Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP Q&A)
What is an intensive outpatient program (IOP)?
IOPs are services EQ Perspectives offers to persons 18 and over. They help adults manage challenging mental health conditions when routine outpatient treatments aren’t enough.
An IOP requires attendance for 3 hours a day, 3 to 5 days a week. Some adults go into an IOP because they need ongoing support after completing a partial hospitalization program (PHP). In some cases, adults enter an IOP when they don’t progress enough while undergoing less intensive treatments.
Who benefits from IOPs?
The IOPs offered by EQ Perspectives are beneficial for adults with various mental health disorders, including:
- Major depressive disorder (MDD)
- Anxiety disorders
- Eating disorders
- Trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Substance use disorder (alcohol and drug misuse)
- Bipolar disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Other mood disorders
- Suicidal intentions
At EQ Perspectives, we understand that these conditions are common in adulthood and can be devastating for a person’s mental health, physical health, and emotional well-being.
Our IOPs support adult patients in considerable distress and help prevent hospitalization for mental health challenges.
What are the benefits of virtual IOP programming?
Virtual group therapy programming allows for increased accessibility and convenience for those who struggle with attending in-person group therapy sessions. It allows individuals to get around a variety of barriers to treatment, including:
- Trouble finding childcare
- Lack of transportation/mobility
- Busy schedule
- Inclement weather conditions
Additionally, engaging in therapy from a familiar and comfortable environment, such as home, can reduce anxiety and make participants feel safer sharing openly in group sessions. This can be especially beneficial for individuals who might find in-person environments overwhelming or triggering.
What will virtual programming look like?
Similarly to an in-person IOP, virtual programming requires attendance for 3 hours a day, 3 to 5 days a week. The difference is that virtual programming takes place via our HIPAA-compliant video conferencing platform. Materials and video links will be emailed the evening before the session to ensure that everyone is prepared to fully engage in programming. Sessions will be held by a licensed therapist and include groups for processing emotions and learning various coping skills.
How does an IOP help with a psychiatric disorder?
Like PHPs, IOPs teach adults about emotional intelligence. Program participants learn how to identify and understand various emotions people feel in different situations, and develop smart emotional responses.
Sadly, while emotional intelligence is vital, it is often absent in adults affected by mental health disorders. The team at EQ Perspectives uses a holistic approach to teach emotional intelligence through activities, group work, and guided reflection.
Areas our IOP therapy sessions cover include
- Building resilience
- Forming healthy relationships
- Resolving conflicts
- Identifying core values
- Personal validation
- Setting goals
- Learning coping skills
- Improving self-esteem
- Suicidal intentions
The EQ Perspectives team thoroughly evaluates each patient before they begin an IOP. This allows our team to design a personalized treatment plan which may include examining specific triggers of negative thoughts and actions, as well as identifying the underlying causes of poor mental health.
Call EQ Perspectives today or book an appointment online to learn more about how an IOP can benefit you or a loved one.