Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

When it’s time to get help with substance use, there’s always one common theme: support. The support we get from our peers during treatment is invaluable during recovery. 

This is where an intensive outpatient program becomes a wonderful option. With an IOP, you’re still getting intensive therapy in a group setting full of supportive peers – but you can go home, go to work, take care of your family, and keep up with other obligations, too. You can continue to live your life while you receive the care you need. 

What is an Intensive Outpatient Program?

An intensive outpatient program combines traditional therapies to help those who have been diagnosed with moderate to severe substance use disorders. We work with you on things like healthy coping mechanisms, recognition of your triggers, healing of your traumas, and gaining your independence through healthy living. This is a program that you’ll attend 3 times a week for a typical total of 9 hours. You’ll be surrounded by others who are struggling in the ways you’re struggling. You’ll also be supported by experienced clinicians and peer counselors who lead with experience, knowledge, and compassion. 

Traditional intensive outpatient therapy is conducted in a group setting. When you enroll in an intensive outpatient program, however, there are a variety of services to choose from. You’ll have the option to not only attend group therapy, but individual therapy, family therapy, or support groups as well. The goal of our IOP is to provide a highly structured, evidence-based program that meets your unique needs. We provide the services that fit your personal journey into recovery. 

What Can I Expect in the Intensive Outpatient Program?

At Behavioral Health Services of Pickens County, we see how important it is to have a diversification of services available to our community, especially when it comes to addiction. Because of this, our intensive outpatient program is comprised of multiple levels of support. Some of the things you can expect from our IOP include:

Group therapy 

Group therapy is a strong building block of any intensive outpatient program. You’re laying down coping mechanisms and behaviors that you’ve relied on for years. This isn’t an easy thing to do. When you’re with like-minded people who are also struggling and healing alongside you, the motivation to continue on your journey becomes stronger. You’ll gain insight from their experiences that you wouldn’t get from those who have never struggled. In group therapy, you’ll learn how to recognize the triggers that lead you to alcohol or drug use. You’ll also learn about new, healthy coping strategies to turn to when you feel the urge to drink or use. 

Group therapy will take place 3 times a week for 3 hours a day. Your group will be led by a compassionate and experienced therapist who will guide you through these vulnerable first weeks of recovery. You’ll learn how to rewire your brain for success, become financially and emotionally independent, and how to open up to your peers about your personal struggles. You’ll celebrate each other’s accomplishments, challenge each other’s thoughts, and reflect on past behavior together. 

Individual therapy

Individual therapy is a helpful tool while you’re in an IOP because it allows you to reflect on and work with the things you’re learning or struggling with. Individual therapy is typically once a week for 50 minutes to 1 hour as needed based upon the individual's care plan. You’ll use this time to talk with your therapist about your recovery and any concerns you might have. Your therapist will get to know you and give you helpful suggestions based on your needs. This is a safe place to reflect, grow, and heal from your substance use. 

Support groups

When your time in group therapy comes to an end, it can be overwhelming to step into your new life without that massive outpouring of support. We strongly encourage continuing your treatment by attending support groups so that you can stay strong in your recovery. Under resources you can find a list of some local support groups.

Support for families

Family support is often directly correlated with lasting recovery rates. We know how important those relationships are to your journey. We also know how complicated those relationships can be – especially when substance use is involved. Alcohol and other drugs wear on the people that use them and the people that worry about them. When someone in a family is struggling with an addiction, chances are, the whole family is struggling. 

Family therapy is a good way to learn how to communicate with one another. It’s crucial that you’re supported in healthy ways while you’re going through this, and family therapy can help your family decide how to help. It can educate them (and you) about what these substances do to your body, mind, and behaviors. This creates a deeper level of understanding amongst everyone, leaving room to openly discuss what comes next. This typically takes place once a week with one of our experienced therapists. Together, you’ll learn how to recognize urges, speak on a level you all understand, and express yourselves in healthy ways. 

How Long Does Intensive Outpatient Therapy Last?

How long you stay in an IOP is dependent on your needs. The typical duration of intensive outpatient therapy is 6-12 weeks, but some stay longer. Your therapist will frequently check in with how you’re doing. You’ll only be discharged from the program when you’re stable in your recovery and confident enough to move forward. This isn’t a decision that will be thrust upon you – you’ll be in constant communication with your group leader about your needs. 

FAQs About Intensive Outpatient Treatment at BHS of Pickens County