Frequently Asked Questions

Insurance claims may take anywhere from 30 - 60 days to process depending on the insurer.

Yes, our program is HSA and FSA eligible.

If your insurance requires pre-authorization, Overstory Health will collect the necessary information from you to complete the authorization with your insurance. We will keep you updated each step of the way and ensure that treatment is authorized in a timely fashion.

Yes, most insurances will cover both therapy and medication management. In some circumstances insurance may require a pre-authorization prior to beginning treatment. Should your insurance require pre-authorization, Overstory Health will ensure this step is completed before your treatment begins.

Yes, we accept MassHealth and are committed to ensuring equitable access to care.

Yes, contact us to learn more about your OON benefits. Even if we aren’t in-network with your insurance company, we still may be able to accept your plan.

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

Our team will provide comprehensive assistance from the start of your treatment to make sure you have a successful transition from our program, including aftercare planning and ongoing support.

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.

For those with MassHealth (Medicaid), you’ll pay $0 out-of-pocket. Private insurance benefits will vary by plan. Contact us for a cost estimate. We also offer flexible payment plans.

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

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

Overstory’s admission process is designed to ensure that our programs are a good fit and reduce administrative burden. The admissions process begins with submission of a Referral form. Afterward, Overstory’s admissions team will contact the client within 72 hours. The admissions team will validate program eligibility, verify insurance, and schedule an intake appointment with the Overstory clinical team. Once these steps are completed, an individual can be admitted to Overstory’s program in as little as 72 hours.

Fill out this patient intake form here or give us a call at (617) 202-3530. We are here to support you with any questions you might have about our program or how we can help.

Many people in our Intensive Outpatient Program are able to continue work or school, but the Partial Hospitalization Program 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.

While we serve the needs of many clients, we aim to organize peer groups that are supportive and relevant to your needs.

No more than 10. 

Group therapy and individual therapy. The types of therapeutic modalities used in individual therapy will vary depending on your unique needs, but may include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Trauma-Informed Care, mindfulness-based therapies, harm reduction, and more.

We take a multi-faceted approach to mental health care, consisting of evidence-based group therapy, individual therapy, and medication management. We also offer counseling for your family/support system so they can understand how to best help you. Moreover, Overstory works with you to identify areas in your life, like housing, food security, career help, or even trying a new hobby, where you can receive support and learn how to navigate available resources.

Our programming is best suited for those experiencing mood disorders (including major depressive and bipolar disorder), psychotic disorders (including schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder), personality disorders (including borderline and narcissistic personality disorder), anxiety disorders (including generalized anxiety disorder or social anxiety), self-harm, or trauma/post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Feel free to contact us with any questions about the conditions we treat.

Overstory offers intensive mental health programs. There are two different options, depending on individual needs. 

1. Intensive Outpatient Program meets 3 days per week for 3 hours a day. 
2. Partial Hospitalization Program meets 5 days per week for 4 hours a day.

While both programs offer intensive support, partial hospitalization program brings an increased level of care with more frequent programming and targeted support. We will help you determine which program is the best fit for you based on your needs and schedule.

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.

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.

Everyday stress is a temporary response to external pressures, while an anxiety disorder involves persistent, excessive worry and fear that interferes with daily functioning.

An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) can help treat anxiety 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, by allowing an opportunity for focused skill building more quickly. 

A Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) 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.

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

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.

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

Everyday challenges are temporary stressors or difficulties that can cause frustration or sadness but typically resolve over time, whereas bipolar disorder involves persistent, intense emotional disturbances like prolonged sadness or extreme mood swings that significantly interfere with daily functioning and last for weeks or longer.

A Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) helps with bipolar disorders 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.

An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) 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.

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

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

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.

Each individual experiences depressive episodes differently and at varying lengths. Treatment length is dependent upon your individual needs, however, with intensive programming and engagement in therapy and skill building, most people see improvement in as little as 2 - 6 weeks. Your team at Overstory will work alongside you to determine the appropriate length of stay for your treatment.

Everyday sadness is a temporary emotional response to life events or stress, typically improving over time with little to no interference to daily functioning. Major Depressive Disorder, on the other hand, is a clinical condition characterized by persistent, intense sadness or hopelessness that lasts for at least two weeks and significantly impacts one's ability to function.

A Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) 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.

An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) helps with mood disorders 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.

An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) can help treat mood disorders by providing structured treatment with multiple weekly sessions, focusing on therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and DBT for skills development and mood stabilization , and group support.It offers a more intensive level of care than regular outpatient therapy but allows participants to live at home and continue with daily activities. Both IOP and PHP allow for real-time skills application and practice in your home and community environments.

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

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.

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

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.

A Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) helps with personality disorders 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.

An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) helps treat personality 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.

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

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

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

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

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.

A Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) helps with psychotic disorders 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.

An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) helps treat psychotic 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.

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

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

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

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

If you’re engaging in any type of self-harm, you should seek immediate help.

A Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) helps with self-harm 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.

An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) 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.

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

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.

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

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.

A Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) helps with suicidal ideation by providing intensive therapy and support, including individual and group sessions, to address symptoms, improve coping skills, and improve 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.

An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) helps treat suicidal ideation 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.

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

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.

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.

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.

A Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) helps with trauma and PTSD by providing intensive therapy and support, including individual and group sessions, to address symptoms, improve coping skills, and promote stability. 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.

An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) can help treat trauma and PTSD 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.

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

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.