Launching An LGBTQIA+ Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
February 27, 2025
About Affirming IOP
Flourish Therapy is launching an LGBTQIA+ affirmative intensive outpatient program (IOP). IOPs provide structured, time-limited treatment while allowing patients to live at home and continue with their daily responsibilities.
The IOP is a 12-week program for LGBTQIA+ adults that meets four days a week for in-person sessions. Licensed professionals with trauma-informed and affirmative care training provide intensive mental health and case management support. This program also provides practice in life skills and building resilience and community.
Why Affirming IOP
Even though LGBTQIA+ individuals are more likely to seek out mental health treatment, they are twice as likely to report poor quality of care than heterosexual individuals. Structural barriers like cost, insurance coverage, stigma, and discrimination prevent LGBTQIA+ individuals from receiving mental health treatment. Fear of mistreatment by a mental health provider kept 23% of transgender individuals from seeking care. Despite this urgent need for affirmative care, only 12% of outpatient mental health facilities in the United States offer LGBTQIA-specific programs.
Flourish Therapy is established in the community as a trusted provider of free and low-cost mental health services. This program is a targeted expansion of our mission to expand access to affordable, culturally competent, evidence-based behavioral and mental health services for LGBTQIA+ individuals, couples, and families. Your donation directly supports critical mental health resources for these underserved populations.
Impacts of Affirming IOP
Programs similar to Flourish’s IOP have provided stability and support networks for individuals who need a higher level of care than weekly therapy sessions but may not need inpatient treatment. IOP programs are evidence-based treatments that can be as effective as partial hospitalization programs.
53% of patients decreased symptom severity from moderate, moderately severe, or severe symptoms at intake to no or mild symptoms at discharge. 48% reduction of hopelessness scores from intake to discharge in IOP mental health treatment programs. 22% increase in mindfulness skill acquisition in IOP participants.
Funding Affirming IOP
The Flourish IOP requires two therapists in addition to support staff – facilitator, case manager, and skills presenters – and funds for rent, materials, and other administrative costs. The total program budget of $37,760 will provide comprehensive treatment and structured support for 8 individuals for a period of 12 weeks, with a goal of providing four to eight 12-week sessions in the first year.