As a parent, you’ll do anything to help your child thrive. But what happens when weekly therapy or school counseling just doesn’t seem to be enough? Maybe you’ve heard about something called Intensive In‑Home Services (IIH) and you’re wondering:
Is this what my child really needs?
What exactly is Intensive In‑Home?
Intensive In‑Home is a mental health service that happens right where life is happening—at home and in your child’s community. Instead of driving to a therapist’s office once a week, a team of professionals comes to you several times a week to work directly with your child and your family.
The goal is simple but powerful: to help children and teens with serious emotional or behavioral challenges stay safely at home and out of the hospital or residential care.
Who is IIH meant for?
This level of care is designed for kids and teens who need more than outpatient therapy. It might be a good fit if your child:
- Has been hospitalized before or is at risk of being hospitalized
- Shows behaviors that feel unsafe or are overwhelming to manage on your own
- Struggles with daily routines, school attendance, or relationships despite other support
- Has experienced trauma or has big emotions they can’t yet manage
- Would benefit from professionals helping the whole family work together
What does it look like day‑to‑day?
Your Intensive In‑Home team visits your home a few times a week. Sessions might include:
- Teaching and practicing coping skills in real‑life situations
- Helping you set up behavior plans and respond consistently
- Coaching your family on communication and problem‑solving
- Teaming up with teachers, doctors, and others so everyone’s on the same page
Because your team is right there with you, they can see what’s really going on and help in the moment—not just talk about it afterward.
How long does IIH last?
Intensive In‑Home is meant to be short‑term support, but “short‑term” doesn’t mean rushed. Services often last around 3–6 months, but with insurance approval, they can continue for up to 12 months if your child still needs that level of care. The goal is to help your family build the skills and stability to eventually step down to less‑intensive services like regular outpatient therapy.
How do you know if it’s time?
It might be time to consider IIH if:
- You feel like you’ve tried everything and nothing’s working
- Your child’s behavior feels bigger than you can manage alone
- You’re worried about safety, school suspension, or even placement outside the home
You don’t have to figure this out by yourself. A licensed mental health provider can walk you through the process and help you see if this level of care is right for your child.
Bottom line:
If you’ve been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or scared about what comes next for your child, Intensive In‑Home might be exactly the kind of hands‑on support you need. It’s not about judging your parenting—it’s about giving your family the tools to heal and grow, together.
Ready to take the next step?
At Comprehensive Counseling Solutions of Virginia, we’re here to help. Call us today at 804‑621‑4249 or fill out our quick referral form online. A member of our team will call you back within 24 hours during the week, or the very next business day if you reach out over the weekend.
Let’s get your family the support you deserve.
