IOP EXPLAINED

Intensive Outpatient Programme (IOP) for Eating Disorders

Flexible, evidence-based treatment that supports recovery while allowing clients to stay connected to everyday life.

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IOP EXPLAINED

What Is an Intensive Outpatient Programme (IOP)?

Our Intensive Outpatient Programme (IOP) provides structured, expert support for individuals experiencing more severe or entrenched eating disorders. It offers multiple weekly support sessions and is most suitable for people who need a higher level of input to make meaningful progress.

1.25M

people living with an eating disorder

We created our IOP to help bridge the gap between intensive inpatient or day patient care and standard weekly outpatient eating disorder treatment.

46%

of Adults feel unhappy about appearance

How it works

How the IOP Model Works

Clients typically attend several one-to-one sessions per week, blending therapy, dietetics, and functional or meal-support sessions with psychiatric oversight. This structure offers coordinated, evidence-based care aligned with NICE guidelines while allowing clients to continue with work, education, and day-to-day responsibilities.

How We Support you

IOP Interventions

The IOP includes only one-to-one treatment — no groups — ensuring all care is entirely tailored and addresses both the psychological, emotional and physical aspects of recovery. Each IOP treatment plan is individually developed and may include:
  • Psychology or Talking Therapy
  • Psychiatry
  • Dietetics
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Supported meals and snacks
  • Family therapy or family-supported CBT (mandatory for under-18s; optional for adults)
THE BENEFITS

Benefits of the Intensive Outpatient Programme

  • Evidence-based care without hospital admission
  • Flexible structure tailored to each individual
  • Coordinated input from psychology, dietetics, and psychiatry
  • Encourages independence and real-world application of skills
  • Reduces risk of relapse through consistent support
  • Ideal step-down pathway from inpatient/day treatment or step up, where more support would be beneficial
  • Includes family or carer involvement when beneficial

What to Expect During the IOP

1. A psychiatric assessment to confirm medical suitability

2. An orientation and planning session with a senior IOP clinician

A clear six-week plan is created, identifying goals and outlining the level and type of support recommended. Clients then attend a blend of therapy, dietetic, and practical sessions, with weekly monitoring and a full review at Week 6 to guide next steps. Treatment is delivered through a hybrid model — clinic, online, and community-based sessions such as meal exposures or food shopping.

What to expect

A Typical Week in the IOP

Structure is personalised according to goals and needs but a typical week may include:

  • 1–2 therapy sessions
  • Dietetic support
  • 2–3 supported meals/snacks
  • Functional recovery work (e.g., OT)

Monitoring & Progress

Weekly clinician communication and MDT reviews ensure the programme remains safe, targeted, and effective.

A Place of Specialist Support

Who Can Benefit from the IOP

Our IOP for eating disorders is particularly helpful for those stepping down from inpatient care, those feeling stuck in weekly outpatient therapy, or those seeking relapse prevention support.
No formal diagnosis is required — anyone struggling with food, eating, or body image is welcome to enquire.

FAQ’s

FAQs About the Intensive Outpatient Programme

Inpatient care provides 24-hour supervision within a hospital environment. Day Programme care generally includes 3-5 full-day programmes across the week, involving supported meals and group work. The IOP offers structured, intensive 1-1 support during the week, typically 1 or 2 sessions per day making it a much more financially viable option for many people.

The programme runs in six-week blocks and can be extended based on progress and clinical need.

Yes — the programme is designed to be flexible and fit around work, education, and family commitments.

Yes, the IOP is a hybrid model so would need clients to be comfortable with some remote sessions. Whilst we recommend at least 1 session in person per week, we are able to do remote IOP for those where travel is tricky.

Yes — family sessions can be part of the programme and are essential for under-18s.

We offer short waiting times and can usually arrange assessments swiftly.

Start your journey

Take the First Step Towards Recovery

Choosing to begin treatment is a significant step. Our Intensive Outpatient Programme offers compassionate, structured, one-to-one support delivered by highly skilled clinicians who specialise in eating disorders. If you are considering IOP treatment, we are here to help guide you through the next steps.

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