TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – A program at Stormont Vail Behavioral Health bridges a gap for people who need more than occasional therapy but don’t require inpatient hospital care.
The Adult Intensive Outpatient Program meets virtually three hours a day, three days a week in group sessions of about six people.
“It’s kind of an additional support and more structure,” said Matt Dittmer, LSCSW, a behavioral therapist and supervisor with Stormont Vail Behavioral Health in Topeka.
The program serves a range of needs and conditions, from anxiety and depression to bipolar disorder. Some participants are transitioning out of inpatient care, while others need something beyond a one-hour-a-week appointment.
“It provides additional support for those who might need a little bit more of a touch base, either if they’re already existing in therapy services and they can’t be seen for a few weeks or somebody who may have some more intense symptoms happening and get some skills that can help support them through a difficult time,” Dittmer said.
How the program works
Sessions start with mindfulness exercises, then participants learn and practice new therapies and coping skills. Dittmer said the group component adds to the experience.
“Getting to hear from other people and how it impacts them, what they might try, what they have tried,” he said.
The virtual format allows the program to reach people it may not otherwise.
“It’s really been able to reach people who aren’t able to get here in person for whatever reason. Some of it may just be location, they live in a pretty rural area,” Dittmer said. “I think it provides them some comfort, too, knowing they can be in their own setting.”
Most insurance will cover Adult Intensive Outpatient therapy. For information about Stormont Vail’s program, call 785-270-4600 or click here.
Copyright 2026 WIBW. All rights reserved.