- Home
- Intensive Outpatient for Mental Health
Intensive Outpatient for Mental Health
Intensive outpatient treatment is a form of help that people receive to eliminate issues with mental disorders or substance abuse problems. A patient receives intense care with a trained medical professional or a licensed therapist and returns home after each session. The goal is to achieve behavioral changes and to develop a support system.
An IOP offers a chance for a person who is recovering from a mental illness to continue with recovery without disrupting his or her regular life.
Common mental health disorders that require intensive outpatient treatment
An intensive outpatient program, or IOP, is commonly used to treat a number of mental health disorders.
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Bipolar Disorder
- ADHD
- OCD
An IOP for medical health may include treatment for substance abuse as well.
What to expect with an intensive outpatient for mental health program
Normally, a patient participates in at least 10 hours of group and individual therapy each week. A typical IOP starts with an assessment of the patient’s needs. A therapist creates a custom plan of recovery. During treatment, a patient meets to learn how to prevent relapse and how to build coping skills. If necessary, addiction education is discussed as well.
Types of medications that supplement an intensive outpatient program
Depending on the mental illness of the patient, a medical professional will prescribe a medication that fits his or her individual needs. To enter an outpatient program, the patient must be trusted enough to take the medication according to the directions.
What types of therapies are available?
An IOP for mental health includes various types of therapies.
- Group Therapy. This is the core of most intensive outpatient for mental health programs. Patients heighten communication skills and have access to people who are in similar circumstances. It is a place to receive feedback, to reinforce healthy ways of interacting, and to prevent relapse. Some group therapy involves families.
- Individual Therapy. One-on-one therapy allows a patient to address individual problems. A patient can get to the root of his or her issues. Many times, cognitive behavioral therapy is applied. This is effective for treating things like depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. It identifies and changes unwanted thoughts and behaviors and teaches self-help strategies that improve these things by learning skills to deal with triggers.
- Support Groups. An IOP for mental health encourages patients to participate in support groups. With help from peers, it is easier to cope and to learn ways to overcome similar problems.
Are holistic options available?
There are holistic treatment options that are incorporated into intensive outpatient programs that help to create a healthier and more empowering lifestyle. Meditation, acupuncture, and yoga are sometimes used to lower anxiety and to improve certain symptoms. These are used in combination with other therapies.
What is the next step after intensive outpatient treatment?
After a patient finishes an IOP in Florida, he or she will meet with his or her therapist to determine the next course of action. When a patient reaches his or her treatment goals, the person may continue with a less intensive level of care. For example, the person may still attend outpatient therapy sessions but on a less frequent basis.
Group meetings will be continued as well. It is essential to realize that the individual is not cured. Dealing with issues requires constant work. It is essential to remain motivated, to practice relapse prevention skills, and to have a system of support in place.
If you or a loved one requires intensive outpatient for mental health treatment, the experts at Harm Reduction are ready to help. We have a variety of treatment options so that you receive the care that is most effective for your needs. For more information, contact us today.
