Intensive Outpatient Program Guide

Intensive Outpatient Program Guide

People are often able to pinpoint their issues, although this may not be the case with substance abuse problems.  For those that know they have a substance abuse problem, the hard part if understanding what the solution is.  If you ask the average person what an intensive outpatient program Virginia is, they would probably have no clue what you were talking about

It is one of those gems in substance abuse that people with substance abuse problems might benefit from at some point in their lives.  But many do not know what intensive outpatient program Virginia are.  Some might have accessed treatment previously and had a program recommended to them.  Unfortunately, most people miss out on this incredibly effective modality.  This guide explains what it is and why people who have substance abuse problems can find it very effective.

What is an Intensive Outpatient Program?

It can be easier to show people what an IOP is, rather than explain it.  However, explaining IOP as an actionable process is likely to give a good understand of how it is defined in the context of substance abuse.  The process that we are talking about can be thought of as a plan – an amount of time rather than a place.

IOP is considered a short-term treatment.  It is for a person who feels like their substance abuse problems might be spiraling out of control.  Someone who has previous experience with treatment may realize when they are spiraling, but they may not.  If someone’s problem is getting worse and they have relapsed, it is not going to go away.

IOP is not likely psychotherapy with a psychiatrist, which can continue for years.  IOP can be considered more like maintenance, which keeps someone moving forward instead of backwards.  IOP is an intervention which is clear-cut, and its goal is a solid improvement in as quick a time as possible.

How quick?

To put it simply, these is sometimes a tentative discharge date which is established when a person is admitted to an intensive outpatient program Virginia.  It is not usually set in stone, but will give an idea of how long the program will be roughly.  Generally, 3-12 weeks is the length of time for a person who is admitted.  It depends on the needs of the individual and how well they progress.  It can occasionally go on for longer, although most people return to recovery after they are discharged

Requirements for IOP

The requirements of IOP are usually pretty straightforward.  You must either have previously attended treatment for a substance abuse problem in the past, or are just leaving a higher level of care.

IOP program’s hours vary, though there are usually minimum requirements in place.  Treatment will require a minimum of 9 hours of group therapy on a weekly basis, with a maximum of 15 hours.  The hours for IOP are usually divided into 3-hour sessions.

More often than not, there is a need for insurance requirements so that someone can be admitted to the program.  Depending on which insurance the individual has, the treatment center might be required to get prior authorization.  If the insurance company permits this, then they will approve a certain number of visits.

Sometimes a treatment center must provide a review to the insurance company periodically so that they can obtain more sessions or inform them that the patient has been discharged from the program.  Insurance companies often require an update if a member misses any sessions.  IOP is an all or nothing treatment, where it is crucial that patients at the treatment center attend all of the sessions.

IOP schedule

As mentioned above, IOP tends to be anywhere from 9 to 15 hours a week of group therapy, which is divided into 3 hours sessions.  There will usually be breaks between these sessions.  The 3 hours sessions happen from between 3 to 7 days a week, and these days are usually set a consistent schedule.

As many people in the program are still working, some programs offer evening hours sessions for convenience.  However, some patients opt to go on work leave, depending on whether it is deemed necessary.  Remember, IOP is for those who are at a delicate point in their lives.  Requiring time off from work is a very real possibility, and is one that should be taken seriously by all those who are intending on heading to an IOP program for any amount of time in the future.

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