Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Treatment

The Outpatient Program (IOP) offered by Essential Touchstones is a 10-week program that includes an initial assessment, psychological evaluation, individual therapy, family therapy, group therapy, peer support sessions, and psychoeducational sessions. 

Initial Assessment

The initial assessment is necessary for patients to be admitted into the outpatient program. Patients and their parents will meet with our IOP Coordinator to determine whether or not the program will benefit them in their treatment planning. After this session, patients will be scheduled for group sessions and assigned an individual therapist, family therapist, and peer support specialist.

Psychological Evaluation


Psychological evaluations can aid in determining a validated diagnosis so we can help patients build a collaborative treatment plan within the outpatient program.

Our psychological evaluations are conducted within three sessions:
     • Intake Assessment with a Clinical Psychologist
     • Complete Battery of Testing Assigned by Psychologist
     • Test and Treatment Plan Review

If a patient has already completed a psychological evaluation at another facility within the last six months, we can use those findings in place of conducting our own evaluation.

Evaluations are done by clinical psychologists Dr. Alyssa Killebrew, Ph.D, and Dr. Taban Salem, Ph.D.

Individual Therapy


Individual Therapy is defined as one-on-one psychotherapy that takes place between a mental health therapist and the person receiving services. Sessions will be at a minimum of one hour per week for the duration of the program.

Family Therapy 


Family therapeutic group sessions consist of psychotherapy that takes place between a mental health therapist and a person’s family members with or without the presence of the person. Family Therapy may also include others (DHS employees, foster family members, extended family, etc.) with whom the person lives or has a family-like relationship. Sessions will be offered for at least 2 hours during the 10-week program.

Group Therapy


Group Therapy shall consist of psychotherapy that takes place between a therapist and at least two (2), but no more than twelve (12) youth. Possibilities include, but are not limited to, groups that focus on relaxation training, anger management and/or conflict resolution, relapse prevention, social skills training, self-esteem enhancement, dialectal behavior therapy (DBT) skills, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) skills, experiential therapy, and mindfulness skills.

Groups meet on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 4 pm to 6 pm.

Peer Support 

Peer Support Services assist other youth/young adults in regaining control over their own lives based on the principles of wellness and resiliency.

Peer support specialists work as advocates for patients by: 

  • modeling effective coping techniques and self-help strategies
  • assisting in identifying resources in the community
  • utilizing specific interventions necessary to assist peers in meeting their individualized goals
  • teaching relevant skills needed for self-management of symptoms
  • teaching peers how to overcome personal fears and anxieties
  • assisting peers in articulating their personal goals and objectives for wellness
  • assisting peers in creating their personal wellness plans

30-minute or 1-hour sessions will be scheduled each week for the duration of the program.

Psychoeducational Modules


Psychoeducational Modules serve as classes for the family to learn about mental health and the effect it can have on individuals and their loved ones. Participants will learn about boundary setting, healthy communication, stages of change, family roles, intergenerational programming, adolescent brain development, and healthy detachment.

Modules can be taken in any order at the family’s convenience. The group is open to the patient, their parents, siblings, extended family, etc.

Get In Touch

Call

769-231-9414

Address

241 Sunnybrook Road, Ridgeland, MS 39157

Hours

Mon – Fri: 9am – 5pm