Women’s Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) in Massachusetts
At Lightwork Therapy & Recovery, our Women’s Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) provides structured, evidence-based mental health treatment designed specifically for women across Massachusetts. With multiple locations in Woburn and Braintree, our women-only IOP helps clients stabilize, heal, and build long-term resilience — without stepping away from work, school, or family life.
Whether you’re managing anxiety, depression, trauma, mood disorders, or life transitions, our women-centered approach ensures you receive compassionate, empowering care that speaks to your unique needs and lived experiences.
Understanding a Women’s Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
A Women’s Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is a structured and supportive level of mental health care for women who need more than once-a-week therapy, but who do not require inpatient treatment. IOP allows women to receive consistent, focused care several days per week while still living at home and maintaining daily responsibilities.
At Lightwork Therapy & Recovery, our women’s IOP is designed to help clients stabilize symptoms, build emotional resilience, and develop practical coping skills. The program balances accountability with flexibility, making it a strong option for women who need meaningful support without stepping away from work, school, parenting, or family life.
Our approach is grounded in evidence-based treatment and built specifically for the needs of women. This creates an environment where clients feel understood, safe, and able to explore what they are experiencing without pressure or judgment.
Who Is a Women’s Mental Health IOP For?
Our women’s IOP is an excellent fit for women who recognize they need more support but are not in crisis or needing 24-hour care. You may benefit from IOP if…..
You need more support than weekly therapy can provide.
If symptoms feel overwhelming, persistent, or difficult to manage on your own, the structure of IOP creates stability and momentum.
You are safe at home but struggling day-to-day.
IOP is appropriate for women who can maintain daily functioning but need consistent therapeutic support and connection.
You are transitioning from a higher level of care.
Many women step into IOP after completing inpatient or day treatment (PHP) to maintain progress and prevent setbacks.
You want a treatment setting designed specifically for women.
Women often face unique pressures, expectations, and emotional challenges. A women-only environment offers comfort, trust, and a deeper sense of understanding—especially for those processing trauma, anxiety, relationship stress, identity shifts, postpartum changes, or major life transitions.
You feel stuck, overwhelmed, or isolated.
An IOP provides community, routine, and therapeutic connection that can help women move forward when they feel unsure where to begin.
You are dealing with complex or layered stressors.
This may include work burnout, parenting demands, emotional instability, grief, or chronic anxiety. IOP helps women build skills to manage these challenges and regain balance.
You do not need a specific diagnosis to participate. What matters most is that you are a woman seeking clarity, stability, and a higher level of support than traditional outpatient therapy can provide.
What are the Benefits of Our
Womens’ Intesive Outpatient Program?
Our Intesive Outpatient treatment programs offer numerous advantages for mental health treatment, including:
Structured Support
IOP provides a structured treatment plan with regular sessions, offering a clear roadmap for individuals to follow while receiving intensive therapeutic support.
Flexibility
Unlike inpatient care, this type of program allows individuals to live at home and maintain their daily routines, such as work, school, and family commitments.
Intensive Therapy
Comprehensive Care
IOP for mental health offers a range of evidence-based therapies, including individual and group therapy, skill-building workshops, and holistic approaches, ensuring a holistic approach to treatment.
Peer Support
Transitioning Support
An IOP program can serve as a stepping stone between inpatient care and traditional outpatient therapy, helping individuals transition back into their daily lives with newfound skills.
Continuity of Care
IOP allows individuals to address mental health concerns without needing to disrupt their responsibilities, ensuring consistent support while integrating therapy into daily routines.
Customized Approach
Our IOP program tailors treatment plans to each individual’s needs, recognizing the unique challenges and experiences contributing to their mental health concerns.
Skill Development
Gender-Specific Care
Providing gender-specific care offers a safe and supportive environment to address challenges unique to your experiences. Our program fosters empowerment and personal growth for women.
More to Know About Our IOP for Women
What to Expect in Our Women’s Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
Our Women’s Intensive Outpatient Program provides consistent support while allowing you to continue working, parenting, or managing day-to-day responsibilities. The schedule is structured, predictable, and designed to help women stabilize emotionally and build meaningful momentum.
Structured Weekly Schedule
Women typically attend IOP three to five days per week. Each treatment day includes a combination of therapy groups, guided skills work, and individualized support. This frequency helps reduce symptoms, increase emotional regulation, and create steady progress.
Women’s Group Therapy
Group therapy is the foundation of the program. Our women-only groups create a safe space to process life stressors, trauma, relationships, and emotional patterns with others who understand your experiences. Many women find this peer support deeply grounding and empowering.
Individual Therapy
Alongside groups, you will meet one-on-one with a clinician to work through personal goals or challenges. These sessions complement group work and help ensure your treatment plan reflects your needs, strengths, and pace.
Evidence-Based Treatment Approaches
Our clinical team uses a range of effective, research-supported modalities tailored to women’s mental health needs, including:
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
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Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills
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Trauma-informed interventions
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Mindfulness and grounding practices
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Communication and boundary-setting skills
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Emotion regulation training
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Relapse-prevention strategies, if mild substance use is present
These approaches help women develop practical tools they can apply immediately in daily life.
Evening IOP Option
For women balancing work, school, or caregiving, we offer an evening IOP schedule. This provides the same level of therapeutic support while allowing you to maintain your routine.
Trauma-Informed, Supportive Environment
Our therapists approach every session with sensitivity to trauma and emotional safety. Treatment is paced in a way that supports healing without feeling overwhelming or rushed.
Medication Collaboration
If medication is part of your care, we coordinate closely with prescribing providers to ensure your mental health treatment remains aligned and consistent.
Personalized Treatment Planning
Every woman’s journey is unique. We adjust your treatment plan throughout the program to reflect your progress, goals, and evolving needs.