Before pursuing addiction treatment, a person must decide which level of care is right for them. For people who do not require 24/7 medical supervision, or for those who have graduated from a residential addiction treatment program, an intensive outpatient program presents a great option. However, one must fully understand the features and benefits of an IOP in Los Angeles to make the best choice for their health, their future, and their loved ones.
What is an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)?
Commonly known as IOP, an intensive outpatient program in Los Angeles represents a “step up” from traditional outpatient therapy. While traditional outpatient care usually involves an hour of treatment on a weekly, biweekly, or monthly basis, IOP treatment usually involves multiple hours of recovery work on multiple days of every week.
For some clients, IOP provides a way of stepping down support after graduation from a residential treatment or partial hospitalization program (PHP). For others, patients step up to an IOP from outpatient therapy. For others still, IOP treatment is the first step in their recovery journey.
The very flexibility of IOP is what makes it such a unique form of treatment. IOP clients participate in both individual and group therapy sessions. IOP can also include services like medication-assisted treatment (MAT) or family programming, depending on client need.
Who is Eligible for an IOP?
While most clients are eligible for IOP in Los Angeles, this treatment may not be the most appropriate program for everyone. Rather, IOP is often the best approach to addiction or mental health treatment for those who are either transitioning out of a residential treatment program or those who have not been progressing with traditional outpatient (OP) treatment.
IOP treatment is well-suited for those who still find themselves in need of therapy after graduating from residential treatment, yet do not struggle with their commitment to their process.
Benefits of an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
An intensive outpatient program can be hugely beneficial to those who do not need round-the-clock supervision or those who only display a mild or moderate alcohol or substance use disorder.
After all, IOP programs typically provide a high level of care but offer clients the flexibility to continue living at home and attending to their work, school, or family duties. Here are a few of the benefits of IOP treatment:
Privacy
While it has shifted significantly in recent years, one of the main blockades of more people pursuing addiction recovery is the negative stigma involved in needing professional help. Too many people struggle with the concept of their powerlessness against the insidious effects of addiction to drugs and alcohol. The professional staff at our IOP in Los Angeles is committed to their clients’ privacy, working with them with respect and discretion.
Community
At the same time, countless studies and surveys suggest that one of the keys to maintaining long-term sobriety is the bonding that takes place with others in recovery. CAST Centers clients can enjoy the deep sense of community that comes with others understanding all the ups and downs that effective recovery involves. The sense of community that IOP programs provide can prove invaluable to one’s long-term sobriety.
Flexibility
An IOP lends clients the flexibility to maintain their work, family, school, and household responsibilities while working through their recovery. For instance, many CAST Centers clients have young children who require supervision and care. Others have work commitments that cannot be suspended indefinitely. IOP treatment offers the flexibility needed to maintain a routine or schedule.
Cost
The cost of outpatient recovery is significantly less expensive than residential treatment. This is, of course, one of the deciding factors for why people choose to undergo IOP treatment. If residential addiction treatment is out of the question, financially speaking, an intensive outpatient program presents a comfortable option.
What Happens During IOP?
An intensive outpatient program (IOP) tends to be more time-intensive than standard outpatient programs. At the same time, it allows for patients to keep up with their everyday life obligations. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Counselor’s Treatment Manual features an IOP sample schedule.
This is done to give potential IOP clients a general idea of what to expect with IOP treatment. IOP programs may last just a few weeks or several months, depending on the patient’s needs and their level of commitment to the program. CAST Centers’ IOP in Los Angeles takes place on certain days of the week, with sessions lasting between one and five hours.
According to the SAMHSA Manual, the first four weeks of IOP are the most intense, as clients will attend three-hour-long classes covering relapse prevention and recovery skills a couple of days each week, in between days of peer support or 12-Step sessions and weekly social support or family therapy sessions, if necessary. After four weeks, the relapse prevention and recovery skills class will be reduced while the other sessions stay the same.
After four months or so—provided the client’s progress is ongoing—the days of relapse prevention and recovery skills classes turn in to “days off.” This leaves the peer support or 12-Step sessions and (significantly reduced) social support or family therapy sessions remaining two or three days per week.
Specific sessions can be rescheduled based on client need, but most programs expect their clients to alert them if they need to miss a session. Consistent absence or tardiness are considered relapse risks.
Begin IOP in Los Angeles Today
CAST Centers’ IOP provides the opportunity for small groups of clients to meet regularly in a safe, comfortable space. While guided in their self-discovery, these groups are encouraged to interact with each other, offering constructive suggestions, insights, and a sense of camaraderie to aid the healing process. With help, you too can achieve long-term recovery.
Contact us today to learn more about our IOP, coaching and other treatment programs in the Los Angeles area.
