Levels of Care
Virtual Outpatient Program
Ongoing therapy and psychiatry through secure telehealth — flexible enough to fit around your life, consistent enough to drive real progress.
Our Virtual Outpatient Program is weekly or bi-weekly telehealth therapy (and psychiatry when needed) for adults across Texas — ideal as a first step into care or as a step-down after Virtual IOP, with free insurance verification before you enroll.
Clinically reviewed by Stephanie Behrens, LMFT, LPCC · Clinical Director · July 2026
1–2x
Sessions per week
48h
Typical intake to first session
100%
Telehealth — all of Texas
$0
Cost to verify insurance
Overview
What is a Virtual Outpatient Program?
A Virtual Outpatient Program (OP) provides regular access to licensed therapists and psychiatrists through secure telehealth — without the intensive multi-day-per-week schedule of an IOP. It's designed for individuals who are stable enough for weekly or bi-weekly care, or those who have completed IOP and are ready to maintain their progress with a lower level of structure.
Our outpatient program is a strong starting point for mild-to-moderate mental health concerns, and an equally strong landing point for clients stepping down from IOP or a higher level of care. Sessions are flexible — you and your therapist work together to find times that fit your schedule, with morning, afternoon, and evening slots available.
Like all TMHS programs, outpatient care is delivered 100% virtually through a HIPAA-compliant platform available statewide. Whether you're managing anxiety, depression, trauma, or multiple co-occurring conditions, your clinical team builds a personalized plan focused on your specific goals — and adjusts it as those goals evolve.
One of the most significant advantages of outpatient care is continuity. For clients transitioning from IOP within our system, your outpatient therapist receives a full clinical handoff from your IOP team — so you're never starting from scratch, and your progress is fully preserved.
How to enroll in Virtual Outpatient
Starting care is simpler than you think
Call or request a callback
Reach out by phone or form — our admissions team responds within hours, not days, and will answer all your questions confidentially.
Free insurance check
We verify your benefits and explain your coverage before your first appointment. No hidden costs, no surprises.
Intake assessment
A licensed clinician conducts a thorough assessment to match you with the right therapist and build an initial treatment plan.
Start your first session
Most clients have their first session within 48–72 hours of completing intake — often sooner for step-down clients from IOP.
Services
What does virtual outpatient include?
Individual Therapy
Weekly or bi-weekly 1-on-1 sessions with a licensed therapist using CBT, DBT, or other modalities matched to your diagnosis and goals.
Psychiatric Consultations
Access to a licensed psychiatrist for evaluation, diagnosis, and medication management when clinically appropriate.
Medication Management
Ongoing monitoring, dose adjustments, and prescriber coordination to ensure your medications remain safe and effective.
Evidence-Based Therapy
Sessions draw from CBT, DBT, mindfulness-based therapies, and other empirically supported approaches tailored to your specific needs.
Trauma-Informed Care
All clinicians approach treatment with sensitivity to trauma history, with EMDR available for clients presenting with PTSD or complex trauma.
Ongoing Progress Tracking
Regular clinical assessments and check-ins to ensure you're making measurable progress and that the plan evolves with your needs.
Flexible Scheduling
Morning, afternoon, and evening slots available across the week to work around your job, school, or family commitments.
Care Coordination
Seamless communication across your care team — including outside providers, PCPs, or former IOP clinicians — for clinical continuity.
Step-Down Integration
For clients transitioning from IOP, your outpatient team receives a complete clinical handoff to ensure zero disruption in your progress.
Cost & payment
How much does virtual outpatient therapy cost?
Outpatient cost is driven by session frequency, whether psychiatry is included, and your insurance design. Verification is free; we explain deductible, copay, and coinsurance before your first appointment.
Compared with IOP, outpatient is usually lower weekly intensity — and often a lower monthly out-of-pocket cost — while remaining clinically appropriate for mild-to-moderate symptoms or post-IOP maintenance.
| Factor | What to expect |
|---|---|
| With insurance | Most plans cover outpatient therapy and psychiatry; your share depends on deductible and copay structure. |
| After IOP step-down | Same insurer relationship continues; we re-verify benefits for the outpatient level so there are no surprises. |
| Without insurance | Self-pay session rates available — admissions provides a written estimate after a brief screen. |
| Verification | $0 to check benefits before you schedule. |
Full Virtual IOP cost guide · Verify your benefits free — we explain coverage and out-of-pocket costs before you enroll.
