Intensive Outpatient Services for Mental Health and Addiction

When faced with the struggle of one’s mental health, it can be daunting to determine which services are available to you, if they are the right fit, and/or how to go about obtaining mental health services. At Bakersfield Behavioral Healthcare Hospital, we are here to help you navigate your way through this process and help you seek the services that are best suited for you or your loved one.

Our Stepping Stones Outpatient Clinic offers structured mental health and addiction support through evidence-based programs tailored to help individuals stabilize and thrive, while maintaining their daily routines. These programs allow adults to receive therapy and support without needing inpatient admission, making treatment accessible for those balancing work, school, or family life. We understand that the world does not come to a stop when we or someone we love, are facing a mental health challenge or going through a difficult time, therefore we do our utmost to ensure scheduling that will contribute to a good work/school and therapeutic balance.

Program Philosophy

The purpose of our Outpatient Programs are to help assist each individual in learning effective ways to manage and care for oneself while living with the struggles surrounding their Mental Health. We will work closely with individuals to help reduce and/or stabilize symptoms while they still can live at home among family. Through individualized and group sessions, we will teach techniques to assist with anticipating and managing symptoms.

Who can attend?

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

Our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is designed for adults (18+) who need structured therapeutic support without 24 hour supervision. This program is ideal for those who are stepping down from inpatient care (e.g., hospitalization, residential program, PHP) or seeking treatment with an intensive curriculum. IOP addresses a wide range of mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, trauma, mood disorders, suicidal ideation among others, and it includes integrated services for co-occurring substance use if needed.

Program Highlights:

• Group therapy sessions 3 hours/day, 3 times per week.
• Psychiatric evaluations and medication management
• Individual treatment planning
• Mindfulness-based stress reduction
• Music and movement therapy
• Access to multi-disciplinary team

We work closely with each participant to develop a personalized care plan focused on building skills, managing symptoms, and fostering independence.

Learn more about the Intensive Outpatient Program

Chemical Dependency Intensive Outpatient Program (CD-IOP)

Our Chemical Dependency Intensive Outpatient Program (CD-IOP) is a non-residential, group focused treatment option for adults (18 +) struggling with substance use. This program provides more structure than traditional outpatient counselling and offers a path to recovery rooted in accountability, education, and empowerment.

Program Highlights:

• Group therapy sessions 3 hours/day, 3 times per week.
• Blended approach: 12-step philosophy + motivational interviewing
• Individualized care planning and relapse prevention strategies
• Medical and psychiatric oversight
• Typical program duration: 8 weeks (flexible based on need)

CD-IOP offers a safe and supportive space to address the root causes of addiction while preparing participants to maintain long-term recovery outside of treatment.

Learn more about the Chemical Dependency Intensive Outpatient Program

How do I know what level of outpatient care is needed for myself or a loved one?

Our Stepping Stones team will help you or a loved one identify which program is best suited and make sure that the program’s structure is the appropriate level of care you are looking for. If you are unsure which program is best or where to start, rest assured our experiences clinical team will guide you through the initial free mental health assessment and work closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan.

Do you accept insurance?

We accept most insurance carriers and offer cash pay options if needed. We work closely with local Physicians, Clinics, Psychologist, Schools, EAP programs, and self-referring individuals to gather all medical records needed for our initial assessment and to request service approval from insurance carriers.

Can I attend IOP/CD-IOP if I am attending individual therapy elsewhere?

Yes, you can attend an Intensive Outpatient Program or Chemical Dependency Program and individual therapy at the same time. In fact, many individuals benefit from the added support of individual therapy alongside structured outpatient treatment. If you are already working with a therapist, we are happy to coordinate care to ensure a cohesive treatment plan.