The Summit Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) located inside CU Medicine Psychiatry – Outpatient Clinic offers evidence-based mental health treatment for adults aged 18 and older. Designed to help participants reduce symptoms and improve overall life satisfaction, the Summit IOP provides structured, skill-based support for individuals experiencing psychiatric or psychosocial challenges.

Located on the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, Colorado, the Summit IOP serves both as a step-down from inpatient care or as an enhanced level of support for those needing more than traditional outpatient services can offer.

We spoke with program director Matthew Desrosiers, LCSW and co-facilitators Theresa Holsan, DNP, PMHNP and Karina Epstein, SWC, MSW, MPA to learn more about this program designed to help those needing a higher level of care than traditional outpatient therapy.

“This level of care is beneficial for individuals who are struggling to make the progress they’re hoping for in traditional outpatient treatment, or who would benefit from close support following an inpatient hospitalization,” shares Desrosiers.

Program overview

The Summit IOP runs for six weeks, meeting three times per week for three-hour sessions. Each participant receives:

• Intensive therapeutic support grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Group therapy focused on shared experiences and skill development
• Therapeutic skills training to improve emotion regulation, interpersonal relationships and daily functioning
• Medication evaluation and management with a psychiatric prescriber
• A personalized follow-up treatment plan upon discharge

Meeting days are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 9am to 12pm with new patients starting every Monday for an 8:30 am orientation. Parking and light snacks are provided.

View more information about the Summit IOP here.

Medication management and individualized support

In addition to group counseling, the program offers rapid access to psychiatric medication management and individual therapy sessions as needed, both of which play a critical role in helping participants make meaningful progress.

“Rapid medication management is available while you’re in the program, which can be very beneficial for some,” shares Holsan, who coordinates with patients’ current treatment team to provide the most robust support for participants.

Individual therapy sessions provide participants with one-on-one attention when specific challenges arise, complementing the group work and skills training. This tailored support helps address personal concerns that might not surface in a group setting, ensuring each participant’s needs are met.

“As providers and therapists in the group, we are there to support their process,” shares Epstein. “It’s very important to us that everyone feels safe.”

Eligibility requirements

The program is open to:

• Adults aged 18 and older
• Individuals experiencing general psychiatric or psychosocial challenges
• Adults able to commit to nine hours per week of in-person group therapy over six weeks

This program is not suitable for individuals diagnosed with traumatic brain injury (TBI), neurocognitive disorders or substance use disorders.

Accepted insurance plans

Summit IOP works to reduce cost barriers by accepting the following insurance plans:

Anthem – Blue Cross Blue Shield

Aetna

Cigna

Colorado Access – Medicaid

Colorado Community Health Alliance – Medicaid

UnitedHealthcare

Medicare

TRICARE

For inquiries about insurance plans not listed, contact Insurance Specialist Lydean Collins at 303-724-9485.

How to enroll

To enroll in the Summit Intensive Outpatient Program, call 303-724-1000 and request to schedule an intake appointment.

Moving toward a healthier future

At the CU Medicine Psychiatry – Outpatient Clinic on the CU Anschutz Medical Campus, the goal is to provide compassionate, expert mental health care that empowers adults to take meaningful steps toward recovery and stability. Summit IOP participants leave the program equipped with stronger coping skills, renewed confidence and a hopeful path forward.

For more information or to get started, call 303-724-1000 today.