For anyone in need of mental health treatment, there are many options available at a facility like Alvarado Parkway Institute. One of the most effective and successful is the intensive outpatient program, a specially developed program that has been known to be highly effective at helping with a wide range of mental health issues and addictions.
What Is An Intensive Outpatient Program?
So what exactly is an intensive outpatient program (IOP)? Simply put, this is a mental health and/or addiction treatment program for those who don’t require detox or the structure of inpatient care. It’s a treatment option that allows the individual flexibility to return home and attend to additional duties while still receiving structured treatment and accountability.
This makes it ideal for someone who doesn’t need the traditional structure of a residential or PHP program, but does still need access to all that necessary care. Generally, the individual will be in care for a couple of hours a day for a couple of days a week. It is advised for those with mild to moderate symptoms, who have relatively strong support systems in place and are able to function independently.
IOP vs. PHP
As mentioned, there are several different kinds of mental health and addiction treatments. One such treatment is PHP, or partial hospitalization. As the name suggests, this is where the individual is partly in hospital and partly at home. It is often confused with IOP, but they are two distinct program types, and it’s useful to understand the distinctions between them if you are looking into care for yourself or a loved one.
So what are the main differences? In a PHP setting, the client will usually have around five hours of therapy a day for five days a week. Whereas, in IOP, it is closer to three hours of therapy for three days a week. Partial hospitalization is somewhat more intense, requiring additional time and commitment (with less time spent at home). Although there are similarities, they are different programs with different aims to meet an individual’s needs.
How To Know If IOP Is Right For You
If you’re wondering whether the IOP structure might be right for you, there are a few things you might consider. Generally, if you need more care than once weekly therapy, but don’t need 24/7 mental health monitoring, IOP could be a good option. IOP offers support and structure with multiple sessions throughout the week in both group and individual formats.
Ask yourself these questions to help decide if it’s a good option for you: Do you have a secure support network around you? Are you able to live independently, and can you safely get to and from the program each day? These are important questions to address. You can also consult a professional to assist in finding the appropriate treatment level.
The Structure Of An IOP At Alvarado Parkway Institute
Generally, the IOP at Alvarado Parkway Institute is for three hours a day for three days a week. That is typically a good balance for most clients, and it means that you should be able to expect an intensive yet relaxed experience, one that is going to deliver the care you need. This program still gives you the appropriate amount of time and independence. If you think this structure seems suitable to you, then the IOP at Alvarado Parkway Institute may be the right choice.
Why Alvarado Parkway Institute?
With so many programs at different institutions to choose from, you may be wondering why you should opt for this one. Alvarado Parkway Institute offers some of the most highly experienced and dedicated medical and psychological professionals anywhere, so you can be sure that you are in good hands. Our staff is comprised of well-trained, fully-licensed professionals who tailor the care to each individual.
Other added benefits include breakfast and lunch being provided during each day of the program. We offer a full range of treatments, such as:
- CBT
- Relapse prevention
- Medication management
- Coping skills
- Addictive disorder treatment
- PTSD care
- Anxiety management
- Anger management
- And more
If you’d like to find out more about our top IOP, and how Alvarado Parkway Institute can help you, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We want to make sure you are getting the help you or your loved one needs. We look forward to hearing from you.
