Are mental health intensive outpatient programs for depressive episodes effective in private practice? A patient-focused view using CBT

A group adult intensive outpatient (IOP) treatment program using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) was evaluated for effectiveness in the reduction of symptoms of participants diagnosed with depressive episodes. The IOP under evaluation provided open group CBT therapy to individuals with a variety of diagnoses, though those with depression and bipolar diagnoses were included in this study. The IOP was not used for treatment of active substance use issues as alternative IOPs were available focused in this area. Utilizing the Symptom Checklist - 90 - Revised, participants saw significant reduction in symptoms across all global indices and the Depression subscale. Large effect sizes were achieved in all results. No variability in results was detected between groups with depression and bipolar diagnoses, or across the inpatient or outpatient source of participants. Overall, participants were highly satisfied with the treatment program as measured with the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire - 8, though no consistent correlation was observed between satisfaction and the reduction of symptoms.