GUIDE · LEVELS OF CARE
When weekly therapy isn’t enough
Weekly therapy works well for many people. When symptoms keep building between sessions, or one hour a week no longer feels like enough support, a more intensive level of care may help. For many adults, an intensive outpatient program (IOP) is the next step.
A clinician should help you decide which level of care fits.
SIGNS TO WATCH FOR
Signs you may need more support
Symptoms are getting worse
Your mood, anxiety or trauma symptoms are building between sessions instead of easing.
Daily life is slipping
Work, school, sleep or relationships are harder to keep up with than they were a few weeks ago.
Sessions go to the latest crisis
Each session is spent getting through the week, with no time left for deeper work.
Someone has suggested more support
Your therapist or doctor has mentioned a higher level of care, or you recently left a hospital or PHP and need a step in between.
When a different level of care is safer
IOP is not an emergency service. If you need medical detox, round the clock supervision, or you are in immediate danger, a higher level of care is the right place to start, and we can point you toward it. If you are in crisis now, call or text 988 or call 911.
WHICH ONE FITS
Which one fits
The right level of care depends on how much symptoms are affecting your days, how safe you are at home, and how much support you have around you. A clinician should help you decide.
A higher level of care, like PHP or residential, is the safer place to start if
You are struggling to get through each day.
Things are getting worse quickly.
You have recently been in the hospital.
You are in immediate danger. Call 911, or call or text 988.
If you are not sure
Call us at 949.706.8610. Part of the first conversation is figuring out the right level of care.
If IOP is not the right fit, we will tell you and point you toward what is.
IOP at Kin Wellness
9 to 15 hours a week. Three hour sessions, three to five days a week. We set the number of days with you.
Morning or evening. 9 AM to 12 PM or 5 PM to 8 PM Pacific, Monday through Friday.
By video, anywhere in California. You need a private space and an internet connection. Groups meet by video. Individual sessions, EMDR and medication appointments can also happen in person at our Fountain Valley office.
YOUR WEEKLY THERAPIST
What happens to your weekly therapy
PAUSE AND RETURN
Most clients pause outside therapy while they are in the program, then go back to their therapist when they finish. We talk this through with you at intake.
COORDINATING CARE
With a signed release, we can coordinate with your therapist or doctor so the handoff back is smooth.
INSURANCE
Many health plans cover IOP, including by video. Some plans need approval before you start. We check your benefits and explain what you would pay before you commit.
QUESTIONS
Common questions about moving up from weekly therapy
Is IOP a big step up from weekly therapy?
Yes. At Kin, IOP is 9 to 15 hours a week, compared with about one hour of weekly therapy. You still live at home, and many people keep working.
Can I keep working during IOP?
Most people do. The evening track runs 5 PM to 8 PM Pacific for people who work during the day, and sessions are by video.
How long does IOP last?
Most people take part for 30 to 90 days, depending on what they need and what their insurance authorizes. Before you finish, we build an aftercare plan with you, such as stepping down to weekly therapy.
Do I need a referral?
No. You can call us directly at 949.706.8610. If your therapist or doctor wants to refer you, they can use our page for referring providers.
How soon can I start?
Most people go from first call to first group in 2 to 3 days.
What if IOP is not the right fit?
We will tell you, and help you find the level of care that fits, whether that is weekly therapy, a PHP or a hospital program.
If you are in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) or call 911. Our program is not an emergency service.
Related: What is an IOP · IOP vs PHP · Virtual IOP · Evening IOP · Therapy · Insurance and cost · Questions to ask any virtual IOP
Insurance: Aetna · Anthem · Blue Cross Blue Shield · Cigna · United Healthcare · All plans
Where we serve: Orange County · Los Angeles County · Inland Empire · San Diego County · Bay Area · Sacramento · Central Valley · Ventura and Santa Barbara · North State · All 58 counties
WHO YOU WOULD WORK WITH
A small team you will actually get to know
Kin Wellness is run by its clinicians. The people below are the people in your groups, and the full team is on the Team page.
Cofounder and Clinical Director, LCSW #80761, Ph.D Candidate
Paola Mercado Demeza, AMFT
Cofounder and Lead Clinical Therapist, Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist #15190. Supervised by Angelina DeSanto, LCSW, Ph.D Candidate
Dr. Joe DeSanto, MD
Angelina DeSanto, LCSW
Medical DirectorLET US HELP
Tell us how to reach you
Tell us how to reach you and someone from our team will call you back. The first conversation is short and confidential: what has been going on, what your questions are, whether this is the right level of care for you, and what it would cost with your insurance. There is no obligation to enroll, and if it is a fit you can start right away.
Prefer to call?
949.706.8610
Office hours Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 8 PM Pacific. In person care at 8780 Warner Ave, Ste 11, Fountain Valley CA 92708.