Residential treatment and transitional living program for young adult women+
OPI Houston is a residential treatment and transitional living program that enables young adult women+ like you to become healthy, secure, and integrated. This is your journey.
What we do
We treat young adult women+ ages 17.5–28 who are struggling with depression and anxiety, as well as mood, personality, addiction, trauma and attachment disorders. Using techniques that do more than correct or replace behaviors, we focus on creating lasting change.
Who you'll meet
OPI Houston is a place of comfort and healing. It’s a loving and challenging environment where you’ll develop trusting, caring relationships with the staff and other clients. Staff and clients will guide, encourage and inspire you to be the person you want to become.
A message from the director
Hi, I’m Allyson, Executive Director of OPI Houston. At OPI Houston, healing is more than therapy—it’s about helping young adults discover who they are, heal from the past, and gain the skills and confidence to live independently. What makes our program special is the blend of a supportive community, expert clinical care, and the vibrant opportunities that come from being in one of the most diverse cities in the country. Watching our clients move forward, thrive, and say, “I’m living the life I’ve always wanted”—that’s what keeps me passionate about this work.
0 out of 10
mothers report their daughter no longer struggles with the issue that lead them to treatment****Based on students who successfully completed OPI Houston’s program between July 2015 – June 2017
Benefits of a Houston treatment program
-
A City That Balances Culture, Connection, and Calm
Choosing a treatment program in the Houston area offers the best of both worlds: access to a vibrant, diverse city and the peace of a quiet, rural setting. As the most diverse city in the U.S. and the fourth largest overall, Houston is full of opportunities—whether it’s exploring the arts, discovering new cultures, trying global cuisine, or finding a community around your unique passions. For young adults in our program, this means real-world integration in a city that truly has something for everyone.
-
A Peaceful Space to Heal, With Access to So Much More
At the same time, our therapeutic ranch offers a calm, supportive environment just outside the city—perfect for reflection, healing, and deep clinical work. Whether it’s time spent on the ranch, in the city, or even a day trip to the beach in Galveston, Houston’s variety makes it an ideal setting for growth, discovery, and building a life that feels meaningful and connected.
What Makes OPI Houston’s Program Stand Out
A seamless continuum of care: From the ranch to real life
OPI Houston offers a rare two-phase residential model that allows clients to transition gradually from a highly structured healing environment at The Ranch to increased independence at The Apartments. Rather than ending treatment abruptly after stabilization, clients have the opportunity to continue practicing the tools they’ve learned in real-life settings—like going to school, working, or volunteering—while still receiving therapeutic support. This integrated structure supports lasting growth and reduces the risk of regression after discharge.
The advice I would give to someone looking into treatment is to stick with it and to not give up. I went through a lot of treatment myself and I don’t regret a minute of it. I had amazing experiences and I wouldn’t trade any of it for the world.
Houston Client
0 out of 10
students no longer have clinically significant levels of suicidal, delusional, or paranoid thoughts****Based on students who successfully completed OPI Houston’s program between Jan 2018 – Jan 2020
A safe and supportive reset—without the shame
Unlike many short-term or punitive treatment models, OPI Houston is designed to support clients through setbacks without judgment or dismissal. If a client struggles while in the Apartments, they have the option to return temporarily to the Ranch for a reset—reconnecting with the core work in a familiar and nurturing environment—before stepping forward again. This “fail-forward” approach gives clients the confidence to try, stumble, and rebuild with the support they need, reducing the cycle of shame and dropout common in other programs.
Attachment-focused and relationship-centered care
At the heart of OPI Houston is a groundbreaking Integrated Attachment Model that views healing through the lens of relationships. Many young adult clients arrive having been labeled as “manipulative” or “attention-seeking”—but here, behaviors are understood as expressions of unmet attachment needs. Staff build authentic, consistent, and healthy relationships with clients to model trust and emotional safety, helping young adults shift relational patterns in a lasting, meaningful way.
