Everything You Need to Know About Intensive Outpatient Programs
Intensive outpatient programs, or IOPs, offer a middle ground for those who need more treatment than they can get from outpatient services but are not yet ready for inpatient care. Intensive outpatient programs offer the structure and support of an inpatient program with the freedom of outpatient care. This intensive outpatient guide will help you understand everything about intensive outpatient programs.
What Is an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)?
An intensive outpatient program, also known as intensive outpatient treatment (IOT), provides intensive treatment services to people struggling with addiction or mental illness who have completed or do not need residential treatment. IOPs are usually part of a continuum of care that includes inpatient and outpatient treatment. IOPs are known as “intensive” because they typically offer more service hours than outpatient programs, including group therapy, individual therapy, and other activities. In between treatment sessions, which typically take at least nine hours a week for adults, clients are free to leave the center and go to work, school, or home as they normally would.
Who Needs an Intensive Outpatient Program?
IOPs are typically recommended for people who need more structure and support than they can get from outpatient care but are not in need of inpatient care. Intensive outpatient programs can be helpful for people who are struggling with addiction or mental illness. Clients who might benefit from an intensive outpatient program include:
• People who are struggling with addiction or mental illness
• People who need more structure and support than they can get from regular outpatient care
• People who have been in inpatient treatment and are transitioning to less intense levels of care
Requirements for an Intensive Outpatient Program
Most intensive outpatient programs require that participants:
• Be 18 years or older
• Have a primary diagnosis of addiction or mental illness
• Be medically stable and not using a substance from which they would first need to detox
• Not be actively suicidal or homicidal
• Not have a history of violence
• Be able to participate in group therapy and other activities
Intensive Outpatient Program Schedule
Intensive outpatient programs typically last for a specified period of time, such as eight weeks, which is longer than the typical 28-day stay for residential treatment. Some IOPs offer services for longer periods up to six months. Participants in an intensive outpatient program typically attend group therapy sessions and other activities during the day and evening hours. Intensive outpatient programs usually require that participants attend three to five days per week for several hours per day.
Benefits of Intensive Outpatient Programs
Structure and Support
IOPs offer the structure and support of an inpatient program with the freedom of outpatient care. Intensive outpatient programs offer a middle ground for those who need more treatment than they can get from outpatient services but are not in need of inpatient care.
Flexibility
IOPs can be helpful for people who are struggling with addiction or mental health issues because they allow the client to continue a regular work or school schedule and maintain a support system of family and friends
Easing the Transition
IOPs can help people transition from inpatient care to less intense levels of care. IOPs can also be helpful for people who do not need inpatient care. The life and coping skills learned in intensive outpatient programs can benefit you in many ways, including:
• Improved mental health
• Improved physical health
• Reduced symptoms of mental illness or addiction
• Increased ability to function in everyday life
• Improved relationships
• Improved work or school performance
What to Expect in an Intensive Outpatient Program
IOPs vary in their approach to treatment, but most programs include group therapy, which offers help with relapse prevention, drug or alcohol refusal, problem-solving, and stress management. Group therapy helps with learning better ways to relate to others and how to resolve conflicts in healthy ways as well. In addition to group therapy, you may also take part in:
• Individual therapy
• Family therapy
• Pharmacotherapy
• Psychoeducation
• Skill building
Group therapy is typically the foundation of an intensive outpatient program. Other activities, such as individual or family therapy, may be included in an intensive outpatient program depending on the needs of the participants.
Pharmacotherapy may be used to treat underlying mental health conditions. Psychoeducation can help participants understand their mental illness or addiction and learn how to manage symptoms. Skill-building can help participants develop skills to cope with triggers and stressors.
Additional Instruction Offered in an Intensive Outpatient Program
An intensive outpatient program may also offer courses on specific topics, such as:
• Addiction
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Bipolar disorder
• Eating disorders
Aftercare and Recovery
Aftercare and recovery are important parts of an intensive outpatient program. Aftercare planning can help participants transition to less intense levels of care or maintain their progress after completing an IOP.
Recovery is a lifelong process, and IOPs can provide the foundation for long-term recovery. Participants in an intensive outpatient program can benefit from continued support after completing the program. Aftercare includes:
• Follow-up appointments
• Individual therapy
• Group therapy
• 12-step programs
Aftercare can help participants maintain their progress and prevent relapse. IOPs can provide the foundation for long-term recovery. Continued support after completing an IOP is important for maintaining progress and preventing relapse.
How to Find an Intensive Outpatient Program
The first way to find an intensive outpatient program is to contact your insurance provider. They will be able to provide you with a list of IOPs that are covered by your insurance plan. Federal government sites like the one for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) have loads of resources to offer.
Another way to find an IOP is simply to search online. You can use keywords such as “intensive outpatient program” or “IOP” plus the name of your city or state to find a list of programs near you.
You can also ask your doctor or mental health provider for a referral to an IOP. Once you have a list of potential programs, you can call and ask about their services, costs, and payment options.
Qualities of a Good Intensive Outpatient Program
Qualified Professionals
A good IOP will have a staff of qualified professionals, such as doctors, nurses, therapists, and counselors. All professionals working in an IOP should be licensed and have experience working with people who have mental health disorders or substance abuse problems. You can ask about the qualifications of the staff when you call to inquire about an IOP.
A Safe and Supportive Environment
A good IOP will provide a safe and supportive environment for participants. The program should be located in a clean and well-maintained facility. Participants should feel comfortable and supported by a team of caring professionals. The program should also have a code of conduct that all participants are expected to follow.
A Focus on Recovery
A good IOP will have a focus on recovery. The program should help participants develop the skills and knowledge to recover from their mental health disorders or substance abuse problem. The program should also provide support and encouragement to participants to work towards their goals.
Access to Medical Care
A good IOP will have access to medical care. This is important for participants who have a mental health disorder and need medication to manage their symptoms. It is also important for participants who have a substance abuse problem and need medical detoxification.
Difference Between Outpatient and Inpatient Therapy
Outpatient therapy is less intense than inpatient therapy. It typically involves meeting with a therapist one to two times per week for 50-minute sessions. Inpatient therapy is more intense and usually involves 24-hour care in a hospital or residential treatment facility.
Outpatient and inpatient therapy can effectively treat mental health disorders and substance abuse problems. The type of treatment that is right for you will depend on your individual needs.
Are Remote Sessions Available?
Telehealth is a growing option for many kinds of healthcare, and some IOPs offer remote sessions. This can be a good option for clients who live in rural areas or have transportation problems. It can also be a good option for participants who need flexibility due to work or family obligations. When you call, you can ask about remote sessions.
What if You Need More Help Than an IOP Can Provide?
If you need more help than an IOP can provide, you may want to consider a residential treatment program. Residential treatment programs are more intense than IOPs and usually last for 30 days or longer.
Residential treatment programs provide 24-hour care from medical professionals. They also typically offer a variety of therapies, such as individual therapy, group therapy, and family therapy. If you think a residential treatment program may be right for you, you can talk to your doctor or a mental health professional about your options.
Reach Out for Help Today
Now that you have read this intensive outpatient guide, you have an overview of intensive outpatient programs (IOPs), which can be good options for people who need more help than outpatient therapy can provide but who do not need 24-hour care. IOPs offer various therapeutic services with a focus on recovery. If you are considering an IOP, call to inquire about the program and ask about the qualifications of the staff, the code of conduct, and whether remote sessions are available. You can also talk to your doctor or a mental health professional about your options.
