Mindfulness-informed intensive outpatient program (IOP) for teens

Jefferson Counseling offers an eight-week, online intensive outpatient therapy program for teenagers ages 13 to 17 who are still in high school. We do not require a referral from an outpatient provider to participate.

This program is for teenagers who are struggling with:

  • Mood disorders.
  • Anxiety disorders.
  • Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
  • Safety and self-harm concerns.
  • Effective problem-solving.
  • Anger control.
  • Social skills.
  • Problems at school.

The program is not meant to diagnose or treat oppositional and defiance disorders or cognitive impairments. Any existing drug and alcohol abuse issues need to be addressed before enrolling in this program.

The online group therapy sessions take place over Zoom on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM. Once your registration is confirmed, you'll receive a Zoom meeting invitation via email. 

What is mindfulness-informed therapy?

Mindfulness means being able to pay attention to the present moment without judgement. Our goal is to provide a corrective relational experience and invite, validate, and celebrate your true self among a diverse group of individuals. Each 2.5-hour session provides 90 minutes of person-centered support, 15 minutes of mindfulness practice, and 30 minutes of coping skill lessons from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT).

CBT is a type of therapy that focuses on the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It helps patients identify and challenge negative or unhelpful thought patterns and replace them with more realistic and positive ones.

While CBT focuses on changing thoughts and behaviors, DBT emphasizes acceptance and managing intense emotions alongside behavioral change. DBT uses techniques like mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness to help patients improve their relationships and communication as well as develop a sense of self-compassion and acceptance.

We limit each therapy group to eight participants at a time and enroll patients on a rolling basis. Small therapy groups in an IOP can provide a safe space to learn from others who have similar struggles. It can also promote healthy social skills and help participants feel less alone.

Our mindfulness-informed therapy team

Behavioral health support for children of all ages

If your child is struggling with psychiatric or behavioral health issues but does not have a current diagnosis, you can find an AHN Psychiatry and Behavioral Health provider who specializes in child and adolescent behavioral health.

Contact us

To inquire about Jefferson Counseling Adolescent Mindfulness-Informed IOP program, you can leave a message on the IOP line at (412) 650-1108. The front office for Jefferson Behavioral Health Services can be reached at (412) 650-1100, Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

Jefferson Hospital Behavioral Health Services
810 Clairton Blvd, Suite 500/600
Pittsburgh, PA 15236
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Clinic hours

Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and holidays

If you call outside of business hours, please leave a voice message with your name and contact information. We will return your call within two business days. We accept insurance from most health insurance providers. Before registering for this program, call your health insurance provider to confirm eligibility and coverage.