Understanding Intensive Outpatient Care (IOP)

An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) provides clients with the clinical structure and support they need without being monitored around the clock. Our IOP program at The Edge Treatment Center allows our clients to continue working and stay close to friends and family while making strides during their recovery.  

What’s the Difference Between Intensive Outpatient and Inpatient Care? 

These programs allow individuals to focus on their recovery with the support and guidance of a clinical team. Both IOP and inpatient programs have their own advantages, too. 

So what’s the difference between the two? 

Intensive Outpatient Care Allows You to Stay Involved With Your Daily Life: Inpatient care isn’t always a viable option for every client. Individuals who have families and business obligations benefit most from an IOP program. Unlike inpatient care, you’ll be able to continue working and managing your day-to-day life during IOP. 

Intensive Outpatient Care Has a Different Focus: Although both inpatient and outpatient care address similar issues, IOP programs tend to have a different focus: During an IOP program, you’ll be learning additional life skills.  

These programs may focus on building and maintaining healthy relationships, long-term recovery needs, and coping with the struggles of independent living. Through an IOP program, individuals learn how to take their lives into their own hands and the skills needed to live in sobriety. 

What to Expect From Intensive Outpatient Care 

Every IOP program differs from facility to facility. In general, you can expect about 10-12 hours of group and individual therapy each week. Like inpatient programs, IOP programs offer many different individual and group therapies to support clients on their journey. Some of the types of treatment you can expect in an IOP program are individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, and experiential therapy. 

Individual Therapy 

Therapy is an incredibly effective tool for self-healing and growth. The Edge Treatment Center offers individual therapy for all our clients. Through therapy, clients gain insights about themselves, explore what’s holding them back, and develop practical goals to tackle the future.  

Group Therapy 

Group therapy is not only fun but effective as well. Through group therapy, clients share their stories and listen to others. Individuals create meaningful relationships with others who truly know what it’s like to be in their shoes. Group therapy allows clients to hone their communication skills, provide and receive support, and witness positive behavior. 

Some of the types of group therapy sessions we offer include: 

• Life Skills 

• Drug Psychoeducation 

• Relapse Prevention 

• Anger Management 

• Living in Balance 

• Sober Support 

• Spirituality 

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy 

How to Choose the Right IOP Program 

Choosing the right IOP program is crucial to your long-term recovery. IOP offers the structure, support, and skills you need to become the best version of yourself. So, how do you choose the right program? 

#1. Accessibility: Accessibility is crucial when choosing an IOP program. You should be able to get into the treatment program swiftly and with ease. This ensures you’re receiving the support you need promptly.  

#2. Personalized Care: Every client is different, and so are their needs. IOP programs should be personalized, fit your goals, and match your schedule. At The Edge Treatment Center, we do not believe one type of treatment serves all clients. 

#3. Evidence-Based Treatment: The treatment you receive should be based on empirical research and data. Other methods of treatment can be and often are used in tandem during IOP programs. That being said, the basis of your treatment should be research-backed. 

#4. Social Support Systems: Individuals in an IOP program need the support of their social groups and systems. Treatment should involve individual and group therapy to provide clients with the support network they need. 

#5. Ongoing Treatment: An IOP program should be ongoing to ensure an individual’s long-term success. This timeframe can vary, but research recommends at least 90 days of treatment for long-term success. 

Flexibility & A Holistic View 

The Edge Treatment Center fully believes every client is different, and so are their needs. For this reason, we allow our clients much more freedom and individuality when going through our IOP program.  

If a client wants to go to meetings in the mornings one week and nights the next, that’s perfectly fine. Making a choice falls on the individual, allowing them to feel a greater sense of responsibility and control during their recovery, thus enabling them to build and improve their life skills. 

Everyone is unique and has a different set of needs. After taking the first steps towards long-term recovery, you or a loved one may be looking for a more personalized type of treatment—a type of treatment that accommodates you, your schedule, and your needs. 

The Intensive Outpatient Program at The Edge Treatment Center is just the type of treatment you or a loved one is searching for. If you or a loved one is looking for a personalized Intensive Outpatient Program which fits your needs and schedule, don’t hesitate to call us today at (800) 778-1772.