Choosing a partial hospitalization program (PHP) or intensive outpatient program (IOP) is a significant decision for you and your family. In my years as a licensed clinical psychologist, I have found that the families who feel most at ease are the ones who have clear answers up front: how treatment works, what it costs, how insurance fits in, and what a program can and cannot promise. This page answers the questions we hear most, including the high-stakes ones.
FOY Wellness and Recovery is in Agoura Hills, California. We are in-network with Blue Shield, Cigna, and TRICARE through TriWest, and we work with out-of-network PPO plans including Anthem, Aetna, Multiplan, HMC HealthWorks, and Blue Cross Blue Shield. Our admissions team verifies your benefits at no cost.
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FAQs
Does FOY accept out-of-network PPO insurance?
Yes. We work with out-of-network PPO plans from Anthem, Aetna, Multiplan, HMC HealthWorks, and Blue Cross Blue Shield, and we will check any other PPO plan you have. Being out-of-network does not mean your plan will not pay. Many PPO plans reimburse a portion of PHP and IOP costs, and the amount depends on your specific plan. Our admissions team verifies your benefits before you commit, so you know what to expect.
Which insurance plans is FOY in-network with?
FOY is in-network with Blue Shield, Cigna, and TRICARE through TriWest. In-network means we have an agreement with the carrier on rates, which usually means lower out-of-pocket costs for you.
How do out-of-network benefits actually work for PHP and IOP?
Most PPO plans have a separate set of out-of-network benefits. Usually that includes an out-of-network deductible, a coinsurance percentage your plan pays after the deductible is met, and an out-of-pocket maximum. Your plan reimburses based on what it calls the allowed or usual and customary amount, which may be lower than a facility’s charges. Because this varies widely, we review your exact numbers with you in plain language before treatment starts.
What is the difference between in-network and out-of-network, and why does it matter for me?
In-network providers have a contract with your insurer and accept negotiated rates. Out-of-network providers do not, so your plan may pay less and you may owe more. For clients with strong PPO benefits, out-of-network treatment is often still affordable, and it gives you the freedom to choose the program that is clinically the best fit instead of choosing only from a short list.
What is medical necessity, and how does it affect coverage?
Medical necessity is the standard insurers use to decide whether a level of care is appropriate. It looks at your symptoms, history, safety, and whether lower levels of care have been or would be enough. For PHP and IOP, reviewers often look for documented symptoms that interfere with daily functioning, risk factors, and why weekly therapy is not sufficient. Our clinical team documents your assessment carefully so that the clinical picture is accurately communicated to your insurer.
What is prior authorization, and do you handle it?
Prior authorization means your insurer approves treatment before or shortly after it starts. Many plans require it for PHP and IOP, and TRICARE typically does. Our admissions team submits the request and the clinical information your plan needs, and tracks its status. Authorization is a decision by the insurer, so we cannot guarantee it.
What happens if my insurance denies coverage or authorizes fewer days than recommended?
You have options. You can ask the insurer for a peer-to-peer review between our clinician and their reviewer, file an appeal, and in many cases request an independent external review. Our team supports you with the clinical documentation. Rights and timelines depend on whether your plan is employer-sponsored, state-regulated, or federal, so we will help you identify which path applies. We cannot promise a reversal.
Does federal mental health parity law help me?
Often, yes. The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act generally requires many health plans to cover mental health and substance use benefits on terms comparable to medical and surgical benefits. It does not guarantee that any specific treatment is covered, but it can matter if you are denied. See the U.S. Department of Labor’s overview. I am a psychologist, not an attorney, so for legal questions please consult a qualified professional.
Can FOY give me a superbill to submit for reimbursement?
No we do not.
Can you negotiate or request a single case agreement with my insurer?
In some situations an insurer agrees to treat an out-of-network provider as in-network for one patient. These arrangements are at the insurer’s discretion and are not guaranteed. Ask our admissions team whether this is an option for your plan.
How much does PHP or IOP cost at FOY?
Cost depends on the level of care, length of stay, and your insurance benefits. I encourage anyone considering treatment to request a written estimate that explains what the program charges, what your plan is expected to cover, and what you may owe. You should not have to guess.
Is there a cost to find out whether my insurance covers treatment?
No. Insurance verification and your initial assessment are free and carry no obligation.
What if I do not have insurance, or my plan does not cover PHP or IOP?
Please call us. We will explain your options honestly, and if FOY is not the right financial or clinical fit, we will help you find appropriate alternatives.
Are there costs beyond the program fee?
Ask about anything that may be billed separately, such as lab work, medication management, or testing. Our admissions team should walk you through every expected cost.
What is the difference between PHP and IOP?
Both are outpatient levels of care, and you sleep at home. PHP is the more intensive option, with more hours and more days of treatment each week. IOP involves fewer hours and is often chosen by people who need to keep working or caring for family, or who are stepping down from PHP. FOY clinical programming runs about 4 to 6 hours a day, with morning and evening options. Your assessment determines the right fit.
How do I know whether I need PHP, IOP, residential treatment, or inpatient care?
