Frequent mental health program questions

In the Intensive Outpatient Program, you receive services primarily through group therapy, but are also assigned an individual therapist you will meet with on a weekly basis while in treatment. Groups are small and generally do not exceed 12 people, allowing for a safe, comfortable environment.

Many different areas and topics are covered in the IOP. Everyone is introduced to the following areas while in IOP:

• Stages of change
• Relapse prevention skills
• Family education program
• Understanding the brain chemistry of your illness
• Co-occurring disorders that affect recovery progress

Depending on your needs, you may be referred to additional comprehensive mental health treatment, or training in how to increase healthy life skills, or employment counseling.

When you first start our IOP, you will have daily “work” with us so we can help you through the shakiest times of your recovery. As you become stronger and don’t need such intense professional support, you will have shorter sessions, less often.

This is sometimes called a “step down” system since you are effectively “stepping away” from our support as you become more independent. Our professional staff remains available and ready to assist you at any time in your treatment.

For those navigating a substance use disorder, the initial clinical assessment will determine your suitability for the IOP treatment program. In some situations, detox may be required. If medically supervised detox is required, you will learn the specifics of that requirement for your custom treatment plan, and you will be referred to another provider for medical detox services that are a fit for your situation, prior to starting the IOP program. You will also receive important, helpful counseling about your needs and treatment options as part of your assessment.

At an inpatient treatment facility, you live in a residence area, usually a shared dorm room, under the rules and governance of the operators of the center. Each treatment center is unique with its own set of requirements, but you generally give up control of your day-to-day life while in treatment. Travel is sometimes required for inpatient treatment. For the typical rehab experience lasting 30 days, this can mean a significant time away from work, family, and personal obligations.

With an outpatient program like the IOP, you continue to live at your own home. You remain in control of your own life. You can still go to work or get a job, and begin rebuilding your personal life with the help and support you receive from the program. You are responsible for participating in the treatment programs at the IOP, according to your scheduled treatment plan.

In the Intensive Outpatient Program, you continue your life with support from the local clinical, emotional and peer support systems provided by the IOP.

The Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is designed for people who are struggling with problems associated with mental health conditions, as well as substance use and abuse, or the co-occurring disorders associated with substance use.

Eligibility for the IOP is determined by a mandatory clinical/medical assessment, which is conducted onsite as part of the admissions process. The intensive outpatient treatment program is customized for each person, guided by the initial assessment and follow up.

If you would like to consider Intensive Outpatient Treatment for yourself or someone you know, call us at 770.985.6486 to schedule an appointment, or fill out the contact form at the top right of this page so we can contact you with important information about the IOP.

In the IOP at Eastside Medical Center we believe in hope, hard work, community support, and the potential of the human spirit to overcome the problems stemming from substance use.

The 12 Step approach to counseling is very effective, and forms the basis of peer support that has proven to be essential for successful recovery in many cases. Most of our individualized client treatment plans include participation in 12-step meetings.

Our IOP usually runs for a period of 8 (eight) weeks but every patient is different. Every patient’s treatment program is designed just for them, so it may run more or less than eight weeks if needed.

Research has shown the individuals whose families are involved in treatment have a much better prognosis and a higher success rate. Our team will make a concerted effort to include family members in treatment whenever possible. The goal of the family education program is to provide family members with information and support that will assist our clients in their recovery.

A family education group will be held each week to provide family members with education, information and support to aide their family member in their recovery process.

Yes, an assessment is required for admission to the Intensive Outpatient Program. An IOP treatment plan is tailored to the individual by a Master’s level professional clinician who uses information gained in the introductory interview and assessment.

The treatment plan for you will be determined through a clinical and medical assessment that may include interviews, questionnaires, medical histories, psycho-social evaluations, drug testing and more.

The more detailed our knowledge is of your total state of being, the better your treatment plan will be.

For more information about starting our Intensive Outpatient Program, call and speak with an Intake Coordinator at 770.985.6486.