What programs does Overstory Health offer?

Overstory offers intensive mental health programs. Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) meets 3 days per week for 3 hours a day. Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) meets 5 days per week for 4 hours a day.

Which program is right for me?

While both programs offer intensive support, PHP brings an increased level of care with more frequent programming and targeted support. Overstory will help you determine which program best fits your needs and schedule.

What conditions does Overstory Health treat?

Overstory Health treats mood disorders, psychotic disorders, personality disorders, anxiety disorders, self-harm, and trauma/post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

What is Overstory Health’s approach to treatment?

Overstory uses a multi-faceted approach, including group therapy, individual therapy, medication management, and counseling for families and support systems. The program also helps with housing, food security, career support, and more.

How long do your programs last?

Program duration is tailored individually. On average, members spend 6–12 weeks with Overstory. PHP typically lasts 3 weeks or less, with a possible transition to IOP.

What type of therapy is offered in IOP and PHP?

Therapies include group and individual therapy using methods like CBT, DBT, ACT, Trauma-Informed Care, mindfulness, and harm reduction.

How are groups assigned?

Groups are organized to ensure they are supportive and relevant to each participant's needs.

How many people are in my group?

No more than 10 participants per group.

Can I continue working on or going to school while in IOP or PHP?

Many IOP participants continue work or school. PHP requires more time and may not be compatible with a full schedule. Staff can help determine feasibility.

Fill out the patient intake form or call us. We’re here to help with any questions about our programs or support options.

How does the admission process work?

The process begins with a referral form. Within 72 hours, Overstory contacts the client to verify eligibility, insurance, and schedule an intake. Admission may follow within 72 hours after that.

How much will the program cost me?

MassHealth clients pay $0 out-of-pocket. Private insurance costs vary. Contact us for an estimate or to arrange a payment plan.

Do I need to be referred to an IOP or PHP?

Referrals are accepted but not always required. Some insurance plans may mandate a referral. Contact us to verify your specific plan.

What happens after I complete one of the programs?

Overstory supports transition planning and offers ongoing support after program completion.

Overstory Health FAQs

Anxiety

How common is anxiety?

Anxiety disorders are the most common class of mental health conditions, impacting about 30% of adults at some point in their life.

What causes anxiety?

The exact cause of anxiety disorders isn’t fully understood, but it’s widely believed to be a combination of genetics and life experiences. Some people experience anxiety for short periods of time in response to a significant event, life transition, or situation, and for other the symptoms are more chronic and generalized.

How does an Intensive Full-Day Treatment Program help with anxiety?

An Intensive Full-Day Treatment Program helps with anxiety by providing intensive therapy and support, including individual and group sessions, to address symptoms, improve coping skills, and promote stabilization. It offers a structured environment during the day while allowing individuals to return home in the evenings, promoting recovery without the need for 24/7 inpatient care.

How does an Intensive Half-Day Treatment Program help with anxiety?

Anxiety is highly treatable. Through evidence-based individual therapy, group therapy, medication management, and a non-judgemental environment, we’ll give you the tools to better manage anxiety and the impact it has on your life.

How long does anxiety treatment take?

Learning to manage anxiety varies per individual, however with evidence-based treatment and intensive programming, most people find an improvement in symptoms in as little as 2 - 6 weeks. Your team at Overstory Health will work alongside you to determine the appropriate length of stay for your treatment.

Bipolar Disorder

What causes Bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is primarily caused by a combination of genetic factors, as it tends to run in families, and biological factors, such as imbalances in brain chemicals that regulate mood. Environmental stressors, traumatic events, and major life changes can also trigger or worsen episodes of mania or depression in those predisposed to the disorder.

How common is Bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder affects approximately 1 in 150, or about 40 million, people worldwide.

How long does Bipolar disorder treatment take?

Duration in Overstory’s programming will depend on the individual but is expected to last two to six weeks.

How can Overstory Health help me with my bipolar disorder?

Through evidence-based individual therapy, facilitated group therapy, medication management, and a non-judgemental environment, Overstory’s programs treat bipolar disorder.

How does an Intensive Half-Day Treatment Program help with bipolar disorder?