Honestly, this program changed my life and I didn’t even know how big of an impact it was gonna be before I came here. I was really struggling mentally. I had given up like complete hope of my life… I was ready to end it all. But I'm clear-headed for the first time in a really long time… As soon as I got to the ranch and met the people... I was like, okay, I am where I'm meant to be.
Houston Client
0 out of 10
students no longer struggle with anxiety, executive functioning, or social isolation****Based on students who successfully completed OPI Houston’s program between July 2015 – June 2017
Set on a peaceful ranch just outside Houston, OPI Houston’s Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) program blends clinical insight with the natural power of horsemanship. Under the care of a certified Equine Specialist, clients engage with horses through grooming, walking, and riding—developing trust, emotional regulation, and a deeper sense of responsibility. Grounded in trauma-informed care, this experiential therapy helps clients struggling with anxiety, depression, addiction, and more connect with themselves and others in a new way. For many, the path to independence begins in the barn.
Levels of care at OPI Houston
At OPI Houston, our continuum of care is thoughtfully designed to meet young adult women+ where they are and support them every step of the way toward independence. Whether clients need the structure of residential treatment or the flexibility of outpatient support, our levels of care offer a blend of clinical depth and real-world preparation.
Together, these levels of mental health care provide a seamless path from stabilization to full independence—empowering each client to grow, heal, and thrive on their own terms.
If you’re looking at OPI Houston, my advice would be to take that leap and just do it. You just have to show up, you don’t have to be perfect. You can be at rock bottom like I was, but as long as you’re willing to help yourself and have any glimpse of hope to get better, OPI Houston is the place for you…
Houston Client
Label
Our journey begins on 34 peaceful acres we call The Ranch, just south of Houston. This serene, rural setting is where clients first arrive to begin intensive healing. With 24/7 support and a structured daily schedule, The Ranch creates a safe environment to restore emotional well-being and build foundational life skills. Days include individual, family and group therapy, equine therapy, exercise, meditation, and community bonding. This is where clients begin the deep work of identity development, healing trauma, and forming secure attachment.
Label
Our PHP level of care offers a structured therapeutic schedule similar to residential treatment, but while living in our apartments in the city. You’ll spend five hours a day, five days a week, focusing on therapy, life skills, community integration, and personal growth. You'll live independently in a gated apartment community with 24/7 access to staff support. PHP is ideal for those who need a high level of support while beginning to reintegrate into daily life.
Label
As clients continue to build independence, our IOP provides flexible, part-time support. Clients participate in individual, family, and group therapy three hours a day, three to five days per week while working, studying, or engaging in community life. IOP helps maintain momentum and connection while navigating the real-world challenges of young adulthood. All while living independently in a gated apartment community —with staff nearby when you need them.
Therapeutic Approaches That Drive Real Change
What Therapy Looks Like at OPI Houston
At OPI Houston, therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all—it’s personalized, evidence-based, and designed to create lasting change. Our therapeutic approach helps young adults move from just coping to truly growing, with support that meets them where they are and guides them forward.
-
Trauma-Informed Care
We specialize in trauma-focused therapies, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) to help you process and heal from past trauma.
-
Adult Attachment Model
The goal of OPI Houston's Integrated Adult Attachment Model is to awaken clients to their basic, biological, and relational needs to assist in realigning the attachment systems. We aim to create real strength and health by providing a safe space to facilitate change and move past previous behaviors and even diagnoses from other teams. We guide and support our clients and help them believe they are strong, independent, worthy, and capable women+.
-
Experiential Therapy
Through experiential therapies such as Equine Therapy, you’ll build mindfulness, trust, and confidence by interacting with animals in a therapeutic setting.
-
DBT helps you manage emotions, reduce stress, and cope with life’s challenges.
-
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns that contribute to emotional and behavioral issues.
If you’re considering OPI Houston, or treatment in general, you have to be willing to do the work. When you do, it’s completely worth it. I promise you.
