Addiction is a serious issue that can have long-lasting effects on individuals and their families. Fortunately, there are many treatment options available to help people regain control of their lives, including intensive outpatient programs (IOP). IOPs provide an alternative to inpatient care for those seeking professional addiction treatment without the need to stay at a residential treatment center. During these sessions, clients learn how to manage cravings and develop healthy coping skills while receiving support from peers who are also dealing with similar challenges related to addiction recovery.
At NorthStar Clinical Services, our IOP offers a variety of services designed to meet each client’s individual needs. Our highly-skilled team of clinicians provides individual, group, and family therapy to ensure that each client receives the most effective treatment approach for their unique situation. For more information on our intensive outpatient program in NC, reach out to our team of experts today at 888.373.8052.
What Is an Intensive Outpatient Program?
Intensive outpatient programs are programs designed to help individuals with substance abuse and/or mental health issues gain the skills needed to manage their symptoms and lead a healthy lifestyle. Participants in an IOP engage in therapy, self-help activities, and various types of psychosocial support while learning how to navigate their daily lives with greater independence and safety.
The intensity of each program varies depending on the individual’s needs. Typically, IOP participants spend anywhere from 8-20 hours per week in structured activities that may include group therapy sessions, psychoeducational classes, or one-on-one counseling with a therapist or other mental health professional. These programs may also include:
- Medication management services
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Sober living arrangements
- Support groups
- Skills training
IOPs provide great benefits to those looking for an option between outpatient care and inpatient care. Unlike inpatient care, which requires constant supervision at a residential campus, IOP participants can still live at home while receiving treatment.
By attending an intensive outpatient program instead of seeking long-term hospitalization or residential treatment centers, clients can develop their ability to remain independent while still having access to consistent support from professionals who understand their condition and are able to help them develop healthier coping strategies.
What Happens in an IOP?
IOPs provide a comprehensive set of services to individuals with mental health and substance abuse issues. These programs are typically designed for individuals who may not require full-time inpatient care but need more intensive support than standard outpatient services. IOPs are usually offered on a short-term basis, ranging from one to four weeks, and can involve various treatment interventions.
Clients in an IOP can expect to receive personalized care from experienced clinicians and support staff. Each program is uniquely tailored to meet the individual’s needs while providing evidence-based approaches to address their mental health or substance use disorder.
In addition to these clinical services, IOPs often offer aftercare planning and/or continued outpatient support for those who complete the program. This may include continuing care appointments or referrals for additional follow-up support or resources that may be helpful in maintaining ongoing recovery progress.
The success rate of intensive outpatient programs is high when participants adhere to the recommended guidelines outlined by therapists and other professionals involved in the client’s journey toward well-being. These programs offer an ideal option for those struggling with addiction who cannot commit themselves full-time to an inpatient stay but still need intensive support systems and important resources that can help them overcome substance misuse.
Call NorthStar to Enroll in Our Charlotte, NC, IOP
Our IOP provides flexible, comprehensive support for clients at our center in Charlotte. Clients attend three-hour group sessions three times per week, either during the day or in the evening. NorthStar also strongly encourages our IOP clients to engage in support groups, like 12-step or SMART Recovery, meetings to promote long-term progress. Call 888.373.8052 or contact us online to get started.