Finding stability through the Adult Intensive Outpatient Program

When David* reflects on one of the most difficult seasons of his life, he speaks with both honesty and gratitude.

“Marrying my wife was the best decision I ever made. Christian Family Solutions’ Intensive Outpatient Program was a close second.”

Today, David serves in ministry at a Lutheran high school. But several years ago, overwhelming pressures had brought him to a breaking point.

When the Struggles Became Too Heavy

After years in Christian education, David and his wife followed a call to serve in an urban school environment. The ministry was meaningful, but the challenges were intense. At the same time, his wife was battling cancer, adding another heavy burden to an already difficult season.

Looking back, David recognizes that he had been carrying struggles long before the situation reached a crisis.

“It caused me to be in a position that I never dreamed I would be in.”

Eventually, a counselor recommended Christian Family Solutions’ Adult Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). The program involved structured group therapy four days a week for about three hours at a time, a significant commitment designed to help individuals stabilize and experience meaningful progress more quickly.

Accepting that help was not easy.

“It was mentally painful because you had to take a look at yourself. But it was so well done.”

Counseling That Integrates Faith and Evidence-based Care

Through the process, David learned techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT). These are tools he still uses years later.

But what stood out most was the way faith was woven naturally into the counseling.

“They saw you as a whole person. Every moment of it, you knew the people working with you cared for you.”

CFS Counselors reminded him that healing wasn’t something he had to achieve on his own.

“The staff taught me that we are never okay on our own. But they reminded me that Jesus had already taken care of all of it…They reminded me that no matter what, we have a Savior that cares for us.”

For David, that Gospel-centered approach made all the difference.

“The CFS staff just lived it. They let their light shine, and that light shines through their counseling.”

Back to Ministry and Helping Others

Through counseling and continued support, David regained stability and confidence. The program helped him rediscover his purpose and return to ministry.

“It put me back on the right track where I could begin to live my faith and speak out again.”

Today, his experience shapes the way he serves. He speaks openly about mental health at the high school where he now serves and encourages others not to suffer in silence. He advocates for faculty training like CFS’ Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) training, shares resources with families, and points people toward professional counseling when needed.

“It’s okay not to be okay…And God blesses us with counselors who have gone to school to hone these talents. So, make use of them!”

He has also used other Christian Family Solutions resources and services over the years, including the online The Resilience Project course and the Member Assistance Program (MAP).

Rather than seeing his struggles as something to hide, David believes they helped him grow in compassion and empathy for others.

“I believe that’s part of the reason God let me go through it.”

A Program That Saves Lives

Today, David remains deeply grateful for the care he received through Christian Family Solutions. He hopes others who are struggling will be willing to take the same step toward healing.

“I hope and pray Christian Family Solutions never loses that Intensive Outpatient Program.  It can be a true lifesaver.”

* Name changed to protect the patient’s privacy. His story is shared with permission.

Learn more about the Adult Intensive Outpatient Program

Donate to help cover the cost of counseling and high-level of care sessions