Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
What is an IOP?
An Intensive Outpatient Program, or IOP, is a structured series of groups designed to provide an additional level of support for people struggling with substance abuse, addiction, and/or mental health issues. While people with typical life challenges can get enough support from seeing a therapist once a week, attending an IOP provides learning, skill building, community support, and safe expression when people are faced with extraordinary burdens.
Unlike residential treatment, an IOP meets as a group 3 days a week, for 3 hours each session, and also includes one individual therapy session each week. Each session provides educational material, skills training, and also an open group therapy discussion, all facilitated by a licensed counselor. A person will also meet with their therapist individually to identify goals to work toward and discover strengths and supports to meet those goals.
With the structure of an IOP, participants can get the help they need without the pressure of going to a rehab facility. People are able to continue to work at their job, spend time with their family, sleep in their own bed, and engage in other aspects of their lives. It is usually much more cost effective than a rehab center, and insurance is much more willing to pay for the services than when in residential care. Attending an IOP can be tried prior to going to drug and alcohol rehab, and it is also an appropriate option for those transitioning out of inpatient, residential, or day treatment.
An IOP is not appropriate for people who have a severe mood disorder that requires hospital care, or if a person has strong suicidal thoughts or has made recent attempts. It is also not recommended for people who are unable to stay sober in their home for a short time. These and other severe mental health and/or substance abuse conditions need more comprehensive care.
At Red Willow Counseling and Recovery, we offer daytime and evening groups in our Substance Use and Mental Health IOP to accommodate a person’s schedule. The length of your attendance depends on how well you are progressing. Generally, participants attend a minimum of 12 weeks with most people continuing for 16 weeks or more.
If you are unsure if you need an IOP, we provide a consultation to assess your situation and needs, and can provide various recommendations for you to contemplate. Or if you have additional questions about our Intensive Outpatient Programs, complete the form below or give us a call at (385) 483-4931.
At Red Willow, we have a daytime and evening Substance Abuse IOP and daytime Mental Health IOP.
If you need extra support for your Mental Health or Substance Abuse challenges, we are here for you.