An Intensive Half-Day Treatment Program can help treat bipolar disorders by providing structured treatment with multiple weekly sessions, focusing on individual therapy, group support, and skills development. It offers a more intensive level of care than regular outpatient therapy but allows participants to live at home and continue with daily activities.

Depression

How common is depression?

Depression is a common mental health condition, affecting approximately 1 in 6 people at some point in their lives. It is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide and impacts people of all ages and backgrounds.

What causes depression?

Depression is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic predisposition, chemical imbalances in the brain, and environmental stressors such as trauma, loss, or significant life changes. Psychological factors, including negative thought patterns and personality traits, can also contribute to the development of depression.

How can Overstory help with my depression?

How does an Intensive Full-Day Treatment Program help with depression?

Depression is highly treatable. Through evidence-based individual therapy, group therapy, medication management, and a non-judgemental environment, we’ll give you the tools and treatment to better manage depression and the impact it has on your life. An Intensive Half-Day Treatment Program can help treat depression by providing structured treatment with multiple weekly sessions, focusing on individual therapy, group support, and skills development. It offers a more intensive level of care than regular outpatient therapy but allows participants to live at home and continue with daily activities.

How does an Intensive Full-Day Treatment Program help with depression?

An Intensive Full-Day Treatment Program helps with depression by providing intensive therapy and support, including individual and group sessions, to address symptoms, improve coping skills, and promote stabilization. It offers a structured environment during the day while allowing individuals to return home in the evenings, promoting recovery without the need for 24/7 inpatient care.

Mood Disorders

What causes mood disorders?

Mood disorders are caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors, including chemical imbalances in the brain, traumatic life events, and family history.

How can Overstory Health help me with my mood disorder?

Through evidence-based individual therapy, facilitated group therapy, medication management, and a non-judgemental environment, Overstory’s programs treat mood disorders.

‍

How common are mood disorders?

Mood disorders are quite common, affecting about 1 in 5 adults at some point in their lives, with depression and bipolar disorder being the most prevalent.

What’s the difference between everyday challenges and a mood disorder?

It is normal to react to everyday challenges or stressors with frustration or sadness, but this typically resolves and you can resume your day to day functioning. Mood disorders involve persistent, intense emotional disturbances like prolonged sadness or extreme mood swings that significantly interfere with daily functioning and last for weeks or longer.

How long does mood disorder treatment take?

Mood disorders can be complex and require professional support. Mood disorders present differently in each individual, however, with intensive programming most people can begin to see improvement within 2 - 6 weeks. Your team at Overstory Health will work alongside you to determine the appropriate length of stay for your treatment.

Personality Disorder

What causes Personality Disorder?

Personality disorders are caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and social factors, including childhood trauma, family history, and brain structure or function abnormalities.

How common is Personality Disorder?

Personality disorders affect about 9% of the general population, with borderline personality disorder affecting about 1.4%.

How long does Personality Disorder treatment take?

Duration in Overstory’s programming will depend on individual need but is expected to last two to six weeks.

How can Overstory Health help me with my personality disorder?

Through evidence-based individual therapy, facilitated group therapy, medication management, and a non-judgemental environment, Overstory’s programs treat personality disorders.

What’s the difference between everyday challenges and a personality disorder?

Everyday challenges are temporary difficulties that most people can overcome, while a personality disorder involves long-standing patterns of thoughts, behaviors, and emotions that significantly impair a person's ability to function in relationships and daily life.

Program

Can I continue working on or going to school while in Overstory's program?

Many people in our Intensive Half-Day Treatment are able to continue work or school, but the Intensive Full-Day Treatment requires more of a time commitment. Consult with our staff to learn whether you’ll be able to maintain your work or school schedule alongside PHP.

Can I transition from Overstory’s PHP to IOP program?

Yes, your care team will help you transition between programs based on your progress and needs.

Do I need to be referred to an Overstory?

While we accept clients both by referral and independently, select insurance plans may require you to have a referral. Contact us to learn more about your insurance’s requirements.

Do you accept self-pay?

Yes, payment plans are available for those who wish to self-pay.

Does Overstory Health accept insurance?

