After School IOP for Teens Now Available in Silver Spring, Maryland: High-Quality Mental Health Support That Fits Your Family’s Life

As the school year begins, many families in Maryland and the DMV area, are juggling busy schedules, academic demands, and the emotional well-being of their teens. That’s why we’re re-launching our Adolescent After School Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) in Silver Spring, delivering the same trusted Compass Health Center care, structured for after-school hours. 

 “Teens can’t wait months for care. When a young person is struggling, every day matters,” said Karina Campbell, LCSW-C, Executive Director, Compass Health Center – Silver Spring. “Many families put off seeking care because they worry about how treatment will fit into an already full schedule or because they cannot find a program that can start right away. Our After School IOP takes that worry off the table. By offering specialized support in the evenings, we make it possible for teens to get help right when they need it, without having to miss out on school or activities that are important to them.” 

Flexibility for Teens, Without Compromise

Our After School IOP is designed so students, ages 12-18, can receive evidence-based, specialized therapy and psychiatric support without missing school. This program runs in the evenings, giving adolescents access to group therapy, individual care, and psychiatry while continuing their classes, schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and social life. 

We know that when a teen is struggling, the whole family feels it. That’s why immediate access to treatment matters. Assessments are available within 24 hours, and teens can begin a program the same or next day. Evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) give adolescents practical tools and coping skills they can use every day. Just as important, families are part of the process. Through family therapy, teens and their loved ones work together to strengthen communication, deepen understanding, and build support systems that last. 

What Sets Our Program Apart for Teens

• Evidence-based care, after school: Students receive psychiatric-led, comprehensive mental health support in the evenings, ensuring academics remain uninterrupted. 
• Resource Hour: Dedicated time to build executive functioning skills like organization, planning, and study habits that directly support school success. 
• Parent Orientation: The Monday after a student begins, parents attend an orientation led by family therapists. This session walks caregivers through expectations, program structure, and strategies for supporting their child at home. 

Why This Matters for Schools and Families

• For Schools: After School IOP helps balance academic priorities with student well-being, offering specialized therapy and psychiatric support without taking students out of class. 
• For Clinicians & Pediatricians: This program is ideal for patients who need more than outpatient therapy but can still function during daytime school. It’s a seamless way to connect families to evidence-based care. 
• For Parents: Families can feel confident that their child is receiving Compass’ trusted IOP care, while still managing school and after-school commitments. 

Supporting Student Mental Health Without Missed Class Time

The start of the school year is a crucial time to build routines and resilience. With Compass’ After School IOP, students gain structure, skills, and support, while families feel prepared and connected. 

Learn more about the Silver Spring After School Adolescent IOP. 

Our After School Intensive Outpatient Program is offered both in person and virtually, so families can choose the option that works best for them. In-person programs are available in Silver Spring, Maryland, and in Illinois at our Chicago, Northbrook, and Oak Brook centers. Virtual programming is available across Illinois, Maryland, Virginia, Washington, DC, and Wisconsin, with Minnesota coming soon. We’re honored to support adolescents and families in the DMV area with care that truly fits into everyday life.