What is Intensive Outpatient Treatment?
Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) are treatment programs used to address addictions, depression, eating disorders, gambling, or other dependencies that do not require detoxification or round-the-clock supervision. They enable clients to continue with their normal, day-to-day lives in a way that residential treatment programs do not. Whereas residential treatment requires that clients reside on site, clients in intensive outpatient programs live at home.
IOPs are sometimes used in conjunction with inpatient programs as a way of helping clients to more smoothly and seamlessly adapt back into their families and communities. They are designed to establish support mechanisms, help with relapse management, and provide coping strategies.
Who is Intensive Outpatient Treatment for?
Ideal candidates for intensive outpatient treatment have a safe home environment. This means encouraging family members and friends who are ready to support their loved one in their recovery efforts. If a person lives with other people who use drugs or drink, residential treatment is generally recommended to get the person away from these triggers for relapse.
This type of program is designed to help clients focus on achieving changes in behaviors associated with substance use. There are minimal, if any, medical services offered in this level of care (although standard outpatient programs typically link clients to more intensive services as needed). Treatment consists of 10 or more hours of treatment each week.
