Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs) are the next level of more intensive mental health treatment above typical outpatient therapy sessions. They offer multiple forms of treatment at one time, and they’re covered by most insurance plans. Because they’re lumped in with higher levels of treatment like Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs), many people don’t realize that these programs aren’t a huge time commitment, and they’re not only reserved for people with the most severe symptoms. 

IOPs are a valuable middle-ground structured outpatient treatment option that help people learn to care for themselves more proactively and make lasting change. In this article, we’ll dispel four myths you may have heard about IOPs.

4 myths about Intensive Outpatient Programs that are worth unlearning

Most of the myths about IOPs are based on assumptions. Few people have personal experience with higher levels of mental health care, and there aren’t many places in our society where you can learn about what’s available and have productive conversations. Mental health stigma also, unfortunately, plays a big role. IOPs are a great way to receive a lot of high-impact treatment in a short amount of time. Everyone needs help building skills and habits for good mental health. IOPs are an underutilized tool that more people should know about.

These four myths about Intensive Outpatient Programs are worth unlearning:

• IOPs are only for severe conditions or for people who “failed” at regular therapy.

IOPs aren’t a backup plan or a last resort. Often, they’re the appropriate first-line treatment for moderate to severe mental health conditions. If your symptoms are causing significant distress or getting in the way of life activities, it may be time to consider an IOP. Outpatient therapists won’t always suggest referrals to everyone who can benefit from an IOP. We encourage individuals to explore their treatment options for themselves.

• IOPs are just “group therapy sessions” with limited individual attention.

Group treatments are a main component of IOPs. However, you also meet with an individual therapist once a week and go to family therapy sessions with your loved ones. At Lightfully, we use an approach called Precision Care Model (PCM) to create personalized treatment plans for each client. We provide whole-person-centered treatment. This means we see our clients as people first, and we help you build up skills, resources and relationships to support long-term mental wellness.

• IOP schedules are too demanding for working adults.

IOP is one of the most flexible treatment options. We’ve helped people with demanding work schedules and people who are family caregivers make time to receive treatment. Sessions are between three and six hours long, depending on your needs and your schedule, and you may attend up to five days a week. You can fit treatments in after work or even receive Virtual Services. 

• IOPs are stepping stones to Residential Treatment, not stand-alone solutions.

For some people, IOP is a bridge that eases the transition from more intensive treatments to outpatient therapy. However, it may also be the first and only stop on your journey through intensive mental health care. IOP is a smaller dose of the treatments we provide at higher levels of care. It offers lots of opportunities to learn and apply your new skills to life outside of treatment.

Find out if IOP at Lightfully is right for you

What do you think, does this information make IOP sound a bit more approachable? IOPs provide comprehensive, personalized mental health treatment with the flexibility to maintain work and family responsibilities. These programs can help you build a solid base of mental health knowledge and skills that will continue to serve you for the rest of your life. 

Now that you have the facts, you can decide if IOP is the right next step for you. Next, read this article on five things to look for in treatment centers. 

Are you ready to start the conversation about IOP? Let’s talk about it. Contact us or reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team today.