulness, art therapy) |
Schedule may vary based on clinical needs. Additional sessions available for women requiring 4–5 days per week of support.
Core Components of Our Eating Disorder IOP
Individual Therapy
Weekly one-on-one sessions with your dedicated primary therapist provide a confidential space to explore the emotional and psychological roots of your eating disorder. Your therapist works with you on individualized goals using evidence-based approaches including CBT, DBT, and EMDR.
Group Therapy & Peer Support
Healing doesn't happen in isolation. Our women-only group therapy sessions create a safe community where you can share your experiences, build accountability, and draw strength from others who understand. Groups focus on emotional eating triggers, body image, relationship patterns, and coping strategies.
Nutritional Counseling & Meal Planning
Our registered dietitians work with you to develop a personalized nutrition plan that supports your recovery goals. Sessions include practical skills such as grocery shopping strategies, meal preparation, and navigating social eating situations.
Psychoeducation & Skills Building
Our psychoeducation workshops teach you the science behind eating disorders, emotional regulation techniques, cognitive restructuring skills, and practical strategies for managing triggers in your daily life.
Holistic Therapies
Recovery is about reconnecting with your body in healthy ways. Our IOP integrates holistic modalities including yoga, mindfulness meditation, art therapy, and — where appropriate — equine-assisted therapy to support whole-person healing.
IOP vs. PHP — Understanding the Difference
| Feature | IOP | PHP |
|---|---|---|
| Hours per session | 3 hours | 5–6 hours |
| Days per week | 3–5 days | 5 days |
| Therapeutic meals | Meal planning guidance | Supervised therapeutic meals |
| Individual therapy | 1×/week | 3×/week |
| Evening sessions | Available | Daytime only |
| Best for | Step-down from PHP, working professionals, moderate symptoms | Acute symptoms, medical monitoring, step-down from inpatient |
Not sure which level of care is right for you? Call (786) 504-7626 for a free, confidential assessment.
Telehealth Options
We understand that travel, health concerns, or other obligations can make in-person attendance challenging. IKANN Wellness offers telehealth IOP options for women who are unable to attend sessions at our Fort Lauderdale location. Virtual sessions maintain the same clinical quality, group connection, and individualized support as our in-person program.
Insurance & Admissions
IKANN Wellness accepts most major insurance plans for eating disorder IOP services. Our admissions team will verify your benefits, explain your out-of-pocket costs, and handle all necessary paperwork.
To get started, call (786) 504-7626 or email office@ikannwellness.com.
Frequently Asked Questions — Eating Disorder IOP
Can I work or go to school while attending IOP?
Yes. Our IOP is specifically designed to accommodate work, school, and family responsibilities. We offer evening sessions (5:00–8:00 PM) so you can maintain your daily routine while receiving the support you need.
How long does the IOP program typically last?
Most women participate in IOP for 6–12 weeks, though the duration is based on your individual progress and clinical needs. Your treatment team will collaborate with you to determine when you're ready to transition to standard outpatient care.
Do I need to complete PHP before enrolling in IOP?
Not necessarily. While many women step down from PHP to IOP, our IOP also serves as a direct entry point for women who are clinically appropriate for outpatient-level care. A clinical assessment will help determine the right level of care for you.
Is telehealth IOP as effective as in-person treatment?
Research supports the effectiveness of telehealth for eating disorder treatment when it includes individual therapy, group components, and nutritional counseling. Our virtual IOP delivers the same evidence-based programming as our in-person sessions.
What eating disorders can be treated in IOP?
Our IOP treats anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, orthorexia, ARFID, and other specified feeding or eating disorders — particularly when symptoms are moderate or when stepping down from a higher level of care.