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Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) services offered in Fremont, CA


If mental health challenges have taken over your life but you can’t attend a residential treatment facility, our intensive outpatient program at Ocean Psychiatry in Fremont, California, can help. The practice’s compassionate mental health professionals offer comprehensive support for people struggling with addictions and co-occurring mental health disorders. To find out how they can help you, call Ocean Psychiatry today or book an appointment online.

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) Q & A

What is an intensive outpatient program?

Intensive outpatient programs (IOP) are treatment programs for substance use disorders and mental health conditions that do not require 24/7 supervision or detoxification. Intensive outpatient programs commonly help people who are struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, stress, and addiction. 

 

Compared with residential treatment programs that require patients to live on-site during the treatment, IOPs enable people to live at home while meeting with clinicians and support groups for about 10 hours per week. You can still take part in school or go to work when you attend an IOP.

 

IOP sessions usually occur at a therapeutic facility, but some programs are offered virtually. This makes the treatment accessible to individuals in remote locations without transportation or in towns without adequate mental health treatment services.

What should I expect from an intensive outpatient program?

An IOP uses many methods to assist patients, including individual and group therapy sessions focusing on building skills for symptom management, family sessions, and life skills classes. Someone who is receiving treatment from IOP due to addiction can also expect to address the following:

  • Emotional regulation
  • Self-discovery
  • Family relationships
  • Vocational skills
  • Trauma education
  • Relapse prevention

Complementary therapies may also be available, like art therapy, mindfulness/relaxation, or music therapy. Complementary therapies teach patients how to access nonverbal methods of healing.

 

Ocean Psychiatry determines the best course of action for each individual. Patients who attend IOP are generally those who need more support than weekly therapy sessions but don’t require the restrictions of an inpatient psychiatric program.

How long is an intensive outpatient treatment program?

IOP treatment is customized to the needs of the individual, but the typical intensive outpatient treatment lasts between 6 - 12 weeks. Patients attend programming 3 days per week for 3.5 hours per day.

Will I also need a 12-step program?

If you’re in an IOP because of addiction, it is usually recommended that you also participate in a peer 12-step support group, such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous. The 12-step programs provide ongoing support to individuals as they leave an IOP.

To learn more about IOP at Ocean Psychiatry, please use the online scheduling tool or call the office to schedule an appointment.