When you’re struggling with a mental health condition, your symptoms go with you everywhere. Everyday tasks like getting yourself ready in the morning can be more challenging. Managing your symptoms at work can be especially difficult. When your symptoms are interfering with your life, or when you’re feeling overwhelmed on a daily basis, that’s a sign that it’s a good time to reach out for help.

Many people are hesitant to reach out for help at this stage because they’re not familiar with the treatment options available today. Outpatient therapy may not offer enough support. On the other hand, inpatient hospitalization may seem too extreme. In fact, there are levels of treatment in between. An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is a comprehensive treatment program that’s one step above outpatient therapy and below the more intensive Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP).

In this blog post, we’ll discuss what an IOP is, what clients can expect, and what to consider when you’re searching for one.

What’s an Intensive Outpatient Program and who is it for?

An Intensive Outpatient Program is a comprehensive, structured mental health care treatment program that clients commute to during the day. Clients receive several types of therapy on an individual basis and in groups. Most IOPs also include family therapy sessions to help clients’ loved ones learn how to support them. Sessions last three to six hours and clients attend several days per week. Virtual IOPs (vIOPs) are also available.

What can I expect from an Intensive Outpatient Program in Los Angeles?

At Lightfully, we provide evidence-based, individualized treatment that honors each client’s unique identity, experiences, lifestyle and goals. In evidence-based practices, clinicians combine the latest clinical research with insights from their professional experience and their clients’ preferences. These different types of evidence inform treatment decisions that make a noticeable difference. They also allow clinicians to make adjustments as clients make progress. Clients with the same diagnosis can have very different experiences and perceptions. Our clinicians get to know each client on a personal level and tailor their treatment plans accordingly.

The following are more benefits clients can expect from an Intensive Outpatient Program:

• Time to work through your most difficult feelings with support from licensed clinicians
• Training on emotional regulation skills 
• Opportunities to develop independence and confidence
• Focus on building resilience and self-efficacy for lasting recovery
• Becoming part of a community where you’re safe, respected and welcome to be yourself
• Building supportive relationships with people who are on similar mental health journeys
• Normalizing mental health conditions and self-care practices by discussing them in guided group sessions

What factors should I consider when choosing an Intensive Outpatient Program in Los Angeles?

Most Intensive Outpatient Programs have a similar structure. However, the treatment you receive at Lightfully will be different from treatment you might receive at other clinics in Los Angeles. Some clinics may offer more standardized treatment that’s focused on reducing symptoms. At Lightfully, our Precision Care Model (PCM) ensures that each client develops processes in four main areas so they can proactively maintain their mental wellness. The four types of core processes we work on are thoughts, emotions, behaviors and relationships.

We live according to the 7 Shining Commitments we encourage among our clients. They are: Sparkle, Wabi Sabi, Compassion, Clear Is Kind, Be Brave, Wholeheartedness and Grit. Our treatment environments at Lightfully Westwood and other Lightfully locations in Los Angeles are thoughtfully designed to be tranquil, modern and comfortable. 

Keep the following factors in mind when researching Intensive Outpatient Programs:

• The clinical team’s credentials and your level of trust 
• The clinicians’ experience treating your specific condition
• Guiding philosophies and treatment approach
• Whether the program and staff can accommodate your treatment goals
• Whether the clinic accepts your insurance
• Balancing sessions with your work or school schedule
• Your comfort in the treatment environment
• Policies for behavior and items you’re allowed to bring to treatment
• The length of your commute or any overnight accommodations you’ll need
• Your plan for continued mental health support after treatment

Learn more about Lightfully’s Intensive Outpatient Program in Los Angeles

Many people who embark on an Intensive Outpatient Program are the first person in their family to seek a higher level of mental health treatment. It’s common to start treatment without knowing anyone else who has had this type of experience. We appreciate the bravery it takes to go into treatment not knowing exactly what to expect. We can also assure you that most clients ease into a routine and feel at home within the first week of starting treatment. In your first days of IOP, you’ll meet people who have been in the program for a while and bond with others who are just starting their journey. In addition to your individual therapist, the other clients you meet in group sessions will help you feel welcome and included as you settle in.

We offer an Intensive Outpatient Program for adults at our Lightfully Westwood location. We also offer different services at other Lightfully locations in Los Angeles. Take some time to learn about us. When you’re ready to take the next step, reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team to schedule an assessment. 

Do you have other questions about navigating mental health treatment? Please contact us. We’re excited to meet you.