Which insurance plans do we accept?
We work with most major PPO plans. Select a carrier to learn more, or verify any plan with admissions.
Why It Works
Is virtual outpatient therapy effective?
Outpatient therapy is the most widely studied form of mental health treatment — and the evidence base is strong. Meta-analyses consistently show that clients who maintain regular therapeutic contact after acute treatment have dramatically lower rates of symptom return, hospitalization, and crisis.
The virtual format removes the two biggest barriers to consistent outpatient care: geography and scheduling. For clients in rural Texas, or those managing demanding jobs and families, telehealth makes the difference between treatment that gets abandoned and treatment that actually sticks.
Accredited & Licensed
All TMHS outpatient services are delivered by fully licensed clinicians within an accredited program framework.
Parity-Compliant Coverage
Federal mental health parity law requires most insurers to cover outpatient therapy — we handle the verification so you don't have to.
Continuity of Care
Outpatient is the foundation of long-term wellness — regular clinical contact significantly reduces symptom return and crisis rates.
Clinician-Client Match
We take the time to match you to the right therapist based on your diagnosis, preferences, and therapeutic goals.
Client outcomes
What clients say about care here
“Texas Mental Health Services helped me through one of the darkest and most traumatic times in my life. I am now on a path to healing. Kathryn Fowler has been a kind and knowledgable therapist. Her skill set is remarkable. It has helped me grow tremendously in a very short amou…”
“I’m really grateful for this group therapy experience. I came in hesitant and unsure what to expect, but it quickly became clear how much value it offered. My therapist Kathy was supportive, attentive, and genuinely present. She listened without judgment, created a space that…”
“I have to say Texas Mental Health Services is literally a life saver! I called them when I was so stressed and at a mental breaking point and from beginning to end, I had support with group and one on one therapy and no judgement whatsoever! I highly recommend them to anyone t…”
Clinical leadership
Stephanie Behrens
LMFT #100423, LPCC — Clinical Director
Stephanie Behrens specializes in trauma and mental health, with experience as a therapist and Clinical Director. She oversees clinical quality across virtual IOP and outpatient programs.
Is This Right for You?
Who is Virtual Outpatient right for?
Talk to Our TeamOutpatient care is a fit for many presentations and life stages. Our clinical team will confirm the right level at intake, but you're likely well-suited for outpatient if:
You're experiencing mild-to-moderate symptoms that don't require intensive daily or multi-day support
You've completed IOP or a higher level of care and are ready to step down while maintaining support
You need consistent access to therapy but can't commit to a rigid multi-day-per-week schedule
You're managing a stable chronic mental health condition and need ongoing clinical support
You need psychiatric services — evaluation, medication, and monitoring — alongside therapy
You want to consolidate and build on treatment gains from previous care
You're new to mental health treatment and want to begin with a lower-intensity, flexible starting point
You've experienced a life transition, loss, or stressor that's impacted your mental health
FAQ
Common questions about this program
Still have questions? Our admissions team is available 24/7.
949-867-4320Continue Your Journey
Explore our other programs
Step Up if Needed
Virtual Intensive Outpatient (IOP)
If outpatient isn't enough, our IOP provides structured, multi-day-per-week support through telehealth.
Learn more
Therapy Approaches
Our Therapy Types
CBT, DBT, EMDR, individual, group, and family therapy — all available through our outpatient program.
Learn more
Conditions Treated
What We Treat
Anxiety, depression, PTSD, BPD, ADHD, and more — see every condition we specialize in.
Learn more
Get Started
Ready to take the first step?
Our admissions team will verify your insurance, complete a confidential assessment, and connect you with the right program — often within 24 hours.
$0
Cost to verify
24h
Admission turnaround
100%
Confidential
Confidential Assessment
Start your wellness journey today
Fill out the form and we'll verify your insurance and connect you with the right program.