When treating mental health disorders, there are multiple options available to treat a wide range of disorders. An intensive outpatient program, or IOP for short, is one type of treatment program that allows patients to work on their mental health while keeping up with work, school, or personal responsibilities. If this is your first time participating in mental health therapy, continue reading to learn about what to expect in IOP.
Arkview Recovery is a full-service mental health treatment facility that incorporates IOP and other proven therapeutic treatment programs. Our intensive outpatient program is for patients whose symptoms are more manageable and don’t need 24/7 support or supervision. They can continue working, going to school, or caring for children while participating in therapy in person or through telehealth services.
If you would like more information about our intensive outpatient program, call 717.744.0756 today to schedule a consultation.
What Is an Intensive Outpatient Program?
Treating mental health disorders like depression and substance abuse is not like treating the common cold. It takes a more tailored approach involving different types of behavioral and holistic therapies as well as medication to ease those symptoms that make recovery seem impossible.
Patients will spend 2-4 hours per day working with a therapist in group and private therapy sessions while continuing to live at home or in a sober living community. Therapists use a number of therapeutic methods to help people better understand how their emotions and feelings dictate their behaviors and how to recognize what triggers their disruptive behaviors.
They do this through a variety of proven therapeutic methodologies that can include cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, motivational interviewing, and other types of behavioral and holistic therapies. In cases where people have more severe symptoms, medication is used to ease depressive or anxiety symptoms as well as addiction withdrawals and cravings.
What is IOP? At Arkview Recovery, we will go over what happens in IOP so you can better prepare yourself for what’s to come. We take the time to get to know each patient better to understand the reasons behind their condition and develop a more effective treatment program.
What to Expect in IOP
If you are considering enrolling in an outpatient treatment program to ease symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other mental health disorders, you can better prepare yourself by knowing what to expect during the program.
IOPs are tailored programs that consider your individual experiences, family and peer history, and other life experiences that can contribute to worsening mental health. Participating in IOP allows you to develop better coping skills, recognize personal triggers, and learn other skills that promote an overall healthier lifestyle.
Here is a small sample of what to expect in IOP:
Initial Consultation
During your first meeting with a therapist, they will run a full health assessment to determine the current state of your physical and mental health and the severity of the disorder. They use this information to develop a comprehensive program that addresses your unique symptoms and triggers and to improve your overall mental health.
Private Therapy Sessions
During one-on-one conversations with your therapist, they will encourage you to open up about troubling emotions or feelings to help you process them without causing any disruptive behaviors. Instead of panicking or reaching for drugs or alcohol to cope, you learn to replace those behaviors with healthier actions, like speaking up for yourself, meditation, or going to the gym to burn up pent-up energy.
Group Therapy Sessions
IOP also includes group sessions where you will work with your peers to practice coping skills and learn how to better communicate your feelings with others. You will participate in group discussions, role-playing games, and other activities that can improve your mental health and overall well-being.
Medication-Assisted Treatment
Patients with more severe symptoms will receive medication to ease symptoms that get in the way of recovery. Medical staff will administer specific dosages and monitor each patient for any adverse effects throughout the program. As their symptoms fade, they will begin tapering down the medication until no longer necessary.
Join Arkview Recovery’s Intensive Outpatient Program Today
At Arkview Recovery, we support individuals who are struggling with depression, PTSD, addiction, or other mental health disorders. Our intensive outpatient programs are designed around each person’s unique situation. They will include a mix of behavioral and holistic therapies, along with medical support, to make the recovery process a little easier.
If you feel our intensive outpatient program can improve your mental health, call 717.744.0756 today or use our online contact form to schedule a consultation.
Kyle is Lead Therapist at Arkview Recovery Center. He holds a Master of Social Work degree from Temple University and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. He has years of experience working directly with individuals who suffer from addiction and mental health disorders. Being in long term recovery himself, Kyle is very passionate about the recovery process. He is heavily involved in the local recovery community in which he enjoys his commitments to service and giving back. His specialty is in group therapy and developing clinical staff. Kyle brings to Arkview a holistic approach to recovery, specializing in mindfulness, reality therapy, and solution-focused therapy.
