Intensive Out-Patient (IOP) Alternative
Beginning Summer 2025, we are offering a 6-week therapeutic intensive for clients who need more than weekly talk therapy to meet their goals but do not qualify for Intensive Out-Patient (IOP) services. Our non-traditional IOP program is meant to provide optimal support with less disruption to your daily life. The IOP alternative program is limited to 10 clients per cohort. It includes individual clinical therapy, group clinical therapy, and elective activities to support your mental health journey.
Virtual IOP alternative sessions are offered in Illinois and Connecticut, and in-person sessions are held at our office in Irving Park, Chicago.
IOP Alternative Activities
Clinical Therapy
Our psychotherapists each have specialties and modalities unique to their skills and lived experiences. Our current modalities include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Couples & Polycule Therapy, Family Therapy, Group Therapy, EMDR, Liberation/Abolition-Based Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy & Integration, Somatic Experiencing & Touch Work, Therapeutic Fiber-Arts, and Therapeutic Gardening.
Learn more about clinical therapy »
Group Clinical Therapy
Group therapy creates space for shared experiences, collective healing, and peer connection. Groups may be organized around identity, experience, or therapeutic goals, offering a supportive container for mutual witnessing and growth.
Learn more about group clinical therapy »
Elective Activities
Healing requires community, creativity, and inspiration. Therapy electives are meant to supplement your journey. Electives include non-clinical activities, workshops, social events, and skill-shares to support practical skill development, community-building, and joy during healing.
Areas of Clinical Specialty
Our outpatient therapy alternative offers care tailored to a wide range of lived experiences and identities. Current areas of clinical specialty include: LGBTQIA+; ENM/Poly folks; BDSM/Kink community; Immigrants/Refugees; Substance Use, Chronic Illness/HIV, Autism/ADHD/Neuroqueer, Multi-Cultural/Mixed-Race, Artists/Performers/Craftsfolk, Religious/Spiritual Trauma, Parenting, Educators, and Activists. We also serve Mad/Crip folks who need clinical documentation and services but wish to limit exposure and interference from medical systems.
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Unlike traditional IOPs, our approach isn’t diagnosis-driven or medicalized. We center your goals, values, and context, rather than focusing only on symptom reduction. Our care can include individual clinical therapy, peer support, inclusive group therapy, and creative modalities, with all elements adapted to your needs.
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It’s flexible. We’ll co-create a care plan that meets your needs, which may include multiple sessions per week across different modalities. This isn’t a rigid program, it’s a personalized alternative rooted in collaboration and choice.
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Yes. The psychotherapists at The Hinterlands are in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO and Aetna. We are out-of-network with all other insurance providers, including Medicaid and Medicare. Payment is due at the time of service.
If you're using out-of-network benefits, we’re happy to provide monthly superbills and statements to support your reimbursement process. We accept HSA cards, Zelle, and all major credit cards for payment.
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We are committed to providing affordable IOP alternative programs to our community. We offer a range of cash-pay options, including sliding scale clinical therapy sessions. These rates are based on availability.
Sliding scale slots are limited and tend to fill quickly. During your intake call, you can ask whether sliding scale rates are currently available.