5 Benefits of IOP
For ongoing mental wellness it’s important to understand what type of therapeutic services you need. For most individuals traditional outpatient services work well and provide adequate help to overcome mental health challenges and maintain a healthier mental health outlook. However, this approach does not work for everyone. Should you find that your symptoms are not improving, or if they are getting worse, it’s time to speak with your therapist about a higher level of care.
The next step up from outpatient services is an Intensive Outpatient or Partial Hospitalization Program (IOP/PHP). Historically, IOP/PHP has been to help individuals overcome issues with alcohol or other addictive substances. These are fantastic program who have helped a number of individuals; however, there has been a rise in non-substance abuse mental health needs which has gone under treated. Recently, new Intensive Outpatient and Partial Hospitalization Programs have been established that focus solely on mental health. Our Logos IOP/PHP is a mental health program that does not offer detox nor do we work with individuals whose primary diagnosis is substance abuse although we do have individuals who present with a secondary substance abuse diagnosis as long as their substance abuse issue is well controlled. This does mean we do require that individuals within the program cannot use during the duration of the program.
There are many benefits to an IOP/PHP when traditional outpatient services are not being effective. The first, and arguably the most significant, benefit of an IOP is the flexibility it provides. Since the program is run 3 hours per day, patients can still maintain daily responsibilities while receiving comprehensive and effective mental health treatment. Many people can continue important daily activities such as attending school, working, and spending time with their families.
The second benefit is that an IOP provides continued support to any patient who needs to increase their therapeutic progress or needs support after discharge from an inpatient program. For those who have been in a residential treatment program, it can be daunting to go back to everyday life and all its stressors. An IOP is a natural step-down for those clients. It allows people to return to their daily activities, but still have rigorous mental health professional support to ensure they continue in their healing process.
The third benefit is that with an IOP, people can immediately use the skills they learn in their daily lives since they are following their daily routines. When a patient gains a new coping skill, they can start utilizing it in real-life scenarios at home, in relationships, and even at school or work. If a challenge arises, they can still access support and unpack the experience in treatment. By exploring the situation with a mental health expert, patients can find new management techniques to overcome similar complications in the future.
The fourth benefit is that an IOP still provides therapeutic structure and a stable routine. In addition, patients are helped to identify their path to healing by a clear treatment plan. The daily schedule for an IOP may include psychoeducation, skills groups, individual therapy, occupational therapy, and other modalities. An organized schedule in an IOP helps patients create healthy management skills for when they are discharged from the program.
Finally, the fifth benefit of an IOP is that group therapy is a central component of the program. A group of peers with the same challenges and treatment goals becomes a support system for each other. Patients can feel comfortable sharing their experiences in a nonjudgmental setting, with others who understand what they’re going through. And they learn coping skills from experienced therapists who guide the group through daily life challenges.
Written by J. Todd Baker, Ph.D., LPC-S, BCN