Intensive Outpatient (IOP) Eating Disorder Treatment
A structured, flexible level of care designed to support recovery while allowing individuals to maintain work, school, and daily responsibilities. At Eating Disorder Solutions, our Intensive Outpatient Program is offered at our Weatherford outpatient facility near Dallas-Fort Worth as part of a full continuum of eating disorder care.
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Enroll in Our Intensive Outpatient (IOP) Eating Disorder Treatment Program Today
If you or someone you love is struggling with an eating disorder, treatment is essential. As behavioral health conditions, eating disorders can lead to serious physical health complications. Our intensive outpatient eating disorder treatment program helps individuals foster a positive transition into activities of daily living after our residential or partial hospitalization programs. IOP can also be leveraged as a direct-admit level of care, ideal for clients requiring a higher level of care from an outpatient setting.
Don’t hesitate to get eating disorder treatment any longer. Enroll in a continuum of care that includes ongoing guidance and support with an IOP eating disorder program. Contact Eating Disorder Solutions to take the first step toward long-term recovery.
What Is an Eating Disorder Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
Our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) allows clients to tend to daily responsibilities such as school or work while receiving the care they need for recovery. We offer both in-person and virtual IOP for your convenience. Clinically supervised by eating disorder professionals, IOP offers individual therapy, nutritional support and the opportunity to address common obstacles and share challenges with peers in group settings. We meet clients where they are to treat the whole person and get to the root of the eating disorder and any underlying conditions including trauma, anxiety, and depression. We also work closely with families, partners and close friends to help them understand eating disorders and learn how to best support their loved one in recovery.
To learn more about our eating disorder IOP, contact us online or call 855-245-0961.
Our Levels of Care
Every person's journey is unique. We offer personalized treatment programs designed to meet you where you are and support you every step of the way near Dallas, Texas in Weatherford.
Residential Treatment
24/7 inpatient eating disorder treatment providing structured, medically supported care in a safe, healing environment.
Outpatient Treatment
Daytime eating disorder treatment offering intensive support while allowing clients to live at home and maintain daily responsibilities.
Partial Hospitalization
High-level eating disorder treatment combining daily clinical care with increased flexibility outside of inpatient treatment.
Intensive Outpatient
High-level eating disorder treatment combining daily clinical care with increased flexibility outside of inpatient treatment.
Virtual Outpatient
Fully online eating disorder treatment delivering structured therapy and nutrition support from the comfort of home.
Aftercare
Ongoing eating disorder recovery support designed to maintain progress and reduce the risk of relapse after treatment.
Our Approach
Evidence-Based Care with Heart
We combine the latest research with compassionate, individualized care. Our multidisciplinary team works together to address the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of eating disorders.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Identify and change harmful thought patterns and behaviors.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Build skills for emotional regulation and distress tolerance.
Trauma-Informed Care
Address underlying trauma in a safe, supportive environment.
How Does IOP Eating Disorder Treatment Fit Into Recovery?
At our holistic eating disorder treatment center, our mission is to create a comfortable and safe environment in order to provide effective care that focuses on clients’ individual needs. Because of that, our intensive outpatient eating disorder treatment program is a little different for each individual.
In general, our intensive outpatient program for eating disorders provides a structured program of three hours of treatment three days per week. Our intensive outpatient eating disorder program is designed to give individuals aged 18 and older continued care after they complete our residential treatment program.
The overall goal is to help clients adjust to living without eating disorders beyond the safety of our walls. Our program gives them a chance to apply their coping and life skills in real-life situations with continued guidance from our team of specialists. When they’re faced with stressors and triggers upon returning home, they don’t have to feel alone. Our IOP eating disorder treatment allows us to keep supporting them throughout every stage of recovery.
What Should I Expect During Our IOP?
At Eating Disorder Solutions, our team of doctors, registered dietitians, psychologists and therapists understand the complexity of eating disorders. These conditions are deeply rooted in medical and mental health conditions that require customized holistic treatment.
During IOP, you’ll start to experience more flexibility. Our intensive outpatient program for eating disorders allows individuals to work or attend school on evenings and weekends, regaining their independence slowly but surely. The goal of IOP is to allow individuals to shift the majority of their time back to their life outside treatment.
Everyone faces different challenges upon returning home after residential care. For that reason, some individuals may only require three weeks of holistic IOP eating disorder treatment, while others may need two months. We individualize treatments according to each client’s needs and continue to provide support for as long as it is required.
Specialized Programs
We understand that different ages and situations require different approaches. Our specialized programs are tailored to meet specific needs.
Adult Program
Specialized eating disorder treatment designed to support adults balancing recovery with work, family, and daily responsibilities.
Athlete Program
Eating disorder treatment tailored for athletes, addressing performance pressures, fueling needs, and sport-related stressors.
LGBTQ+ Program
Inclusive eating disorder treatment providing affirming, holistic care for individuals in the LGBTQ+ community.
