What to Expect in an Intensive Outpatient Program
Intensive Outpatient Program is a short-term treatment modality that’s highly effective in bringing stability to patients with mental health disorders and substance abuse issues. Given the effectiveness of this type of program, we at South Bay Sober Living recommend these programs to our clients when necessary and coordinate with the treatment teams at various IOP centers in Los Angeles, California.
What is an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)?
Intensive Outpatient treatment programs fall somewhere between an inpatient program and an outpatient program, meaning it is more intensive than the typical outpatient programs, but offer substance abuse treatment where patients visit a treatment center for focused therapy, support and recovery.
With IOP, patients are not required to stay at the treatment facility. They visit the facility during the week for group therapy, individualized therapy or employment assistance.
Benefits of an
IOP Program
- + Offers a structured weekly schedule
- + Serves as a first line of treatment for addiction and mental health issues
- + Provides a solid support network
- + Drug testing is conducted to ensure patients are remaining sober
- + Lower cost and flexible schedule
Inpatient vs. Intensive Outpatient
Inpatient programs or residential programs offer a homelike environment and services such as food and boarding as well as medical care that intensive outpatient programs don’t necessarily offer.
Outpatient programs are a necessary part of aftercare strategy where patients can receive treatment on a regular basis following their residential treatment in order to reduce the risk of relapse during the initial phases after recovery.
However, for those who need more intensive treatment than outpatient, but have commitments that prevent them from extended stays at inpatient residential programs, intensive outpatient with Sober Living can offer an effective solution.
Intensive Outpatient Treatment May Include:
- Group Therapy and Family Therapy
- Individualized Psychotherapy plans
- Dual Diagnosis Treatment
- Evidence-based Therapies, such as CBT and DBT
- Twelve Step Program
- Medication Supported Recovery
In Addition, They May Also Include:
- Health and Nutrition Counseling
- Fitness and Adventure-based Therapy
- Relapse Prevention Support
- Meditation, Mindfulness
- Skill-building
Requirements of
an IOP
An individual who is part of an IOP treatment is required to commit to a weekly schedule that may include more than 9 hours of therapy sessions per week, divided into blocks of 3 hours each. Typical IOP treatment can last up to 90 days, although the schedule can be adjusted based on individual requirements.
Most of the IOP treatment centers that we work with may have insurance requirements for admission. The facility may verify an individual’s medical documentation to assess insurance needs. The insurance company may need to determine the medical necessity before an individual is approved for IOP treatment.
In Conclusion
IOP in combination with Sober Living can provide short term stabilization for those who need a structured aftercare plan when graduating Residential Treatment. IOP programs provide an intensive, immediate and effective treatment so that an individual can be restored to pursue their regular life and commitments.
At South Bay Sober Living we recommend IOP treatment in conjunction with our Sober Living programs to ensure our clients can transition safely into their normal lives with their families and communities.
