Maria Parham Franklin is pleased to announce the launch of its Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), providing structured, evidenced-based therapy for adults (18+) facing mental health challenges.  

The IOP is designed for individuals experiencing mild to moderate psychiatric distress, including depression, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and co-occurring mental health and substance use concerns. As an outpatient service, it enables flexibility in treatment, providing care to patients in a group setting from licensed therapists, psychiatrists and social workers.

“Launching our Intensive Outpatient Program is a critical step toward expanded access for interventional mental health services in the Franklin County region,” said Bert Beard, CEO of Maria Parham Health. “We know that for many patients, inpatient therapy may not be indicated, but structured and consistent treatment is still critical to their recovery and day-to-day resilience. This program is specially designed to meet their needs in a comfortable outpatient environment.”

The program serves individuals stepping down from inpatient care, those who need more support than traditional outpatient individual therapy and those balancing work, school and other daily routines. Patients must be referred by a physician and will undergo an initial assessment to determine eligibility.  

“The goal of an Intensive Outpatient Program is to provide adaptive, individualized support in an outpatient setting, meeting patients where they are and wrapping around their daily lives in meaningful ways,” said Augustin Lisardo, MD, Maria Parham Franklin. “Some of our goals in outpatient therapy may include improving personal communication skills, helping patients to develop more effective coping strategies, building self-esteem and confidence and addressing the root causes of mental health challenges.”

Better mental health begins with an assessment—a confidential conversation that provides important information to providers and clinical team members who will make a plan of care recommendation. When you or a loved one has mental health or addiction concerns, it is important to find appropriate, effective care and begin the journey back to wellness.  

The Maria Parham Franklin IOP is located at 100 Hospital Drive, Louisburg, North Carolina 27549. For more information, call 919.340.8690 or visit MariaParham.com.  In addition to our IOP, Maria Parham Franklin provides inpatient programming for individuals struggling with mental health and co-occurring disorders needing medical supervision. Our programs offer caring, compassionate treatment for adults and seniors.