• Pay My Bill
  • Careers
  • Donate
  • +1 (844) 401-0111

Site Search

Intensive Outpatient for Older Adults

Are you struggling to manage the challenges associated with growing older?

Moving into retirement and beyond can be challenging for older adults experiencing losses, changes in health and other challenges that arise due to aging, which cause elevated anxiety, depression, uncertainty, or other changes in mood or level of fulfillment. The Intensive Outpatient Program is for adults 65 years and older who are struggling with addressing life’s transitions. The supportive environment of the program empowers older adults to learn how to navigate and cope with these changes in healthy ways, improve overall mental health, gain support from peers, and develop personal goals for moving into this next life stage. 

Butler’s Intensive Outpatient Program for Older Adults applies the principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and provides individual counseling, group therapy, and an opportunity for interaction with peers. Working with our specialty team, you’ll regain balance and get your life back on track in the company of older adults with similar goals. 

Contact Information:

Due to the COVID crisis, the Older Adult IOP is NOW CREATING A WAITLIST FOR THE IOP PROGRAM in the virtual environment. For more information, please call our Centralized Intake Department at 1 (844) 401-0111 

Butler Hospital
345 Blackstone Boulevard
Providence, RI 02906
P: (401) 455-6200

Frequently Asked Questions

Why would someone come to the program?
This program is designed for older adults who are struggling with depression, anxiety or mood symptoms, or who are experiencing difficulty in adapting and thriving in their changing life. The program format is created to accommodate maintaining day-to-day activities while learning the necessary skills to manage emotional struggles and lifestyle changes. This program is not an appropriate environment for those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia, however, those with typical cognitive decline associated with aging will manage well with the format of the program. 
How does the program work?
You’ll be assigned to a compassionate, multidisciplinary team—a therapist, an occupational therapy assistant, and a psychiatrist—who collaborate for the duration of the program to ensure you are fully benefiting from treatment. The program runs Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. The treatment period is typically three to four weeks, and you’ll work with your team to determine the appropriate length of time for you. 
What will I be doing in the program?
On your first day of program, you will meet with a therapist to assess your specific needs and symptoms, and develop your treatment plan. The plan will include a combination of therapy and education sessions with the goal of providing support and developing coping skills. You’ll explore issues of grief and loss, health changes, caretaking, isolation, fears about the future, and other themes. You will participate in group therapy three times a week, and you will have a private therapy session every other week. During the program period, you will meet with the psychiatrist the first week, and then as needed for medication management. 
What happens at the end of the program?
The treatment team will assist with transitioning your care back to your personal therapist and/or psychiatrist, as well as primary care provider, if appropriate. If you do not already have a therapist or psychiatrist, your therapist will assist in referring you to providers who will continue to work with you after discharge from the program. 
How do I register for the program?
Referrals from a healthcare provider are optional to enter the Intensive Outpatient Program. Self-referrals are common and welcome. Services are covered by most health insurance plans, and we are happy to assist you with reviewing your coverage options. To start the process, contact our Behavioral Health Services Call Center at 1 (844) 401-0111. 
What should I bring with me?

On your first day please bring: 

  • Picture identification 
  • Insurance card 
  • List of current medications 
  • Names and phone numbers of any current healthcare providers 
  • Emergency contact information 
Other helpful tips

Parking is free. Once on the Butler Hospital campus, follow signs to Parking Lot C. Follow the path to the Partial Hospital Program entrance, near the gazebo. Once you enter the building, follow signs to the Blumer Building Partial Hospital registration area. If you require a handicap accessible entrance, please enter through the Sawyer Building. Once on the campus, follow signs to Parking Lot A and follow Paths 1 or 2, or you may park in the handicap parking spaces in front of the Sawyer Building. Once in the building, turn left down hallway and follow signs to Partial Hospital registration area. 

RIPTA public bus service is available to Butler Hospital campus with drops off and picks up near the Sawyer Building. For a bus schedule, visit ripta.com. Taxi services may also be directed to this location. Once on campus, ask drivers to follow signs to Parking Lot A. They may turn into the circular drive in front of Sawyer Building. 

Patients are welcome to bring snacks to program, as there are breaks between sessions. Butler’s cafeteria and café are also available. 

Butler Hospital is a smoke-free, tobacco-free campus. Smoking is not permitted, including e-cigarettes, in the buildings or on the grounds. If you smoke or use tobacco products, discuss this during your initial meeting as we do offer medications that may aid in smoking/tobacco cessation.