Professionals Program
Specialized eating disorder treatment for professionals balancing recovery with work responsibilities, high stress, and the demands of daily life.
College Students Program
Specialized eating disorder treatment for professionals balancing recovery with work responsibilities, high stress, and the demands of daily life.
How Does a Typical Week in Our Intensive Outpatient Program Look Like?
When individuals enroll in our IOP eating disorder treatment program, our team works with them to create a schedule that doesn’t interfere with their schooling or work. We offer three hours of treatment three days per week so your continued care can easily fit into most schedules. This includes one group supported meal and two group therapy sessions to keep you on the right track.
A typical week in our intensive outpatient eating disorder program involves three days of treatment and three hours of therapy each day. Here is what a typical treatment day looks like:
- 11:45 A.M.: Check-In and Vitals Check
- 12:00 P.M.: Meal with Group Support
- 1:00 P.M.: Processing Group
- 2:00 P.M.: Group Therapy (topics may vary)
How Does Therapy in Our IOP Program Work?
During our intensive outpatient eating disorder treatment program, the main focus is group therapy. As the above schedule shows, each outpatient therapy session takes about one hour. However, this isn’t a strict time limit. Those who need more time discussing a certain topic can certainly get extra guidance.
Our therapists use a variety of counseling techniques throughout IOP eating disorder treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective. The goal during these sessions is for individuals to learn skills that help them change negative emotions and thoughts about themselves or situations. In doing so, they develop positive behaviors, such as eating a healthy, balanced diet.
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) helps clients improve relationships, live in the moment, deal with stress and regulate emotions. These sessions often involve role playing to hone their coping and life skills. We may also assign homework or activities to complete.
While the second session of a day in IOP eating disorder treatment is a therapist-led process group, the other two session topics vary. Some of the topics that we cover include CBT skills, DBT skills, art therapy and nutrition education. We also use group sessions to plan weekly goals and meals and to prep for the weekend ahead.
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Conditions We Treat
We provide specialized care for all types of eating disorders across the Dallas–Fort Worth area.
Anorexia Nervosa
A restrictive eating disorder marked by fear of weight gain and distorted body image, requiring comprehensive medical, nutritional, and therapeutic care.
Bulimia Nervosa
An eating disorder involving cycles of binge eating and compensatory behaviors, often driven by emotional distress and body image concerns.
Binge Eating Disorder
Characterized by repeated episodes of eating large amounts of food with a sense of loss of control, without compensatory behaviors.
Compulsive Overeating
Recurrent episodes of overeating driven by emotional distress rather than physical hunger. Treatment helps address emotional triggers, reduce shame, and develop healthier coping strategies.
Body Dysmorphia
Persistent distress about perceived flaws in appearance that impact daily life. Treatment focuses on improving body image and reducing obsessive thoughts through structured therapeutic support.
Orthorexia
An unhealthy fixation on eating “clean” or “healthy” foods that leads to rigid rules and anxiety around meals. Treatment promotes flexibility, balanced nutrition, and a more sustainable relationship with food.
Co-Occurring Disorders
An eating disorder occurring alongside conditions such as anxiety, depression, or trauma. Treatment addresses both concerns together to support lasting recovery and emotional stability.
ARFID & Other Disorders
Includes avoidant or restrictive eating patterns and other specified feeding or eating disorders that require individualized treatment approaches.
How Does a Personalized Approach to Therapy Help?
Although our IOP eating disorder program focuses on group therapy, we offer individual and family therapy too. Since Eating Disorder Solutions doesn’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to eating disorder recovery, we offer as many resources and as much support as possible to individuals who need it. Our therapists may use CBT and DBT techniques during individual and family counseling sessions.
The goal in individual outpatient eating disorder therapy is to address the specific challenges that a client faces so that he or she can achieve personal goals. During family counseling, we aim to help family members and close friends understand eating disorders. While addressing lingering conflicts to repair relationships, our therapists teach families and friends how to support individuals throughout recovery. Upon request, our registered dietitians can provide meal education as well.
Our IOP eating disorder program provides ongoing nutritional support as individuals acclimate to planning meals on their own. Our registered dietitians strive to teach individuals the basics of intuitive eating and how to have a healthy relationship with food. In the end, the most important aspect is that they reconnect their minds and bodies and learn to enjoy eating again.
In addition to these components of our intensive outpatient eating disorder program, we conduct medical tests when individuals step down from our residential or partial hospitalization treatment programs. The purpose of these medical tests is to ensure that we’re delivering the right level of care for their needs.
What Are The Other Levels of Care Offered at Eating Disorder Solutions?
As part of our continuum of care, we offer more than just an IOP eating disorder program. We also offer residential, and partial hospitalization (PHP) eating disorder programs. Every program includes counseling, nutrition education with meal planning and medical assessments. However, there are a few differences.