The deciding factors are safety, symptom severity, medical stability, and your home environment. Inpatient care is for acute safety concerns. Residential care suits people who need 24 hour supervision or an environment away from home. PHP and IOP suit adults who are medically stable and have a safe place to live but need more than weekly therapy. If I believe a higher level of care would serve you better, I will tell you plainly and help you find it.
Is FOY a detox facility?
No. FOY offers PHP and IOP. If you are at risk of withdrawal from alcohol, benzodiazepines, or opioids, you may need medical detox first, and withdrawal from alcohol and sedatives can be dangerous. Our assessment identifies this early.
Who is not a good fit for PHP or IOP?
Anyone in immediate danger, with active suicidal intent, in acute psychosis, or who needs 24 hour medical supervision should be in a higher level of care. If you are in crisis, call or text 988 or call 911. FOY’s admissions line is not an emergency service.
How long will I be in treatment?
It depends on your needs and progress, and your insurer may review it periodically.
What therapies does FOY use, and are they evidence-based?
Our clinical programming includes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), EMDR, motivational interviewing, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, attachment-based and family systems approaches, and trauma-focused treatment, among others. These are established approaches with research support, and we choose among them based on you.
What are the credentials of the clinical team?
You can meet our team to see the people who will work with you. FOY is certified by the California Department of Health Care Services and accredited by the Joint Commission.
What role do holistic therapies like yoga and breathwork play?
They support the clinical work, and they do not replace it. Practices such as yoga, breathwork, meditation, sound healing, and nutritional guidance can help with stress regulation and daily routine. Therapy is the core of treatment. See holistic modalities
How do you measure progress, and do you guarantee outcomes?
We do not guarantee outcomes, and I would be wary of any program that does. Recovery depends on many factors, including your engagement, support, and circumstances. We review your goals and symptoms regularly and adjust your plan as you progress.
What happens if I relapse or struggle during treatment?
Relapse and setbacks are common in recovery, and they are information, not failure. We respond clinically by reviewing what happened, adjusting your plan, and, if needed, discussing whether a different level of care would help. Our approach is supportive and not punitive.
What is dual diagnosis, and why does it matter?
Dual diagnosis, also called co-occurring disorders, means having a mental health condition and a substance use disorder together. They often feed each other: someone may drink to quiet anxiety, and alcohol then worsens anxiety. Treating only one tends to leave the other driving relapse. At FOY we treat both together, with one team and one plan. Learn about dual diagnosis
Which conditions does FOY treat?
We treat anxiety, depression, PTSD and trauma, bipolar disorder, OCD, ADHD, substance use disorders, and co-occurring disorders. See what we treat
Do I need a diagnosis before I call?
No. A comprehensive assessment is part of the process, and many people arrive unsure what they are dealing with.
Can I keep working or going to school during treatment?
Many clients attend IOP around work or school. PHP requires a larger daily commitment, so some people take a leave. We can help with FMLA paperwork. See the U.S. Department of Labor’s FMLA information.
Will my employer or family find out?
Your health information is protected under HIPAA and is not shared without your written authorization, except where the law requires. If you need documentation for work, we help you share only what you choose.
Do you accept clients from outside Southern California?
Because PHP and IOP involve in-person attendance, most clients live in Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, the San Fernando Valley, or across Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. We also welcome adults from across the United States who can travel to Agoura Hills to attend treatment.
What happens after I finish the program?
We plan for life after discharge, including step-down care and continued therapy. Alumni are welcome in the FOY Life community.
What questions should I ask any treatment center before enrolling?
Ask who is licensed to treat you and who oversees your care, whether the program is accredited and how you can verify it, whether it treats co-occurring conditions together, how it handles insurance and what you will owe in writing, what happens if you need a different level of care, and how it measures progress. A good program answers directly.
What are red flags to watch for?
Be cautious of programs that guarantee a cure or specific results, pressure you to commit quickly, are vague about costs or credentials, cannot be verified through state or accreditation records, or promise your insurance will pay before checking your benefits. You can verify licensing and accreditation, and you should.
What makes FOY different from other PHP and IOP programs in California?
Our program is psychologist-led, treats mental health and addiction together, pairs evidence-based therapy with holistic practice, and gives you clear answers on insurance from the first call. We also tell you honestly when another level of care is a better fit.
How do I take the first step?
Call (805) 659-8429 or submit the contact form. We will verify your insurance and arrange a free, confidential assessment. There is no obligation.
Take the First Step
FOY Wellness and Recovery welcomes adults from Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, the San Fernando Valley, and across Los Angeles and Ventura Counties, as well as adults from across the United States who can travel to attend in person. Our admissions team is available Monday to Friday for a free, confidential consultation. We are in-network with Blue Shield, Cigna, and TRICARE through TriWest, and we work with out-of-network PPO plans including Anthem, Aetna, Multiplan, HMC HealthWorks, and Blue Cross Blue Shield.
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In a crisis, call or text 988, or call 911.
Related Pages
This page is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, legal, or financial advice. Insurance coverage varies by plan, and statements here do not guarantee coverage or reimbursement.