Integrative, Modern Mental Health Care
The Heartwood Intesive Outpatient Program (IOP)
The Heartwood Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), offered by Widening Circles in Asheville, NC, is the only CARF-accredited mental health program of its kind—uniquely blending integrative treatment modalities and making them accessible through insurance-covered care. Based in the serene Appalachian mountains of Western North Carolina, Heartwood blends traditional therapeutic practices with innovative and integrative modalities to support sustainable mental health recovery.
About the Heartwood Program
Founded in 2017, Widening Circles has been a trailblazer in mental health care. Heartwood embodies this legacy by delivering personalized, integrative outpatient treatment that addresses the unique needs of each individual. Our approach to mental health care combines diverse disciplines ensuring that every patient receives care designed specifically for their preferences, needs, and therapeutic goals.
What Makes Heartwood Unique?
Heartwood stands apart as a forward-thinking integrative intensive outpatient mental health program. Our multidisciplinary model integrates treatment methods that go beyond traditional care, offering 21st-century solutions to complex mental health challenges. Additionally, Widening Circles is CARF-accredited, meeting internationally recognized standards of excellence, and is able to accept most major insurances, making our innovative services accessible to a wider range of patients.
How Does It Work?
The Heartwood Integrative Mental Health Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is a structured program designed to meet the insurance industry definition of an IOP, which includes 9-19 hours of weekly programming with a focus on group therapy, along with individual psychotherapy and psychiatric medication management. Patients also have the flexibility to attend up to five days a week and access additional services like psychedelic medicine.
A higher level of care than traditional intensive outpatient programs.
A team-based approach to addressing complex mental health challenges.
An integrative approach to mental health.
Is Heartwood Right For You?
At Heartwood IOP, we provide a higher level of care for individuals who need more than traditional outpatient programs. Our program is ideal for those seeking an integrative approach to mental health recovery, where we address both mental health and substance use challenges through a team-based method. Many of our clinicians are dual-licensed, meaning they specialize in treating both mental health and substance use disorders—with a focus on the interplay of trauma, addiction, and mental health conditions.
We believe in a comprehensive approach to treatment that focuses on healing the whole person, rather than just the symptoms.
What You Need to Qualify for Heartwood IOP
For most insurance companies to approve IOP, the following criteria are generally required, as outlined by the Association of Ambulatory Behavioral Healthcare’s Standards and Guidelines for Partial Hospitalization Programs and Intensive Outpatient Programs:
- Moderate symptoms of a serious behavioral health disorder
- Significant impairment in one or more areas of personal functioning (such as work, relationships, or self-care)
- The clear potential to decline further without this level of care
- The need for direct monitoring that is less than daily but more than weekly
- Identified deficits that can be addressed through IOP services
- Variability in daily coping capacity, affecting your ability to handle life situations
Heartwood IOP Specific Criteria
In addition to meeting the general insurance criteria, Heartwood IOP is specifically designed for individuals who:
- Live in or near the Asheville area or have the ability to do so for the duration of the 10-week program
- Have reliable transportation to and from our facility
- Can commit to the full 10-week program
- Would benefit from a supportive group therapy environment
- Are not acutely psychotic at the time of admission
If you identify with these characteristics and are seeking a holistic, compassionate, and intensive level of care, Heartwood IOP may be the right choice for you. Our goal is to provide the support and structure you need to overcome challenges and regain control of your mental health. Feel free to reach out to us for more information or to determine whether Heartwood IOP is the right fit for your needs. We’re here to help you take the next step in your recovery journey.
Services Offered in the Heartwood IOP
Groups form the foundation of the Heartwood IOP, running Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Beyond group therapy, the Heartwood IOP offers a wide range of integrative services with a focus on holistic mental health care.
The Heartwood IOP provides an array of services designed to address diverse mental health needs, including:
- Psychiatry & Medication Management
- Individual Psychotherapy
- Group Therapy
- Foundations of Functional Mental Health
- Somatic Therapy
- Neuroregulation
- Psychedelic Integration Therapy Group*
- Expressive Arts Therapy
- Ecotherapy and Nature Connection
Unique Modalities
Widening Circles is proud to offer innovative treatments like Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) for individuals struggling with treatment-resistant depression. These evidence-based therapies, combined with holistic practices, provide transformative care that extends beyond the typical outpatient framework.*
*Psychedelic Medicine Disclaimer: Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy is available to patients in the IOP if it is medically indicated. If you are enrolled in our IOP, you can be evaluated for the psychedelic medicine program, and we will make it as accessible as possible. Insurance does not cover therapeutic ketamine for mental health indications.
Outcomes of the Heartwood IOP
Our program is designed to help patients achieve:
- Stabilization of acute symptoms.
- Functional improvement through evidence-based interventions.
- Trauma resolution and emotional regulation.
- Empowerment to manage mental health proactively.
- A successful transition to lower levels of care for ongoing support.
IOP Program Investment
Heartwood’s program spans 10 weeks, with participants receiving a minimum of 3 hours of care per day. Costs vary depending on insurance coverage:
- Private pay, per diem rate: $400
- Insurance: prior authorization and your specific plan will determine individual insurance coverage, deductibles and any/or copayments.*
- Minimum participation: 3 days per week, up to 5 days per week
- Group Schedule: Monday – Friday from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Prior authorization will determine individual insurance coverage and any copayments or co-insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Four Pillars of the Heartwood IOP
Begin Your Journey to Recovery in the Heartwood IOP Program
At Widening Circles, we believe in holistic, patient-centered care that empowers individuals to reclaim their mental health. Our multidisciplinary team is here to help you achieve lasting recovery and wellness. Contact us today to learn more about how Heartwood can support your journey to mental health and well-being.