Before you start a virtual outpatient program, ask eight things: is care one-on-one or group, how many hours a week, are clinicians licensed where you are, what happens by video and what does not, how psychiatric care is handled, what happens in a crisis, how payment works, and how the plan changes over time. The answers show whether a program fits your life. Below is the checklist, with how Blackburn Clinical Services answers each question. Call (888) 870 7405.
Call (888) 870 7405
Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM. One-on-one care by secure video for clients located in California.
What should you ask a virtual outpatient program?
| Question | Why it matters | Blackburn Clinical Services |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Is care one-on-one or group? | Many virtual IOPs are mostly group sessions; some people want individual attention and privacy | One-on-one only. The Concierge Outpatient Program has no groups |
| 2. How many hours a week? | Traditional IOPs typically require 12 to 20 hours a week, which can be hard to fit around work or school | No hour requirements; clients typically take part in 3 to 5 hours a week |
| 3. Are clinicians licensed where I am? | Therapists generally must be licensed in the state where the client is located during the session | Video care is for clients located in California |
| 4. What happens by video, and what does not? | Some treatments are in person only | By video: individual therapy, psychoeducation, coaching and case management. In person only: EMDR, Brainspotting and testing at our Los Angeles office, and TMS through a partner office. Outpatient detox for less acute withdrawal can include a physician and the care team by video, with in-person support as an option, assessed case by case; higher-risk withdrawal needs in-person medical care |
| 5. How is psychiatric care handled? | Medication questions often come up during treatment | Psychiatric care can be arranged and coordinated with your therapist |
| 6. What happens in a crisis? | Outpatient programs are not emergency services | We are not a crisis service: call or text 988, or call 911, then call us when you are safe |
| 7. How does payment work? | Costs and insurance rules vary widely | Out-of-network practice; we do not take or bill insurance and can provide superbills. No prices are quoted here; call to ask |
| 8. How does the plan change over time? | A fixed track may not match how you progress | Services increase or decrease based on clinical need rather than a predetermined level of care |
How do you check a therapist license in California?
Use the state Department of Consumer Affairs license search. Search by name to see the license type, status and any public discipline. To compare treatment programs more broadly, the federal FindTreatment.gov locator from SAMHSA lists licensed facilities by location and type of care.
Is a virtual outpatient program the same as a virtual IOP?
Not always. An IOP is a defined level of care built around a set number of weekly hours, usually with group sessions. Some private programs, including ours, are built differently. The Blackburn Concierge Outpatient Program is a one-on-one alternative to IOP, not an IOP: no groups, no hour requirements, and a plan that adjusts. Read our virtual outpatient program for California and how virtual outpatient care works.
Questions to ask about your own situation
- Do I have a private space for video sessions, several hours a week?
- Is anyone worried about my safety, or about withdrawal if I stop drinking or using? If so, ask about a higher level of care first.
- Do I need my employer or school involved? Ask what documentation the program can provide when clinically appropriate.
- Do I want family involved? Ask how family involvement fits the plan.
- Will I want to come in sometimes? Ask where the office is. Ours is at 12326 Venice Blvd, Los Angeles.
Who is a one-on-one virtual program a good fit for?
Based on how our program is designed, it tends to suit people who have tried IOP before without lasting change, people whose work, school or family commitments rule out a traditional IOP schedule, people stepping down from residential treatment, adolescents and young adults who need focused care around school, and anyone who wants privacy rather than a group. For professionals, see virtual outpatient care for professionals and executive outpatient treatment in California.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Blackburn program an IOP?
No. The Concierge Outpatient Program is a one-on-one alternative to IOP. It has no groups and no hour requirements; clients typically take part in 3 to 5 hours a week.
Can I do the program by video from anywhere?
Video care is for clients located in California. Our only office is in Los Angeles, at 12326 Venice Blvd, for anyone who wants in-person sessions.
Can I keep working or going to school?
Yes. The program is built around work, school and family commitments, and teens typically stay in school with sessions within weekday hours.
How is psychiatric care handled?
Psychiatric care can be arranged and coordinated with your therapist. We explain how when you call.
What if I need more support than outpatient care?
We will tell you honestly if a higher level of care would serve you better, and help you think through the options.
Get started
Call (888) 870 7405
Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM. Some Saturday therapy appointments are available.
Email info@blackburnclinical.com or send a message. Blackburn Clinical Services, 12326 Venice Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90066.
In a crisis: call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or call 911 if you are in immediate danger. Our office is not a crisis service.