Intensive Outpatient
Programme (IOP)
The London Centre for Eating Disorders and Body Image Ltd
It is important that you read the following terms and conditions prior to confirming your place on the Intensive Outpatient Programme (IOP). By confirming an appointment or programme start date with us, you are agreeing to abide by these terms and conditions. If you require clarification on any point, please contact the clinic prior to commencing treatment.
Programme Overview and Commitment
The Intensive Outpatient Programme (IOP) is a structured and coordinated form of outpatient treatment designed to provide a higher level of support than standard outpatient therapy.
The programme typically runs in 6-week blocks, with the option to extend to 12 weeks, and includes up to five sessions per week delivered by members of our multidisciplinary team.
Clients are expected to commit to the full duration of the agreed programme in order to gain maximum therapeutic benefit.
By enrolling in the IOP, you agree to participate in the full 6-week block (or extended period, if agreed), and charges will apply for the full programme duration unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Clinic Lead prior to commencement.
Sessions and Format
IOP sessions are delivered through a hybrid model, combining clinic-based, remote, and community sessions.
A minimum of one in-person session per week is recommended.
Each individual session typically lasts 50 minutes; family sessions may last 60 minutes. Meal support sessions may be scheduled flexibly and spread across the week in whatever way is most clinically helpful to you. Where clinician travel is required for meal support or community sessions, this will either be incorporated into your agreed weekly time allowance or charged separately. Your clinician will discuss any travel requirements and associated costs with you on a case-by-case basis.
The programme may include psychological therapy, dietetic input, meal support, occupational therapy, family therapy or support, and psychiatric oversight.
All treatment is delivered on a one-to-one basis — there is no group work within the IOP.
Session Length and Extensions
If a session is likely to run significantly over the allotted time, your clinician will inform you. You will then have the option to either:
- Conclude the session at the scheduled end time, or
- Extend the session, in which case any additional time will be charged at the usual pro-rated hourly rate.
Extended time will be clearly itemised on your invoice. Fees for extended sessions are non-refundable. This applies to all session types, including community-based meal and dinner sessions.
Remote Sessions
Remote sessions are conducted via secure platforms such as Cliniko or Zoom. The same terms and conditions apply as for in-person sessions.
If technical difficulties occur during a remote session, your clinician will make every effort to contact you by phone to continue the session where possible.
Please ensure you have a reliable internet connection, a quiet and private space, and that your contact details are up to date.
Assessment and Admission
Before starting the IOP, clients will complete:
- A medical suitability assessment with a Consultant Psychiatrist, to confirm medical stability for community-based treatment.
- An orientation assessment with a senior member of the IOP team, to introduce the programme, discuss expectations, and set collaborative treatment goals.
Fees and Payment
Programme fees will be communicated to you prior to your first session. Fees are non-negotiable once treatment has started.
Invoices are issued weekly and payable upon receipt. You will receive an email containing a link to view and pay your invoice. Payments can be made directly via card or by setting up a direct debit.
If payment is not received within 30 days of invoice, a 20% late payment fee will automatically be added. Repeated late payments may lead to suspension or termination of sessions.
If you are using private health insurance, it is your responsibility to ensure authorisation is in place prior to commencing treatment. If funding is delayed or declined, you remain liable for all outstanding fees.
Food and Meal Costs
Some sessions within the IOP include community-based meal or snack support.
Clients are responsible for the cost of their own food or drinks, as well as any food or drink purchased by the clinician during these sessions.
Clients may either:
- Pay directly for both meals at the time of the session, or
- Reimburse the cost via invoice, in which case the clinician will pay and the amount will be added to the next invoice.
All costs are charged at cost price and will be clearly itemised.
Where community-based dinner sessions run over 60 minutes, an additional charge will apply to cover the extended clinical time. Any additional fees will be communicated in advance wherever possible and clearly itemised on your invoice.
Cancellations and Notice Period
Due to the intensive and pre-scheduled nature of the IOP:
- A full week’s notice is required to withdraw from the programme. If notice is given on a Wednesday, the programme will conclude the following Friday.
- Missed sessions (for any reason) are considered part of the weekly package and are non-refundable.
- If a session is cancelled by your clinician (e.g. illness), we will endeavour to reschedule as soon as possible within the programme period.
- Planned absences (e.g. holidays or known commitments) must be discussed before the start of the programme to assess suitability.
- Exceptions to the notice period will only be made in exceptional circumstances and must be agreed in writing by the Clinic Lead.
- Repeated cancellations or disengagement may lead to withdrawal from the IOP.
Programme Review and Continuation
A formal review will take place on, or as close as possible to, Week 6 to assess progress and agree on next steps. Attendance at this review is required (either by the client or, for younger clients, a parent or family member).
Following review, the team may recommend one of the following:
- Continue with a further 6 weeks of IOP
- Step down to standard outpatient therapy
- Step up to more intensive or medical treatment (referrals facilitated as needed)
Clients continuing to a second 6-week block will have a final review at Week 12 to support transition to standard outpatient care.
Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) Communication
Full and open communication between all members of your treatment team occurs as standard.
The MDT meets weekly to review progress, manage clinical risk, and coordinate care.
Comprehensive reviews will take place:
- At the start of treatment
- At Week 6
- At Week 12 (if applicable)
This ensures your care remains collaborative, consistent, and aligned with your recovery goals.
Confidentiality and Data Protection
All records are kept confidential in line with professional and legal requirements.
Your clinician will not share information without your consent unless there is a concern for your safety or the safety of others.
Data is securely stored within our clinical management system, Cliniko, and is accessible only to members of the TLC clinical team.
All notes are retained for a minimum of 5 years post-discharge.
Our full Privacy Policy is available at: www.thelondoncentre.co.uk/privacy-policy/
Risk and Medical Responsibility
Clients remain under the care of their GP or medical provider for all physical health monitoring.
If risk levels increase, your clinician may recommend a psychiatric review or temporary suspension of therapy until medical safety is re-established.
We may refer you for private medical testing or ask your GP to arrange investigations such as blood tests or ECGs if clinically indicated.
Prescriptions
Prescriptions issued during psychiatric assessments or reviews are included in your appointment fee.
Repeat prescriptions outside of an appointment will incur an additional charge and are only available for medications initiated by your psychiatrist. Please allow two weeks’ notice for repeat prescriptions.
All prescriptions are processed and paid for via Pharmacierge.
Contact Outside Sessions
Contact outside of sessions should only occur by prior agreement with your clinician and is limited to email or phone.
Clinicians are not permitted to contact clients via social media.
Complaints
The London Centre is committed to providing a high-quality, safe, and transparent service.
If you are unhappy with any aspect of your care, please let us know as soon as possible so we can address your concerns promptly.
Our complaints policy is accessible on our website, or available in alternative formats upon request.
Formal complaints can be made in writing to: Mini Jones, Clinic Lead – minijones@thelondoncentre.co.uk
By confirming your place on the Intensive Outpatient Programme (IOP), you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to the above terms and conditions.
