Because we have one of the most respected intensive outpatient programs in New Mexico, we get a lot of questions about IOPs. Here are our answers to the top IOP Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).
What Is an IOP?
An intensive outpatient program (IOP) is a form of treatment for a variety of conditions such as trauma, substance abuse, anorexia, etc.
Using a combination of treatment and education, participants work to reduce the impact their specific issue has on their lives. The IOP is designed to teach new self-regulation and coping skills.
In an IOP, people visit a treatment center on a regular schedule, returning home after each session. The schedules are usually 3-5 days per week and for 3 or more hours a day. These variances are usually based on the age of clients attending the program.
An IOP is a longer time commitment than most standard outpatient programs. It can be an essential part of an outpatient treatment plan, when properly ascribed. Often IOP’s last for 3-6 months.
What Are IOP goals?
Achieving behavioral change
Addressing psychosocial issues such as education, housing and employment, meeting court-mandated requirements
Developing a support system
Improving problem-solving skills
Maintaining abstinence
Participating in support systems such as 12-step groups
Inpatient/Residential vs. Intensive Outpatient Program?
Inpatient and outpatient treatments aren’t mutually exclusive. In fact, most inpatient programs follow up treatment with an IOP component as a step down from inpatient.
There are many reasons why someone would need an inpatient versus outpatient program. The chief criterion is often safety. Can the person be treated safely as an outpatient, or do they need the 24-hour monitoring and intervention of an inpatient program?
At an inpatient program, participants live at a facility where they receive medical care, meals, treatment, etc. Inpatient programs are especially necessary when outcomes can be unpredictable. Inpatient programs are best for people with severe immediate needs such as detoxing from addictions or handling an intense mental health crisis. Inpatient treatment is also sometimes necessary when one’s home environment is dangerous or triggering.
IOP vs. One-on-One Treatment?
In many cases, an IOP is recommended in conjunction with one-on-one treatment. At TTC, it is required that IOP participants also have an individual therapist to work with while attending the program.
When caregivers and other family members are involved, the IOP uses a systems approach to creating a “home team” that helps the client make good decisions and grow better habits.
When an IOP is composed of peers, it helps the client feel like they aren’t alone in their struggles. A peer group can help by modeling and scaffolding transformative behaviors.
The IOP at TTC involves both the client as well as a primary caregiver to attend together. This is not a typical, or even common, format for IOP. However, TTC understands the need for systemic support to encourage the best outcome for adolescents.
What Is a Typical IOP Meeting Format?
There are many types of IOP. In most cases, the IOP is led by a trained professional. For example, the IOP program at TTC is led by trauma-trained specialists.
The meeting can assume a variety of formats depending on the group’s focus, goals, and more.
Some IOPs are structured like group therapy where peers discuss topics guided by a trained professional therapist.
Other IOP programs are more instructional and contemplative where the participants hardly speak. (This can be comforting to people who have experienced trauma and don’t want to relive it.)
What Are Some Additional IOP Services?
Many IOP programs also offer the following services:
Case management
Employment assistance/vocational training
Individual counseling
Introduction to support groups
Medication management
Psychiatric screening
How Long Does an IOP Take?
The typical duration of an IOP program is 90 days. TTC offers a 16-week program.
What Happens Afterward?
After a person completes an IOP, they will work with their team (therapist, caregiver, family members, and/or peers) to determine their next steps.
Successful IOP graduates will gradually step down on the number of individual sessions they require. Depending on the person, sometimes just a periodic phone call will be all the follow-up they need.
How do you pay for an IOP?
Usually, both private and public/government-funded (Medicare and Medicaid) insurance providers cover mental health and substance abuse services. As long as it is deemed medically necessary by a therapist, most insurance will cover some or all of the expense.
Is an IOP a Detox Program?
Supervised detoxification from substance abuse (drugs or alcohol) usually takes place on an inpatient basis in a facility that’s set up to handle the 24-hour care needed.
If you need detox, the IOP will probably refer you to a standalone detox facility, residential facility, hospital, or other program before you begin the IOP.
Do IOPs Do Drug Testing?
Most intensive outpatient programs conduct drug testing. However, the frequency of testing varies. Some programs test once a week, while others test two or three times a week. Others test participants randomly.
These tests are done not to “catch” and penalize people, but to help the therapist determine how the participant is really faring.
TTC does not incorporate drug testing as a part of our IOP, as the program is not focused on substance use/abuse. The IOP offered at TTC is focused on trauma processing and recovery.
What Are My IOP Options in the Albuquerque Area?
At the Trauma Treatment Center, we offer a 16 -week program for adolescents ages 13-17 and their primary caregivers. The program focuses on trauma with topics including:
Substance use/abuse
Trauma processing
Parenting (for the caregivers)
Yoga
The course runs Tues/Thurs for 16 weeks in the evenings from 400pm-700pm.
The program is a good match for adolescents who need more than once-a-week therapy, are stepping down from an inpatient program, have been engaged with juvenile justice but are not making progress, or when referred by a mental health provider.
After an IOP, the participant will have the skills to start their new life.