Intensive outpatient programs are treatment plans that allow you to reside at home while still going to and from a treatment facility to get help with substance abuse. If you are looking for help with addiction recovery, an intensive outpatient program could be a good fit, especially if you have other obligations like work or school that you need to schedule around.
What is an IOP?
When you look at different levels of care for outpatient treatment, one of the options is an intensive outpatient program or IOP.
These are structured programs that take place on an outpatient basis which means you don’t have to reside at the facility. These our ideal programs for people who need intensive treatment but don’t need 24-hour supervision.
An IOP:
- Averages 3-5 days per week
- Averages 3-4 hours per day
- Includes individual and group therapy
This type of program does not include detox; however, if you prefer an IOP but you believe you need detox, you can talk to different treatment centers about what options are available for combining both services.
Is an IOP Right for You?
There are many people for whom an IOP is the right choice.
Studies have concluded that an IOP can be as effective as a residential program for many people. But how do you know if it is right for you?
Assessments
Medical professionals at any treatment center will start with an assessment. This evaluation is to determine what level of care is best and whether an IOP can be used effectively. Some examples of effective use of an IOP include:
- Helping you transition from residential treatment to the next level of care
- Helping to decrease your risk of further substance abuse issues or mental health issues
- An attempt to prevent the need for a higher level of care
- A chance to manage early-stage relapse
- A way to develop personal coping skills
- An opportunity to address co-occurring issues related to psychological well-being
You can tactfully use an IOP for any of these needs, but some minimum qualifications are required.
Qualifications
In order to start an IOP it’s important that you meet basic qualifications. For example, is IOP right for someone who is at immediate risk of harm to themselves or others? No.
However, there are plenty of situations where an IOP could be a good match. You might be a good candidate for an IOP if:
- You don’t need 24-hour supervision
- You have a safe and supportive home environment
- You can handle transportation to and from your treatment center
- You do not need to detox
- You are comfortable in group therapy settings and able to express yourself
- You are motivated to participate and work toward recovery
Each facility will have a different metric for qualifications and will typically talk to you about what they recommend based on your assessment. You might, for example, be able to arrange transportation or schedule your therapy sessions and counseling sessions in the mornings instead of the evenings if you have obligations at night.
What to Expect from an IOP
Once you start our intensive outpatient program, you can expect a program that lasts an average of three to four weeks. This can be extended depending on your needs and your progress.
Within that time frame, you will participate on a part-time basis, attending holistic treatment, individual and group therapy, and support groups for a few hours each day, a few days each week.
In most cases all of your treatment services take place at the same location. You generally have control over which time of the day and which days of the week you select, so you have freedom to schedule around other obligations like work.
Starting the Right Level of Care with Sequoia Recovery
At Sequoia Recovery, we provide all levels of care. When you reach out to our team, we will go over some details about your mental health, physical health, and history of substance abuse to better determine the right level of care.
Is an IOP right for you? If so, we can help you verify your insurance benefits and create a customized plan for your IOP schedule.
If you might benefit more from a higher level of care, like residential programs, or a lower tier like traditional outpatient, we can help you compare those programs too.
Whatever you decide, our facility offers a range of holistic, evidence-based practices to support your recovery from beginning to end, with private rooms and great amenities to help.