Youth Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

An Alternatives to Residential Treatment (ART) program providing intensive outpatient programming for adolescents

At The Child Center of NY, we believe that all young people deserve the chance to get the help they need while remaining with their families. The Youth Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is designed to help youth experiencing the most serious mental health challenges while remaining in their family environment—rather than at a residential treatment facility. It’s an Alternatives to Residential Treatment (ART) program for adolescents, ages 12-17, who need a higher level of care than once-a-week sessions. Youth attend the program two to three days a week for eight weeks in the afterschool hours. Our skilled and compassionate team works with young people and their families to keep youth at risk of residential and/or psychiatric treatment safely at home with the support they need to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.

Locations:

Cohen Family Wellness Center
43-08 52nd Street, Second Floor
Woodside, NY 11377

Macari Family Wellness Center
140-15B Sanford Avenue, Second Floor
Flushing, NY 11355

Languages:

English
Mandarin
Romanian
Spanish

We also utilize an interpretation service so that we can provide services to clients who speak any language.

Contacts:

Jennifer Blitzer, LCSW-R
Program Director
jenniferblitzer@childcenterny.org
Office: 718-458-4243 ext. 10805
Cell: 917-935-3872
Fax: 718-458-4481

Diana Michelena, LMHC
Program Coordinator
dianamichelena@childcenterny.org
Office: 718-458-4243 ext. 10108
Cell: 929-418-1430
Fax: 718-458-4481

Client interest form Provider referral form

Treatment includes:

Therapy by licensed mental health professionals, including individual, family, and group therapy
Peer support services
Education/vocational support to help clients envision and plan for a bright future based on their individual strengths
Activity groups, including yoga, nutrition, art therapy, creative movement, and mindfulness activities. These activities build strength and coping skills that support clients’ overall well-being and are part of a strengths-based approach
Medication management as needed
Home visits for safety and support
Care management through the Child Center of NY Health Homes program

Our evidence-based treatment approach includes:

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
The Safety Alternatives for Teens and Youth (SAFETY) program developed by UCLA
Parent training model with the 4Rs and 2Ss program developed by the McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy and Research at New York University

Projected program outcomes:

Prevention of psychiatric hospitalization and residential treatment. The Child Center always does everything we can to ensure a safe home environment so that children can get the help they need while remaining with their families.
Improved school attendance
Stabilization of psychiatric symptoms
Reduced interpersonal conflicts and disruptive behavior
Increased coping skills so that program participants can meet challenges constructively now and in the future
Improved family involvement
Improved parenting skills. Our 70 years of experience have shown that the vast majority of parents want to and will do well by their children, given the right skills and support—tools that we provide.

Eligibility:

To be considered for the Youth IOP, clients need to demonstrate all of the following:

Serious emotional disturbance (SED) and high risk of self-harm and suicidal behaviors
Absence of active suicidal ideation or dangerousness to self or others that requires immediate care
Impairment in the social, academic, and psychological areas that prevent functioning in less intense therapeutic settings
Consistent commitment to attending and completing the program
Parent/caregiver/guardian involvement, including willingness to participate in therapeutic activities and ability to provide adequate support/supervision

If you or your child does not meet the above criteria and still are in need of services, please give us a call at 718-358-8288 during business hours, or 718-830-5061 after business hours. We will assist you in finding the right program for your needs. We stand ready to help.

Program Costs

Medicaid and many third-party insurance plans are accepted. Fees for individuals without insurance are determined based on a sliding fee scale. All are welcome to our Center, and we will find a financial solution based on your individual financial situation.

Funding and Support

The Youth IOP is made possible through the funding and support of Queens Community Board 2, New York State Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas (34th Assembly District), and the following entities. We extend our deepest thanks.