Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) are an excellent choice for people who need the therapeutic support of a treatment program but do not qualify for residential care or partial hospitalization. These programs offer minimally restrictive treatment that is flexible enough to fit in with busy schedules and other commitments. Unlike residential treatment, IOP clients can live at home while receiving treatment at the facility. This helps to keep people away from drugs, alcohol, and other substances that could impede recovery efforts.
IOP therapy focuses on emotional wellness, mental health support, and building actionable strategies for sobriety. In IOP, client’s do not focus on physical recovery as they do in higher levels of treatment such as residential or partial hospitalization. This allows individuals to maintain their responsibilities at work and school while attending IOP sessions three to five days a week.
Most IOPs will provide individual and group counseling. These sessions can be based on various types of talk therapy including CBT, DBT, and EMDR. Many IOP’s will also offer alternative therapies such as art therapy, music therapy, and adventure therapy that can help tap into non-verbal ways of healing. IOP’s will often encourage clients to participate in peer support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous that can provide a supportive community and encouragement throughout the recovery process.
IOP is a great option for parents who want to send their teen for help with a mental illness or substance abuse but can’t afford inpatient or residential treatment. For adolescents, IOP is a great way to get the care they need in a less costly setting that will allow them to stay in school or at work while receiving treatment.
Ideally, intensive outpatient program should be used as the next step in the treatment continuum following more extensive stabilization or detoxification treatments such as inpatient care, Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP), or Residential Treatment Programs (RTP). An IOP is usually recommended for teens and adults who are struggling with mental health and addiction concerns that are not severe enough to require an overnight stay at a hospital, clinic or rehab facility. IOP therapy is designed to challenge negative emotions, thoughts and behaviors while teaching and reinforcing positive coping skills. IOP therapy is led by Master’s level clinicians and may include family therapy, group therapy, individualized counseling, case management and mentorship. Some IOP’s are specialized, offering services to groups such as men or women, LGBT individuals, or veterans. Others are geared towards more general mental health concerns that can be experienced by anyone. iop program near me