Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

Compassion Behavioral Health offers an intensive outpatient program (IOP) for those struggling with substance abuse and mental illness. We recommend this program for those who need a transitional level of care as they step down from inpatient treatment, as well as those looking to supplement their recovery. Our program meets three to five days a week for three hours a day.

In recent years, our intensive outpatient program has grown more popular because of its convenience, flexibility and affordability. Unlike inpatient treatment, you do not have to live at our facility. This grants you the freedom to return home to your family and maintain much of your normal routine.

Whether you’re looking to step down from a higher level of care or add support to your existing recovery, our intensive outpatient program may be an excellent option. Below we share more information about our IOP program, the types of people it’s best for and what to expect during your stay.

What is Intensive Outpatient Treatment? How Does it Differ from Your Other Programs?

An IOP is a type of substance abuse or mental health treatment where people visit our treatment center several hours a day, 3-5 days a week. It’s more intensive than standard outpatient programs because you’ll spend more hours attending therapy or clinical services. But unlike inpatient treatment, you do not have to live at our facility.

Compassion Behavioral Health offers flexible meeting times in the mornings and evenings. You’ll spend most of your time in group therapy while also having access to our many treatment services such as meditation, yoga, nutrition education, relapse prevention and EMDR therapy.

Am I a Good Candidate for Your Intensive Outpatient Program?

Because IOPs can serve a wide range of functions, people in all stages of their recovery are able to join our program. We have clients who are transitioning from an inpatient program and clients who are just beginning professional treatment.

During the intake process, your individual needs will be assessed. Intensive outpatient treatment may be a good fit if you:

  • Have completed an inpatient or PHP program. The stress of going from a structured environment to the freedom of home can jeopardize your recovery. IOP treatment allows you to gradually transition to everyday life.
  • Suffer from a less serious addiction or mental health illness. If you know you need help but haven’t hit rock bottom, IOP is an excellent alternative to residential treatment. The less restrictive environment is ideal for these situations.
  • Learn best by practicing new skills. IOP is set up to where you can start applying the skills you’ve learned – managing cravings, avoiding triggers, managing medications and coping with stressful situations. This gives you more time to grow stronger in your recovery.
  • Have a strong support system. Because you won’t have 24/7 support at an IOP, you’ll need a strong support system at home. As long as your family is well-informed on addiction and can maintain a safe, sober environment, an IOP is a good alternative to residential treatment.
  • Are a parent, student or professional. Outpatient treatment allows you to maintain much of your normal routine. With flexible hours, you can work on your recovery while also managing your responsibilities as a parent, student or working professional.


What is a Typical Day Like in Intensive Outpatient Treatment?

Our IOP begins with an assessment of your needs. We can then put together an individualized treatment plan that meets your recovery goals. Our IOP meets three to five days a week for three hours a day. We can adjust the amount of time you spend in treatment based on your progress and medical necessity.

During your time in IOP, you will attend a variety of therapy sessions. Each week, your time is divided between group therapy, individual therapy and family therapy. All therapy sessions are led by well-trained licensed therapists or group facilitators. Additional services that are offered as part of our IOP include:

  • Relapse prevention
  • Trauma informed therapy
  • EMDR therapy
  • Meditation and yoga
  • Medication education
  • Nutrition and life skills education

Remember, your treatment plan will be specific to your strengths, weaknesses and recovery goals. This is your time to work on the things that could interfere with a healthy recovery, such as unresolved trauma, family conflict, underlying mental illness or poor coping skills.


What are the Benefits I Can Expect from Your IOP?

Compassion Behavioral Health offers a number of treatment programs – intensive outpatient is one of them. If you’re not sure which program is right for you, that’s okay. We will do a full assessment with one of our admission counselors and tell you what we recommend. That said, some treatment is always better than no treatment. If an IOP is what you can afford and makes sense for your family, here are some benefits to expect:

  • Have the ability to work and go to school
  • Stay close to your support circle
  • Lower out-of-pocket costs
  • Access quality treatment services
  • Discover different recovery groups
  • Be held accountable for your actions

How Long Do I Need to Stay in an IOP?

There is no set length of time you need to stay in intensive outpatient treatment, though average stays are around 10 weeks. Research shows that people who stay in treatment longer have better outcomes, so the more time you can give yourself, the better.

The nice thing about an IOP is that it’s flexible and accommodating. We want to see our clients live their lives, which is why we encourage them to take on some responsibility. This could be helping out at home, working part-time or volunteering. This way, you can get your feet wet while having structure, support and relapse prevention tools to fall back on.

In short, outpatient treatment is not meant to complicate your life. Its goal is to help you transition into your everyday life so that you can live happily and productively without drugs and alcohol.


Contact Compassion Behavioral Health Today

Compassion Behavioral Health is an accredited mental health and substance abuse treatment center that offers an intensive outpatient program. Contact us today to speak with one of our counselors. We’ll be happy to explain our programs and verify your insurance coverage. We accept most major forms of health insurance, helping more families access the high-quality addiction treatment they deserve.

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