Houston Client
Who thrives at OPI Houston
OPI Houston is designed for young adult women+ ready to take meaningful steps toward healing, independence, and lasting change. Our program is ideal for those who may have struggled in traditional co-ed or academic settings and need a more tailored, therapeutic approach. Young women facing trauma, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, or difficulty launching into adulthood often find success here. With single-gender support, individualized treatment plans, and real-world experiential learning, we provide the structure, care, and opportunities needed to grow in confidence and capability. If you’re seeking a holistic, clinically sophisticated program that balances therapy with life skills, OPI Houston may be the right next step.
-
Compulsive Lying
-
Isolation
-
Challenges with Social Skills
-
Struggles with Self-identity
Meet Your Team of Mental Health Experts
At OPI Houston, healing is a collaborative effort. Each client is supported by a multidisciplinary team working together toward shared goals. Clinicians lead therapy—individual, group, and family—and create personalized treatment plans with you and your family. Our residential team provides daily care, safety, and encouragement, while the life skills and community integration team helps you build independence through hands-on experiences. Nurses support your health and wellness, and addiction recovery staff offer specialized care where needed. These teams meet regularly to coordinate and adjust your care, ensuring a seamless, holistic approach. At OPI Houston, you're supported by a united team committed to your growth.
The staff are all amazing and truly want the best for everybody. They’ll comfort you even if you just want to go on a walk or just some time to talk things out—even if it’s not one of your counselors, which means a lot. I think I have made lifelong friends going through this program. It's gonna be hard, obviously, especially leaving friends and loved ones—but this is the place to go if you're considering going somewhere.
Houston Client
- All
- Leadership Team
- Clinical Team
- Medical Team
- Admissions and Outreach Team
- Operations Team
- Equine Team
Allyson Smith
Della Posner
Sarah Kelley
Zach Carter
Tracey Younger
The Results You Can Expect at OPI Houston
In your search for treatment, one question weighs heavier than any other: Will I get better here? All programs tell you that you will, but success means something different to everyone. At OPI Houston, we define success by emotional health, social health, and positive relationships.
When you complete our program, you will no longer struggle with the problem that prompted you to seek treatment. You will have close, healthy, and connected relationships. Perhaps most importantly, success does not end when you leave OPI Houston. Most of our program graduates go home healthy, stay healthy, and never need treatment again. That is success.
Will you get better? At OPI Houston, we can assure you not only with confidence but also with evidence, that the answer is yes.
It is a breathtaking journey as you walk along the footsteps of your colleagues, of your friends, of your mentors, of your therapists, and they are right by you every step of the way. You will come out a better person and will love yourself for doing something that makes you so happy and so proud. I’ve never loved myself more than I do today.
Houston Client
Primary presenting problem
0%
of students reported successful treatment at discharge*0%
of mothers reported their daughters were successfully treated at discharge***0 out of 10
students no longer struggle with the primary issue that prompted treatment**0 out of 10
mothers report their daughter no longer struggles with the issue that lead them to treatment***Assessed using the Student Goal Rating Questionnaire (SGRQ), a proprietary instrument
**Based on students who successfully completed OPI Houston’s program between July 2015 – June 2017
***Assessed using the Parent Goal Rating Questionnaire (PGRQ), a proprietary instrument
Step Inside: Your Virtual Look at OPI Houston
Get a feel for what life at OPI Houston is really like—where healing happens in calm, comfortable spaces designed for growth. This virtual look gives you a glimpse into the environment where young adults find support, connection, and a fresh start.
Click or tap on any photo to see it larger and scroll through the tour.
FAQs
Areas we serve
OPI Houston serves young adult women+ from across the United States and from around the world. Many of our clients come from:
- Texas
- New York
- Florida
- Illinois
- Massachusetts
- California
- Washington
Hours
Sunday: 24 Hours
Monday: 24 Hours
Tuesday: 24 Hours
Wednesday: 24 Hours
Thursday: 24 Hours
Friday: 24 Hours
Saturday: 24 Hours
Everyone’s path to healing looks different. If OPI Houston doesn’t quite feel like the right fit, you’re not out of options. OPI Los Angeles offers the same level of clinical care in a vibrant, coastal, co-ed environment designed for real-world growth, connection, and discovery. Whether it’s the vibe, the setting, or the community you’re seeking, LA might be where your journey truly begins.
