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Pathways PHP and IOP

Healing Through Connections in Nature

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Boulder Community Health’s Pathways programs offer mindfulness-based nature therapy to individuals with a broad range of mental health conditions. Depending on the level of care needed, our partial hospitalization program (PHP) and intensive outpatient program (IOP) provide patients with a unique approach to address mental health concerns through hands-on activities and group sessions providing positive experiences in nature.

If you have specific clinical questions about
Pathways PHP or IOP, email pathways@bch.org.

Ready to join the program? Call 303-415-4299 to set up a screening call.

What is Pathways PHP and IOP?

Pathways offers a patient-centered, holisic approach to enhance social health and well-being. Through mindfulness-based techniques and nature-based activities, patients engage in outdoor experiences that build resilience, improve coping skills, and address mental health challenges. By combining group therapy with hands-on activities, patients foster meaningful connections with others, reduce feelings of isolation and promote a sense of purpose. These mindful experiences in nature help facilitate awareness and personal growth, supporting both physicial and mental well-being.

PathwaysIOP is an eight-week program that meets four hours per day, three days a week. PHP is a more intensive program that meets five days per week for the first two weeks, before transitioning to the IOP schedule for the remaining six weeks. If a higher level of care is needed, patients may receive a recommendation to start with PHP. The clinical team works closely with all patients to determine the most appropriate level of care based on individual needs.

What the Program Involves

Initial screening: A 20 to 30-minute phone screening to determine program fit, followed by a 90-minute in person intake session.

Group activities: Groups meet at BCH's Della Cava Family Medical Pavilion in Boulder. Lunch is provided by BCH and transported via bus to the local trailhead. Groups complete a two to three mile hike with stops for group discussions, mindfulness practices, nature-based experiences and psychoeducation. Occasionally, sessions will take place at Light Root Community Farm for hands-on activities or at Della Cava for art therapy.

Covered topics: Holistic wellness, emotional awareness, coping with challenges, self-awareness, self-compassion, nature-based practices, interpersonal effectiveness and building new narratives.

Additional support: Optional access to a BCH psychiatrist and individual counseling during the program.

    Benefits of Nature-Based Care

    Many studies have shown the transformative power of being in nature and its effects on a person's overall well-being. Pathways' approach and curriculum were created with the intent of harnessing the amazing natural resources that our community has to offer. Through the program's nature-based activities, patients can experience positive effects such as:

    • Recognizing and understanding mental health issues
    • Finding positive solutions to address these issues
    • Connecting with others with similar issues
    • Creating new experiences in nature that aid in well-being

    Along with the above benefits, time in nature has been shown to help with:

    • Stress reduction
    • Blood pressure reduction
    • A more focused mind
    • Greater control over attention
    • Enhanced creativity

    See the Additional Resources section below to learn more about nature-based care.

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      Is Pathways Right for Me?

      Pathways PHP and IOP are designed to treat individuals 18 and older with a range of mental health conditions. Whether you're stepping down from an inpatient behavioral health facility, require more assistance than outpatient counseling provides or simply feel that you could benefit from the guidance this program offers, Pathways may be right for you.

      Our program can help individuals with:

      • Anxiety
      • Depression
      • Dual diagnosis: mood disorder with secondary substance use
      • Trauma-related disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
      • Treatment-resistant conditions

      Participants must be reasonably able to attend each scheduled group day. Any subtance abuse must be actively managed with external support.

      Pathways PHP and IOP accept most major insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid. A self-pay option is also available.

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      Additional Resources

      Please view the studies and journal articles below to learn more about how nature helps mental and physical wellness.

      Contact Us

      If you have specific clinical questions about Pathways PHP or IOP, email pathways@bch.org. Ready to join the program? Call 303-415-4299 to set up a screening call.

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