Yes, we work with MassHealth (Medicaid) and commercial plans.

Psychotic Disorder

What causes Psychotic Disorder?

Psychotic disorders are caused by a combination of genetic, biological, and environmental factors, including chemical imbalances in the brain, traumatic experiences, or substance abuse.

How common are psychotic disorders?

Psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia, affect approximately 1.5%-3.5% of the population worldwide.

How do I know if I have a psychotic disorder?

Signs of a psychotic disorder may include experiencing hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, or difficulty distinguishing between reality and imagination, and it's important to seek professional help for a proper diagnosis if these symptoms occur.

How long does Psychotic Disorder treatment take?

Duration in Overstory’s programming will depend on individual need but is expected to last two to six weeks.

How can Overstory Health help me with my psychotic disorder?

Through evidence-based individual therapy, facilitated group therapy, medication management, and a non-judgemental environment, Overstory’s programs treat psychotic disorders.

Self-Harm

What causes self-harm?

Self-harm is often caused by difficulty coping with overwhelming emotional pain and distress, as a way to regain a sense of control or temporarily relieve emotional pain. Self-harm can occur in individuals with many diagnoses.

How common is self-harm?

Self-harm is relatively common, with studies suggesting that about 17% of people report self-harming behaviors at some point in their lives.

How long does self-harm treatment take?

Duration in Overstory’s programming will depend on the individual need but is expected to last two to six weeks.

How can Overstory Health help me with my self-harm?

Through evidence-based individual therapy, facilitated group therapy, medication management, and a non-judgemental environment, Overstory’s programs treat self-harm.

What is an Intensive Half-Day Treatment Program for self-harm?

An Intensive Full-Day Treatment Program for self harm provides structured treatment with multiple weekly sessions, focusing on individual therapy, group support, and skills development. It offers a more intensive level of care than regular outpatient therapy but allows participants to live at home and continue with daily activities.

Suicidal Ideation

What causes suicidal ideation?

Suicidal ideation can present in any person with any diagnosed or undiagnosed mental illness. It can because by a combination of mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder, along with life stressors, trauma, feelings of hopelessness, or a lack of social support.

How common is suicidal ideation?

Suicidal ideation is relatively common, with studies showing that about 5% of adults and 15-17% of adolescents experience or have experienced thoughts of suicide. While suicidal ideation may be common, it is indicative of requiring immediate support.

How long does suicidal ideation treatment take?

Duration in Overstory’s programming will depend on individual need but is expected to last two to six weeks.

How can Overstory Health help me with suicidal ideation?

Through evidence-based individual therapy, facilitated group therapy, medication management, and a non-judgmental environment, Overstory’s programs treat suicidal ideation.

What’s the difference between everyday daydreams and suicidal ideation?

While everyone experiences random, unwanted thoughts, if thoughts of suicide are persistent, bring a feeling of relief, and are intentional, you should seek immediate help.

Trauma and PTSD

What causes Trauma and PTSD?

Trauma and PTSD are caused by experiencing or witnessing single or recurring life-threatening or deeply distressing events, such as abuse, accidents, natural disasters, or combat, which overwhelm a person's ability to cope and function.

How common is Trauma and PTSD?

Trauma is common, with about 70% of adults experiencing at least one traumatic event in their lifetime, and PTSD affects about 6% of the population at some point.

How long does Trauma and PTSD treatment take?

Healing from traumatic experience(s) is different for each individual. With intensive programming, people can start to experience relief in as little as 2-6 weeks. Duration in Overstory’s programming will depend on individual needs but is expected to last two to six weeks.

How can Overstory Health help me with my trauma and PTSD?

Through evidence-based individual therapy, facilitated group therapy, medication management, and a non-judgemental environment, Overstory’s programs treat trauma and PTSD.

What’s the difference between everyday setbacks and trauma or PTSD?

Experiencing setbacks, significant events, or even traumatic experiences do not necessarily mean you will develop PTSD. Stress reactions are normal when you have experienced something challenging, frightening, or life-altering. PTSD occurs when the stress develops into severe, long-lasting symptoms that are emotional, psychological, and physiological.