sustain connection: virtual IOP for teens across california
Sustain Connection delivers the depth and quality of Sustain Adolescent Recovery’s clinical care through a flexible virtual Intensive Outpatient Program. It supports teens who need structured treatment while allowing them the flexibility to stay home, maintain school routines, and remain connected to family life.
what is sustain connection?
Sustain Connection is a virtual IOP program designed for adolescents who need more support than weekly therapy. Programming runs Monday through Friday from 4:00 to 7:00 pm, with a minimum participation of three days per week. Families can select the days that work best within the weekly schedule.
The program includes:
Group therapy (three hours per day)
Individual therapy
Family therapy
Psychiatric evaluation & medication management
Parent support group
Random, scheduled urine drug screens for safety & accountability
Optional monthly in person experiential activities
This is a clinically driven program staffed by licensed adolescent specialists who understand how to engage teens meaningfully in a virtual environment.
a flexible model that supports real life
Virtual IOP removes many of the barriers that make treatment difficult for families. School schedules stay intact. Parents can keep their workdays uninterrupted.
Sustain Connection offers a complete and comprehensive program for teens who benefit from structured support. Our team stays closely connected with each family, ensuring their teen receives the right guidance, support, and engagement every step of the way. And when virtual IOP is the best fit, teens can complete their entire treatment journey online with the same consistency, compassion, and connection they’d experience in person.
a strong clinical framework
Every teen begins with a comprehensive assessment that identifies needs, risks, strengths, and priorities. This becomes the foundation of an individualized treatment plan created in collaboration with both the teen and their parents, ensuring everyone is aligned on goals and support.
Teens participate in a mix of therapeutic groups such as:
- DBT skills
- Anger management
- Family connections
- Recovery-focused groups for substance use concerns
- Breathwork for mind-body regulation
Programming supports mental health needs, dual diagnosis needs, and emotional regulation offering structure, consistency, and meaningful engagement that leads to measurable progress.
individual & family therapy
A core strength of Sustain Connection is the level of individualized attention built into the program. Teens receive:
Individual therapy
Family therapy
Access to a parent support group
Sustain includes these family components because they strengthen outcomes. Parents learn why certain patterns emerge, how to communicate more effectively, and how to support their teen in ways that create long-term stability.
This is a comprehensive model that treats the teen and the family system together.
built-in accountability
Virtual programs can sometimes leave parents unsure of what is actually happening. Sustain Connection removes that uncertainty.
- Teens participate in random, scheduled UAs
- Parents receive notification and take their teen to a local testing site
- Results help guide treatment and support recovery work
This system adds structure that protects progress and helps families stay informed.
optional in person opportunities
Although the program operates virtually, teens can participate in monthly in person activities such as equine therapy, ropes course work, and alumni gatherings. These experiences are optional but available to any virtual client who wants deeper connection and hands-on therapeutic work.
support for a wide range of needs
Sustain Connection is designed for teens who are struggling with:
Anxiety
Depression or mood instability
School refusal or school-related stress
Family conflict
Early or suspected substance use
Dual diagnosis concerns
Emotional regulation challenges
Withdrawal from peers or activities
Families do not need to know exactly what level of care their teen requires. Sustain provides assessment, guidance, and clear direction.
length of treatment
Virtual IOP usually lasts 45 to 60 days, depending on progress, medical necessity, and achievement of treatment plan goals. Many insurers authorize an initial period, and additional time is requested when clinically appropriate.
Teens may attend three to five days per week depending on the family’s needs and the clinical team’s recommendations.
insurance & payment
Sustain Connection accepts:
Most insurance plans
Plans already contracted through Sustain Adolescent Recovery’s broader programs
Families can verify benefits through the admissions team with one simple call.
sustain's in-network insurance providers
why families choose sustain connection
Parents often reach out because something feels off and they are not sure where to begin. Sustain Connection creates clarity. It offers structure, therapeutic direction, and a highly trained clinical team that knows how to work with teens and families in moments of difficulty.
The program is flexible, accessible, clinically rigorous, and grounded in the belief that healing happens through connection. Families receive support. Teens receive individualized care. Everyone receives a path forward.
start with an assessment
If your teen is struggling and you are looking for support that fits your family’s life, Sustain is here to help. Virtual IOP is available statewide.
Contact Sustain Adolescent Recovery to learn more about Sustain Connection and schedule an assessment.