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Pathways PHP and IOP

Programs Provide Healing Through Connections in Nature

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Boulder Community Health’s Pathways programs offer mindfulness-based nature therapy to individuals with a broad range of mental health conditions. Depending on the level of care needed, our partial hospitalization program (PHP) and intensive outpatient program (IOP) provide patients with a unique approach to address mental health concerns through hands-on activities and group sessions providing positive experiences in nature.

If you would like to learn more about Pathways PHP or IOP, please contact us at pathways@bch.org or 303-415-8666.

What is Pathways PHP and IOP?

Pathways has two programs: PHP is offered five days per week, while IOP runs three days per week - both four hours a day. Depending on which level of care is most appropriate for your needs and goals of care, our team will help you figure out which programming is best for you.

Each program provides individuals with a patient-centered, holistic approach to enhance their social health and well-being. Our mindfulness-based techniques, coupled with nature-based care, engage patients in outdoor activities that build resilience and help overcome mental health challenges.

When you participate in Pathways, you'll enjoy:

  • Appointments and group therapy sessions that support positive relationships, social connections and help facilitate a sense of belonging
  • Weekly (PHP) and monthly (IOP) check-ins with the program’s psychiatrist, along with medication management (if needed)

Benefits of Nature-Based Care

Many studies have shown the transformative power of being in nature and its effects on a person's overall well-being. Pathways' approach and curriculum were created with the intent of harnessing the amazing natural resources that our community has to offer. Through the program's nature-based activities, patients can experience positive effects such as:

  • Stress reduction
  • Reduced blood pressure
  • A more focused mind
  • Greater control over attention
  • Enhanced creativity

Along with the above benefits, the Pathways' approach helps patients:

  • Recognize and understand their mental health issues
  • Find positive solutions to address these issues
  • Connect with others with similar issues
  • Create new experiences in nature that aid in well-being

See the Additional Resources section below to learn more about nature-based care.

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    Is Pathways Right for Me?

    Pathways PHP and IOP are designed to treat individuals 18 and older who suffer from a range of mental health conditions. Whether you're stepping down from an inpatient behavioral health facility, require more assistance than outpatient counseling provides or simply feel that you could benefit from the guidance this program offers, Pathways may be right for you.

    Our program can help with individuals with:

    • Depression
    • Anxiety
    • Dual diagnosis: substance abuse with mood disorder
    • Trauma-related disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
    • Treatment-resistant conditions

    When you contact Pathways, our highly-trained program coordinator will help you determine the right level of care through a thorough evaluation, ensuring that you're placed in the program that fits your needs best.

    Pathways PHP and IOP accept most major insurance plans, including Medicare. A self-pay option is also available.

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    What to Expect With Pathways PHP and IOP

    By using a combination of hands-on nature-based activities and group therapy sessions, Pathways works to enhance your social health, which is integral to physical and mental well-being. Connecting patients to each other, activities and organizations in the community can help overcome feelings of isolation and loneliness while also fostering a sense of meaning and purpose in life.

    Our mindfulness-based activities allow you to be present in nature and build off of these positive experiences to facilitate awareness and growth.

    At Pathways, many of our program’s guided activities will take place outdoors in Boulder County Open Space as well as various other natural spaces throughout the Boulder area. These activities may include:

    • Breath-work practices
    • Movement therapy
    • Guided meditations
    • Art therapy
    • Imaginative exercises
    • Immersive experiences in nature and open space
    • Hands-on interactions at a working farm
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    Additional Resources

    Please view the studies and journal articles below to learn more about how nature helps mental and physical wellness.

    Contact Us

    If you believe that Pathways PHP or IOP may be right for you or if you would like to learn more, please contact us at pathways@bch.org or 303-415-8666.

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