Expanding Access to PHP and IOP Programs in the Twin Cities: Real Stories from Compass’s Golden Valley location
Real patient and staff stories reveal how Compass is expanding access to PHP and IOP mental health treatment for Twin Cities residents.
Like many states across the U.S., Minnesota is facing a growing mental health access crisis. Although one in three adults reports symptoms of anxiety or depression, one in six is unable to access the mental health care they need (NAMI Minnesota, 2021). Barriers to treatment are even greater for youth—more than 100,000 Minnesota adolescents experience a major depressive episode each year, and nearly 60% never receive treatment (NAMI, 2025).
To help address the increasing demand for partial hospitalization (PHP) and intensive outpatient (IOP) programs in the Twin Cities, Compass Health Center, a nationally recognized leader in psychiatrist-led mental health care, opened a new treatment center in Golden Valley earlier this year. The new location expands access to specialized mental health services for individuals and families throughout the Minneapolis metro region.
Compass’s state-of-the-art facility provides comprehensive PHP and IOP programs in the Twin Cities for adolescents, young adults, and adults. Designed as an intermediate level of care between traditional outpatient therapy and inpatient hospitalization, these programs offer structured, evidence-based support while allowing patients to maintain many aspects of their daily routines. In its first months serving the community, Compass has already helped expand access to timely, compassionate mental health care through expert clinical treatment and highly individualized care plans.
Why Access to PHP and IOP Programs Matters in the Twin Cities
For many individuals struggling with mental health conditions, traditional outpatient therapy may not provide enough support, while inpatient hospitalization may feel more intensive than necessary. That’s where partial hospitalization (PHP) and intensive outpatient (IOP) programs can make a meaningful difference.
While terms like “PHP” and “IOP” may sound intimidating at first, these programs are simply structured, group-based treatment options designed to provide a higher level of care and support. PHP and IOP programs help individuals experiencing debilitating symptoms of depression, anxiety, OCD, trauma and PTSD, and school anxiety and avoidance that interfere with daily life, relationships, work, or school.
At Compass Health Center, we believe mental health care should be accessible when people need it most. That’s why we provide immediate access to specialized PHP and IOP programs in the Twin Cities—individuals and families can schedule a mental health assessment within 24 hours of their initial phone call and start the program as soon as the same or next day. Our team is committed to delivering evidence-based, specialized care that meets each individual where they are and helps them move toward lasting healing and stability.
Compass’s New Golden Valley Location Expands Specialized Treatment Options
The need for PHP and IOP mental health care continues to grow across Minnesota. Compass’s new Golden Valley location brings specialized treatment programs closer to individuals and families in the west and northwest Minneapolis suburbs, helping reduce travel time, improve access to care, and expand availability for those seeking timely mental health treatment.
What Patients and Staff Say About Compass’s PHP and IOP Programs
Reading about a mental health program is one thing—experiencing personalized care firsthand is another. Since opening its Golden Valley location, Compass has received meaningful feedback from both patients and staff that reflects its core treatment philosophy: meeting each individual where they are and helping them build the tools for a healthier future.
Feeling Supported from Day One
At Compass, support begins with the first phone call. One Education Specialist shared that families have expressed an “unbelievable amount of praise” for the educational support provided during care. Education Specialists help children and adolescents stay connected to school, maintain academic progress, and continue reaching educational milestones while in treatment.
“Many share it makes committing to Compass and our process much easier when they know they have someone advocating alongside them,” the staff member explained.
Personalized, Structured Care That Drives Progress
Compass treatment teams are led by psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and master’s-level clinicians who utilize evidence-based therapies tailored to each patient’s needs. Treatment approaches include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and Motivational Enhancement Therapy.
Through comprehensive evaluations, collaborative care planning, and ongoing clinical assessment, Compass clinicians work closely with patients to determine the most effective treatment path. One staff member noted the positive impact of incorporating expressive arts into treatment: “Many patients have discussed the positive impact that art therapy at Compass has on their mental health and wellbeing.”
Treating the Entire Support System
At Compass, care extends beyond the individual patient to include the entire support system. Family involvement is a key component of treatment, helping improve communication, strengthen relationships, and support long-term healing.
A family therapist at the Golden Valley location shared that one patient initially felt hesitant about participating in family therapy. However, by the end of treatment, the patient described family therapy as one of the most impactful parts of their experience and shared positive feedback about the interventions that helped support their family system.
Meaningful Change Beyond Treatment
Treatment at Compass is designed to create lasting change. Through Compass’s PHP and IOP programs, patients develop healthier coping strategies, build confidence and self-esteem, and gain practical tools to better manage emotions and daily challenges long after treatment ends.
The impact of care often extends beyond the individual patient and into the lives of family members and loved ones as well. One staff member shared: “A family asked me to pass along feedback that they were grateful for everything Compass had done for their daughter and shared that family therapy had a significant impact on all of them.”
Another clinician reflected on the positive changes families experienced while learning new approaches to support a child struggling with school refusal: “A family praised Compass for helping them understand the importance of maintaining boundaries and being patient as they learned to navigate changes in their parenting style. They also shared positive feedback about the home planning process.”
By combining evidence-based treatment with family involvement and individualized care planning, Compass helps patients and families build a stronger foundation for long-term mental health and wellness.
What Sets Compass’s PHP and IOP Programs Apart
Compass Health Center provides specialized care within a broader continuum of mental health services, helping patients and families access the right level of support at the right time.
Following an initial assessment, Compass’s multidisciplinary treatment team develops a personalized PHP or IOP treatment plan tailored to each patient’s unique needs. Care plans are created collaboratively with the patient and their support system, including family members, outpatient providers, and other trusted care partners. Both levels of care combine interactive group therapy, individualized clinical care, and psychiatric support to provide comprehensive, evidence-based treatment.
Compass patients also benefit from consistent access to psychiatrists and a dedicated team of specialists throughout treatment. Frequent clinical touchpoints and individualized support help ensure patients receive the guidance and care they need every step of the way. This integrated, psychiatrist-led approach is one of the key factors that sets Compass apart from other comprehensive mental health treatment providers.
Bringing PHP and IOP Programs to More Twin Cities Families
In addition to its in-person Golden Valley center, Compass offers virtual PHP and IOP programs statewide. These programs deliver the same psychiatrist-led care, evidence-based therapies, and strong clinical outcomes with the added flexibility and convenience of receiving treatment from home. Virtual care options help expand access for individuals and families throughout the Twin Cities metro area and across Minnesota.
Explore PHP and IOP Programs in the Twin Cities
Compass’s new Golden Valley location makes it easier for Twin Cities individuals and families to access specialized partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient mental health treatment when it’s needed most.
If you or a loved one are ready to take the next step toward better mental health, explore Compass’s PHP and IOP programs in the Twin Cities and connect with our admissions team to learn more about available treatment options.