Our facility is one of the few that provides residential eating disorder treatment for individuals aged 18 and older. We understand the psychological and physical issues that require 24-hour care. As our highest level of care, this program consists of long-term, on-site treatment. Like our other programs, the length of time that individuals remain at our facility varies based on their needs. Each day is filled with eight to ten hours of individual and group therapy. On Saturdays, we allow those who engage in the recovery process to go on group trips outside of the facility. Our residential program includes family therapy and periods for visitation as well.
Like our IOP eating disorder program, our PHP intended for individuals aged 18 and older. However, these programs differ in the amount of time spent in counseling at our facility. For PHP eating disorder treatment, clients visit us on five or six days per week for five hours of counseling each day. For OP treatment, they visit us on one or two days for one therapy session each day.
Since there is no one-size fits all eating disorder program, the time an individual may spend in a program will vary. Furthermore, while some individuals may be admitted at our partial hospitalization program, others may start at our intensive outpatient program. Our experienced team can make recommendations based on the severity of the individual’s eating disorder.
Most Insurances Accepted
We work with most major insurance providers and offer flexible payment plans
Our admissions team will verify your insurance benefits at no cost and help you understand your coverage.
Real People, Real Results
Why Should I Choose Eating Disorder Solutions for IOP Treatment?
Eating Disorder Solutions is different than other eating disorder treatment facilities because of our integrated treatment, individualized care, and comprehensive nutritional support. Our treatment programs address the underlying causes of eating disorders while treating the physical symptoms, so clients have a new, healthier relationship with food. We tailor our eating disorder intensive outpatient program to every client, so they can receive the best care for their needs. Our goal is to help our clients break free from their struggles with eating disorders to lead to a happier, healthier lifestyle.
How Is IOP Different From PHP or Residential Treatment?
IOP involves fewer weekly treatment hours than PHP or residential care. It is designed for individuals who are medically stable and able to manage some daily responsibilities. Treatment still includes strong clinical and therapeutic support.
Who Is a Good Fit for IOP Treatment?
IOP is best for individuals who are medically stable and motivated for recovery. It works well for those stepping down from higher care or needing structured support while living at home.
Is IOP Group-Based or Individualized?
IOP includes both group and individual components. Treatment plans are tailored to each person’s needs.
Can I Work or Go to School While in IOP?
Yes. IOP is designed to support recovery while maintaining daily responsibilities. Scheduling is structured but flexible.
How Does IOP Support Long-Term Recovery?
IOP helps clients apply skills in real-life settings while receiving ongoing support. This strengthens confidence and relapse prevention.
What Happens After I Complete IOP?
Aftercare planning supports continued recovery. This may include outpatient therapy or additional support resources.
Can I Move Between Levels of Care If Needed?
Yes. Treatment levels are adjusted based on progress, safety, and recovery goals.
Why Choose Eating Disorder Solutions Near Dallas?
Eating Disorder Solutions near Dallas offers compassionate, evidence-based care in a peaceful, home-like setting designed to help clients feel safe, supported, and understood. Our multidisciplinary team provides individualized treatment across multiple levels of care, blending clinical excellence with real-world recovery skills that translate beyond treatment. With a strong focus on nutrition, therapy, and long-term healing, we help clients build a sustainable path to recovery, not just short-term progress.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) Glossary
An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is designed to help you maintain your recovery while gradually returning to the demands of daily life. Understanding the clinical terminology associated with this level of care can help clarify how it bridges the gap between intensive treatment and full independence. Below are key terms discussed on this page:
Art Therapy
A form of expressive therapy that uses the creative process of making art to improve a person’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being. In IOP, art therapy helps clients process complex emotions and underlying trauma that may be difficult to articulate with words alone.
Emotional Regulation Skills
Techniques taught in therapy (particularly DBT) that help individuals manage and respond to intense emotions in a healthy, constructive way. In IOP, mastering these skills is critical for preventing relapse when faced with real-world stressors outside the treatment facility.
Group Supported Meal
A therapeutic meal setting where clients eat together under the supervision and guidance of a dietitian or therapist. In IOP, these supported meals provide real-time coaching to help clients challenge food rules, manage anxiety, and practice healthy eating behaviors in a social environment.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
A flexible level of eating disorder treatment that provides structured clinical care—typically three hours a day, three days a week. IOP allows clients to live at home and maintain work or school responsibilities while still receiving essential therapy and nutritional support.
Relapse Prevention
A core focus of the IOP level of care. It involves identifying personal triggers, anticipating future challenges, and developing a concrete plan to maintain recovery behaviors when returning to the full independence of daily life.
Underlying Conditions
Mental health issues—such as trauma, anxiety, or depression—that exist alongside and often drive the eating disorder. IOP continues the work of treating the “whole person” by addressing these root causes, not just the disordered eating behaviors.
Virtual IOP
A fully online version of the Intensive Outpatient Program that delivers the same structured group therapy, individual counseling, and nutritional support through a secure telehealth platform. This option provides critical flexibility for clients balancing treatment with a busy schedule or geographic barriers.
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