What are Summer Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) for Addiction Treatment
Enjoy the summer while addressing substance use concerns!
Summer intensive outpatient programs at Sanford Behavioral Health provide individuals with the support they need, allowing them to maintain their daily responsibilities and routines. Our Outpatient Center offers individualized addiction recovery programs that work in “real life.” Summer is a good time for a mental health “tune-up” for college students, but virtual addiction treatment provides a safe, convenient opportunity for everyone (including working professionals). And with flexible daytime and evening sessions, there is no excuse not to deal with a substance use concern.
What are Summer Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) for Addiction Treatment?
You will encounter the acronym IOP as you navigate the available resources. You will also hear terms like outpatient, telehealth, virtual treatment, and half-day programs. There are many options for treatment that do not require you to move into a residential facility for weeks or months. Intensive outpatient programs (IOP) are designed for those who do not need 24-hour supervision or medical detox or are transitioning from a residential program. They offer group, individual, and family therapy and establish coping tools and long-term relapse prevention strategies. At Sanford, a psychiatrist-led interdisciplinary team backs all of our programs.
Sanford Clinical Director Tessa Sterling, LMSW, says, “You do not have to be at rock bottom or suicidal or even diagnosed to benefit from our addiction treatment programs. These programs vary in intensity, and our virtual intensive outpatient program (IOP) is really a slight step up from a once-a-week therapy appointment.”
Click the link for information or to verify insurance.
Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)
Sanford Behavioral Health provides intensive outpatient programs to those struggling with addiction, trauma, and co-occurring mental health conditions. IOP provides structure and accountability while encouraging individuals to integrate treatment into their personal, home, and work lives. The program typically consists of 18 half-day sessions, covering approximately six weeks. Our IOP includes the following services:
- Three group therapy sessions each week
- Individual and family therapy
- Individualized treatment planning
- Diagnostic assessments
- Medication treatment and medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
- Supportive housing
- Outpatient detox withdrawal management
- Continued care for those finishing a residential program
- Flexible daytime and evening sessions for working adults and those with daytime responsibilities
- Family programs and support groups
- Aftercare and continuing care planning
Virtual Addiction Treatment
Virtual addiction treatment, or telehealth, offers the same evidence-based practices that our in-person programs provide, but in the comfort and safety of the home. Classes are given through video chatting on either smartphones or computers. Virtual outpatient treatment is conducted in real-time with a master’s-level clinician as a facilitator. Under HHS.gov guidelines, our telehealth programs are HIPAA-compliant and insurance-eligible. Our easy-to-use programs include online assessments for entrance to any of our virtual addiction treatment programs.
Tips for Staying On Track in IOP
The key to successful outcomes in IOP is based on proper assessment, the program’s quality, and the person’s ability to stay on track. IOP success requires commitment from those involved. The following are tips to help you keep focused this summer:
- Be singular about your recovery and make it your number one goal. Now is not the time to make several other life changes.
- Attend every IOP session, even when you do not feel like it or have to disclose difficulties or lapses.
- Work with your IOP therapist to set value-based short-term goals.
- Set aside time to decompress with mindfulness activities, such as breathing, stretching, and walking in nature.
- Involve your family or loved ones in the Sanford Family Program for education and support!
- Find a quiet space and a DO NOT DISTURB sign. Convenient sessions are available after work or during school hours for IOP.
- Start a journal to track your results.
- Join a community of like-minded individuals. There is a built-in community within IOP groups at Sanford; you can find a 12-step meeting, a sober buddy, a church group, or walking partners.
- Work with family members to create a recovery-friendly home!
Our team is here to support and guide individuals throughout their recovery journey, regardless of where they are in the stages of change. We offer a variety of outpatient programs tailored to meet each individual’s needs, providing tools to create wellbeing. Click the link below for information or to verify insurance.
