Those who live with a mental health diagnosis and/or struggle with an addiction may often find that they need more support than what is not found in a typical outpatient program. At LAT, our Team has provided comprehensive outpatient psychiatric rehabilitation based on the best evidence-based practices for 40 years. Our services are provided one-to-one to clients at home, in the community, at school, and at the workplace when necessary, with patients who have a variety of conditions.
The Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is designed for individuals with mental health diagnoses and/or supporting a substance use disorder and includes individual and group therapies utilizing evidence-based and experiential methods. Through this program, we strive to provide each client with the skills and tools needed to lead a fulfilling and emotionally balanced life.
What to Expect in an IOP
An IOP provides an opportunity for people who are recovering from a mental illness to continue their recovery while still allowing them to live their daily lives. Through the use of small group, one-on-one, and individually curated therapy clients are provided with the help they need in each area of their lives. Each week in our IOP program, a client participates in nine hours of group therapy spread over three days and they will receive one hour of individualized one-on-one therapy with one of LAT’s mental health professionals. With these smaller, hands-on therapy sessions, the IOP allows clients to explore different obstacles in their lives, determine what they want in their future, find out how to set goals, and work to reach those goals.
The Life Adjustment team sets our Intensive Outpatient Program apart from others through the use of unique Behavioral therapy techniques such as music, drama, and art groups. These activities add a welcome balance to clinical work that helps reduce a client’s fatigue and eases the progression of their mental health treatment. The diversity of the treatment methods used in our Intensive Outpatient Program allows for a patient’s individual needs to be met while also keeping them engaged in the treatment process.
Additionally, IOPs provide greater direction to an individual’s treatment. In traditional outpatient counseling, it is the client’s responsibility to complete assignments between sessions and implement recovery skills they have learned. However, in an IOP, the individual has extra support from clinicians and fellow participants and they spend more time engaged in guided treatment activities, which allows them to focus their attention on recovery.
The Goals of IOP
Intensive Outpatient Programs are designed to address specific issues and will vary depending on the disorder for which the client is seeking treatment. A client’s goals for the program will be tailored to their treatment needs. Some aspects of this program, however, are common to all treatment groups, including teaching participants coping skills, improving problem-solving skills, developing self-awareness, recognizing unhealthy behaviors, and practicing asking for and receiving support.
Ultimately, the goal of this program is to create an environment where individuals with a mental health diagnosis can receive the necessary treatment they need while being empowered to live better outside of a more confined inpatient setting.
Why Choose an IOP
Structured outpatient treatment is often offered as the next step after inpatient treatment, or in an effort to prevent a person from needing more intensive treatment. Those patients transitioning from an inpatient treatment program to independent living may find that IOPs are an ideal option. The program helps clients return to normal life after being in an inpatient setting, as well as clients who are looking for a program to help them build a proper foundation and structure in their lives.
Individuals who are not managing their health condition effectively at a typical outpatient level or who do not meet the criteria for inpatient treatment could benefit from Intensive Outpatient Services. With the option of weekly outpatient sessions, they are able to receive a higher level of care and still maintain their normal lives. For those seeking treatment after trying other modes of care and looking for a next step, the Intensive Outpatient Program is opening up new possibilities and improving results.
Life Adjustment Team
If you are looking for an intensive outpatient program, contact Life Adjustment Team today. We are here to help you get started on the best version of your life and yourself possible.
