You’re trying—and that deserves support

Nowadays, approximately 40 million adults in the United States have some form of an anxiety disorder. If you, or a loved one has struggled with anxiety, you know that it can affect daily life in overwhelming ways. 

People might choose to go to psychotherapy to help manage their anxiety. But sometimes, at a certain point traditional weekly therapy might not be enough. You may yourself be looking for programs that offer more structure, support and/or healing. Sometimes traditional weekly, or biweekly therapy just isn’t enough– and that’s OK. Let’s take a look at a fictional example.

Jessica, after receiving news that her childhood home was sold and will be destroyed, cannot seem to focus on anything else. She has been seeing a mental health counselor for about a year now, once a week. Typically, Jessica only has racing thoughts that never seem to quiet, but she has been able to manage those. 

But this feels different to her. She’s constantly in a state of fight or flight mode, with an elevated heart rate and sweaty palms. Jessica feels OK when she’s at therapy, but as soon as she steps back into the real world, her anxiety comes racing back. Jessica wishes she could be at therapy all the time, but she feels stuck. 

An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is a structured form of mental health care that typically provides more support than meeting with a therapist. IOPs do not implement the need for overnight care, and allows individuals to still feel comfortable and live at home. People enrolled in an IOP typically receive a few hours of programming a day, several times a week. 

What is an IOP, really? 

At Lightfully, our IOP includes 3-6 hours of structured care and programming for a few days a week. It also includes multiple daily group sessions and weekly individual therapy sessions. If necessary, clients also have the availability to meet with a psychiatrist weekly. 

This program is designed for people who don’t need 24/7 care, but are seeking more than just once a week therapy sessions. Not only do we offer IOP, but we also offer a Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (vIOP) for adults over 18 years old in California. Our vIOP is designed specifically for clients with unique or hectic schedules. 

5 ways IOPs can be helpful for anxiety management

• More frequent support, fewer gaps in care 

By having structured care, multiple times a week, there is less time in between therapy appointments. This can offer clients a sense of peace, knowing their next meeting with their support system follows a consistent schedule. This might help clients who have the tendency to let their thoughts “spiral” until their next therapy appointment.

• Holistic and personalized treatment

Here at Lightfully, we utilize our Precision Care Model (PCM). PCM means a fully personalized and customizable treatment plan specific to each of our clients’ needs. These treatment plans are holistic, compassionate approaches. At Lightfully, our clients are much more than just their diagnosis. 

• Group and individual therapy 

Being able to participate in both individual and group therapy sessions allows our clients to hear different perspectives from different professionals. You also may be able to learn a thing or two from some of your peers in group therapy. At Lightfully, we’re all about fostering connection, and we know how powerful support from your peer group can be in your journey to healing. 

• Consistency without total disruption

With IOPs, you still have your nights free, and not all of your daytime is occupied. This means, if you have other responsibilities like work, school, a side hustle, or a hobby, you can still have time for those. This allows you to have a little bit more freedom with their treatment plans, while still receiving structured and consistent care. 

• Support from compassionate clinical professionals 

All of our exceptionally trained professionals provide compassionate, and understanding support to each of our clients. At Lightfully, we know that each client is more than just their diagnosis, which is why we pride ourselves on our individualized and fully customizable treatment plans that change each week. Our licensed professionals are heavily involved in giving compassionate care and  evidence-based support to our clients.

When is an IOP the right fit for anxiety? 

You might be asking yourself about what types of anxiety warrant IOP. It can be difficult to know what kind of help you need, especially when there are so many options. If you have taken the first step and begun looking into treatment centers or programs, you are brave, you are valid, and you are on the right track! Here are some symptoms of anxiety that might call for an IOP: 

1. For people whose anxiety is interfering with their daily life (relationships, sleep, school or work) 
2. If weekly or biweekly therapy doesn’t feel like enough, or you feel your progress has stalled 
3. During big life changes or stressful transition periods 

How Lightfully supports clients in IOPs

Our personalized treatment and support is guided by our exceptionally trained and compassionate professionals. The framework of everything we do consists of evidence-based, clearly defined, data-driven and whole-person-centered care provided by deeply compassionate experts.   

We also offer our very own IOP at Lightfully Behavioral Health, and our vIOP available for adults in CA. Both programs offer scheduling flexibility, with a few hours of programming a day, rather than full-time care. 

Another option we have is our Short-Term Option, available for our clients who might be new to mental health treatments and clinical care, or are just needing support for a short period of time. Our Short-Term Option is available to clients for about two-week periods, and is a shorter option for all four of our levels of care: Residential Treatment (RTC), Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), IOP and vIOP. 

If anxiety is disrupting your days, reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team. Lightfully’s Intensive Outpatient Program can help you find your balance—on your terms. Change is possible. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of you.