What Does an Intensive Outpatient Program Look Like?

Mental health conditions affect everyone differently. The level of care required depends entirely on the individual’s needs and ability to adapt a treatment program to their lifestyle. Mental health treatment plans are established on a case-by-case basis. If you are trying to decide what level of care you need, there are a variety of treatment options. 

For some individuals, the best option is some form of psychotherapy or talk therapy. This type of treatment plan consists of having regularly scheduled appointments with a therapist but still following regular daily routines. For individuals that are seriously struggling and in need of intensive care, hospitalization is sometimes required. These treatment programs include full-time residential care and monitoring for the duration of treatment. 

For some people, talk therapy may not be enough support to help them through a mental health challenge, but a restrictive hospitalization program is not an option for them either. So what options are available to individuals who need a level of care somewhere between talk therapy and total hospitalization programs?

What Is an Intensive Outpatient Program?

Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) are a step up from regular outpatient care. When an individual commits to an IOP, they will receive very structured care anywhere from six to thirty hours per week, depending on their needs. This option is a good intermediary level of care because there is flexibility between time spent in care and time to maintain a regular schedule such as work or schooling. When enrolled in an IOP, individuals have the ability to make major decisions for themselves. 

Intensive Outpatient Treatment at Alter Wellness Care

 At Alter Wellness Care, our IOPs are designed to meet the unique needs of each client that comes to us for help and support. We believe that access to safe, effective, and compassionate care should be available to everyone. Our services are all scientifically backed and evidence-based to ensure that our clients are receiving the best care possible. Creating a healthier life by focusing on wellness is at the core of our treatment philosophy.

Traumatic events are often at the root of mental health difficulties. At Alter, we understand the impact of trauma on mental health, and we know that trauma-informed care is of the utmost importance when helping our clients. Our experts are trained to create a safe space for deeper healing while being sensitive to the effects of trauma.  

When considering which treatment plan will be most effective, we strive to support our clients as unique, whole individuals who have diverse interests and complicated lives. We work with our clients to create a map of their lives and identify areas in which we can be most supportive and helpful. Alter Wellness has a commitment to achieving whole-person wellness for the people in our care.

Alter Wellness Care’s Intensive Outpatient Program Options

At Alter Wellness Care, offering our clients a choice of care is one of our fundamental philosophies. We offer our clients a variety of holistic therapies so that they can choose the care options that best suit their needs. From psychoeducational and skills development groups to cognitive behavioral and acceptance therapy, we are committed to providing the support that our clients need. 

We offer two state-of-the-art IOP options at Alter Wellness Care: IOP3 and IOP5. They are two different levels of care and are both designed to provide options that will meet the needs of our clients. 

#1. IOP5

The first level of intensive outpatient care is IOP5. This IOP is a longer time commitment, lasting forty to sixty days. A safe, structured, and convenient living space is provided through the use of our sober living house seven days a week while participating in this IOP. 

While enrolled in this program, our clients will attend multiple therapy sessions each day. They can choose from several scheduled times throughout the day so that treatment can fit into their existing schedules. When our clients are not actively participating in therapy or groups, they have full control of their daily schedules. 

#2. IOP3

The second level of IOP offered at Alter Wellness care is a shorter program, lasting between thirty and forty days. Clients enrolled in this program also have a designated living space in our local sober living house. In the IOP3, clients will attend therapy with their choice of two scheduled sessions in the morning and two scheduled sessions in the afternoon. When not in treatment, these clients have full control over their time and how to spend it.

Do I Need an Intensive Outpatient Program?

It can be difficult to decide whether an IOP is right for you. There are a few things to consider when making that determination for yourself, such as:

1. You have tried other mental health treatments and supports without the success you were looking for. It may be that you need a more intense approach with structured services and support daily, along with a stable living environment. 
2. You do not have the ability to take significant time away from your daily responsibilities. Work, school, and family obligations are demands on your time that can’t be easily put on pause for a full hospitalization program. IOP offers a balanced way to get the support you need while still maintaining your responsibilities.
3. If your current mental healthcare professional or general practitioner is recommending an IOP, you should take their recommendation seriously. Talk with them about options and how you can benefit from the services you will have access to. 

If you are looking for a way to change your mindset, your habits, and your lifestyle to support positive mental health and overall wellness, an IOP may be just what you need. 

Intensive outpatient programs can be useful treatments for a variety of mental health challenges, such as major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder. At Alter Wellness Care, our clients have two excellent IOP options designed to fit your lifestyle. We are committed to helping our clients find the right treatment plan for them. Through our evidence-based therapy programs, support groups, and skill development groups, we help our clients find the tools they need to manage their symptoms. Our compassionate team can help you determine what level of treatment is best for you. Call us today at (866) 311-3510 to find out how the Alter Wellness Care team can help you.