Are values-based therapies included in virtual mental health IOPs?

In recent years, virtual mental health IOPs have expanded access to intensive outpatient care, accommodating individuals and couples who seek structured support without relocating to a residential program. One of the key innovations in these programs is the integration of values-based therapies—approaches that help participants identify and commit to personal values as guiding principles for behavior change. In this article, we explore what values-based therapies entail, how they fit into a virtual mental health IOP, and why they can be especially powerful for couples who stay together, room together, and heal together. We’ll also cover the role of socially designated couples therapists, insurance considerations for PPO plans, and even how a pet friendly environment can enhance your therapeutic journey.

Understanding values-based therapies in virtual mental health IOPs

Values-based therapies, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), emphasize the importance of clarifying what truly matters to you. Rather than focusing solely on symptom reduction, these modalities guide participants to:

• Identify core personal values (e.g., connection, honesty, compassion)

• Recognize behaviors that align or conflict with those values

• Commit to action plans that reflect chosen values

In a virtual mental health IOP, licensed clinicians deliver values-based interventions via secure video platforms. Sessions may include mindfulness exercises, values clarification worksheets, and group discussions that reinforce participants’ commitment to living a values-guided life. By integrating these therapies into a structured schedule of individual and group sessions, virtual IOPs ensure that values-based work complements other components like cognitive skills training and relapse prevention planning.

Benefits of values-based therapies in virtual mental health IOPs

Integrating values-based therapies into a virtual mental health IOP offers multiple advantages:

• Enhanced motivation: Aligning treatment goals with personal values fosters intrinsic motivation to engage in therapy and maintain progress.

• Resilience building: Participants learn to navigate challenges by reconnecting with meaningful values, reducing the impact of distressing thoughts or cravings.

• Holistic growth: Beyond symptom management, values-based work supports identity development and life redesign, crucial for sustained recovery and mental wellness.

Because these programs are virtual, individuals can practice values-based skills in real-world contexts immediately after sessions—whether at home, work, or with loved ones—reinforcing their commitment to value-driven action.

How values-based therapies support couples in virtual mental health IOPs

For couples seeking joint support, values-based therapies offer a framework for shared growth:

• Couples stay together, room together, heal together: By participating in values clarification as a duo, partners learn each other’s core values, fostering mutual understanding.

• Shared values action plans: Couples co-create commitments—such as scheduling daily check-ins or practicing joint mindfulness—that honor both partners’ priorities.

• Conflict resolution grounded in values: When disagreements arise, couples use their clarified values as reference points for respectful dialogue and compromise.

A virtual mental health IOP that embraces values-based work empowers couples to rebuild trust and connection through purposeful, values-aligned interactions.

The role of socially designated couples therapists in virtual mental health IOPs

Unlike traditional programs that may assign the same clinician for individual and couple sessions, our virtual IOP model provides a socially designated couples therapist. This specialist:

• Focuses exclusively on relational dynamics, ensuring sessions are tailored to couples’ unique interactions.

• Collaborates with each partner’s individual therapist and individual drug and alcohol counselor, maintaining clear boundaries and targeted treatment objectives.

• Coordinates with the broader care team to integrate values-based and behavioral goals across all facets of therapy.

By having a dedicated couples therapist, partners receive focused attention on relationship repair while also progressing in their individual recovery journeys.

Integrating pet friendly approaches into virtual mental health IOPs

Recognizing the therapeutic value of animal companionship, some virtual mental health IOPs are pet friendly. Whether you have a service dog, emotional support animal, or a beloved pet at home, you’re encouraged to:

• Involve your animal in mindfulness and grounding exercises during group or individual sessions.

• Share supportive moments with your pet, reducing anxiety and fostering a nurturing environment.

• Leverage your pet’s presence to practice values-based commitments like compassion, care, and responsibility.

A pet friendly virtual setting can enhance emotional safety and provide a comforting presence as you navigate intensive therapy work.

Insurance coverage and PPO plans for virtual mental health IOPs

PPO insurance plans typically cover most if not all of your treatment costs in a virtual mental health IOP, including:

• Stay (if a residential component is ever needed) and lodging adjuncts for families

• Meals or nutritional support programs integrated into treatment

• Medication management visits with psychiatrists or nurse practitioners

• Individual therapy, group therapy, and specialized couples therapy services

• Medical evaluations and lab work

• Fun sober activities, such as virtual art or music workshops, to reinforce recovery skills

Before beginning, our team verifies your PPO benefits, handles authorizations, and guides you through any required pre-certification to ensure seamless access to values-based virtual care.

Why Choose Us?

When you join our virtual mental health IOP, you receive:

• A comprehensive, evidence-based curriculum that includes values-based therapies to deepen your commitment to recovery.

• The flexibility of a fully virtual platform that lets couples stay together, room together, and heal together from the comfort of home.

• A socially designated couples therapist, working alongside your individual therapists, for specialized relational support.

• The option to involve your pet in sessions, creating a pet friendly environment that enhances emotional safety.

• Expertise in navigating PPO insurance, ensuring your treatment is covered without surprise fees.

• A multidisciplinary care team focused on holistic well-being—therapy, medication management, medical oversight, and recovery activities.

Conclusion

Virtual mental health IOPs have evolved to offer more than traditional symptom-focused interventions. By incorporating values-based therapies, these programs help individuals and couples clarify what matters most and build lives aligned with their deepest values. Whether you’re strengthening a partnership, seeking greater resilience, or aiming for sustained recovery, a values-based virtual IOP provides the structure, flexibility, and personalized care you need. With dedicated therapists for individuals and couples, pet friendly options, and PPO insurance support, you can embark on a transformative journey toward authentic, values-driven well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are values-based therapies included in virtual mental health IOPs?
A: Yes. Most virtual mental health IOPs integrate values-based therapies such as ACT and DBT alongside traditional modalities. Participants clarify their core values, learn skills to live consistently with those values, and receive ongoing support through individual and group sessions.

Q: How do couples stay together, room together, and heal together in a virtual IOP?
A: Couples participate jointly in designated therapy sessions, values clarification exercises, and recovery activities—all delivered online. This model ensures partners share the healing process without being separated by location or differing schedules.

Q: What is a socially designated couples therapist?
A: A socially designated couples therapist focuses exclusively on relationship dynamics, coordinating with each partner’s individual therapist and substance use counselor. This specialization ensures targeted support for communication, conflict resolution, and mutual growth.

Q: Will my PPO insurance plan cover virtual mental health IOP services?
A: In most cases, yes. PPO plans generally cover individual therapy, group therapy, couples therapy, medication management, medical visits, and therapeutic activities. Our team verifies benefits and handles authorizations to maximize your coverage.

Q: Can I involve my pet in virtual therapy sessions?
A: Absolutely. Our pet friendly approach welcomes emotional support animals and pets during sessions. Engaging with your animal companion can ease anxiety, enhance grounding practices, and reinforce values-based commitments like care and compassion.