MyMichigan Health Welcoming New Patients to Innovative Adolescent Care Program

MyMichigan Health is now accepting patients in middle and high school for its new therapeutic Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) in Midland. Designed to address the growing mental health needs of adolescents, the grant-funded program made possible by the Michigan Health Endowment Fund, fills a critical gap in local behavioral health services for youth in the region.

“Untreated behavioral health crises in youth can place immense stress on families, sometimes even leading to the breakdown of a healthy family structure,” said Kathy Dollard, Psy.D., L.P., director of Behavioral Health at MyMichigan Health. “This IOP program will incorporate best practices in adolescent behavioral health, focusing on both treatment and community resources. It allows adolescents to remain in the safety of their homes while receiving the therapy and support they need to manage and cope with mental health challenges.”

The program offers evidence-based group, individual and family therapy for adolescents struggling with issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, school issues, relationship or family stress. By offering structured therapeutic sessions after school, participants return to their home environment in the evening. IOP is an important alternative to inpatient care, providing flexibility and continues to involve family members in the treatment process.

Over the last 18 months, MyMichigan Health’s Emergency Departments have treated 692 patients for behavioral health issues, with a significant number of cases coming from the Midland area. Currently, there are limited adolescent IOP programs in the mid-Michigan region, making this program an essential resource for local families.

“We are deeply grateful to the Michigan Health Endowment Fund for making this initiative possible,” said Dr. Dollard. “The need for mental health services for adolescents is more urgent than ever, and this program will help young people in our community receive the support and tools they need to navigate tough times.”

The IOP consists of three-hour sessions, three times per week with treatment ranging from 30 days to three months. The program includes group therapy, psychoeducational sessions and medication management. Additional services such as individual counseling, family therapy, care management and occupational/recreational activities are also offered. Treatment follow two evidence-based models: Brief Strategic Family Therapy (BSFT) and Adolescent Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). The program aims to stabilize clinical conditions, reduce symptoms and prevent inpatient hospitalizations, offering necessary treatment for those who cannot be effectively treated in a less intensive setting.

Staff members include Medical Director Ferdnand Osuagwu, M.D., Supervisor Meghan Dahl, L.M.S.W., Therapists Liz Davis, L.M.S.W., and Melissa Moe, L.M.S.W., Psychiatric Nurse Kirsten Gardner, M.S.N., and Patient Services Technician Deidra Ayotte.

IOP programs are designed for adolescents who need more support than traditional outpatient care provides but do not require the level of intensity found in inpatient care. The program also serves as a step-down option for youth leaving inpatient care, helping them transition to a more independent, stable lifestyle.

“Our goal is to equip youth with the skills to function within their family system, feel hopeful about their future and regain stability in their daily lives,” explained Dahl. Intensive outpatient programs offer crucial support to those in the early stages of recovery. “Our program will help participants achieve the next level of stability and functionality.”

Keeping patients close to home helps reduce the burden of long-distance transportation challenges and encourages family or support-system involvement in the treatment plan. The aim of the IOP is to provide the appropriate level of care for patients, keeping them in their home or regional community while also keeping them in school so that they don’t fall behind.

“This is an important investment in the well-being of our youth and families,” said Dr. Dollard. “MyMichigan Health is proud to provide essential mental health services to adolescents in our region.”

MyMichigan Health is a leading provider of mental health services, committed to improving the well-being of individuals and families. With a focus on compassionate care and evidence-based practices, MyMichigan offers a range of adult programs including inpatient care, office base care, partial hospitalization programs, senior outpatient therapy and integrated behavioral health to meet the diverse needs of our communities. Those interested in more information on MyMichigan’s behavioral health services may visit www.mymichigan.org/mentalhealth.