Some people need to devote a significant amount of time to improving their mental health on a weekly basis, and that’s OK. That’s what an intensive outpatient program, or IOP, is for.
An IOP is a level of mental health support that will help you to manage your mental health conditions through an individualized treatment plan while still allowing you to keep up with your daily responsibilities. Typically, an IOP schedule is about three hours three times a week.
While in-person IOPs are available, a virtual IOP may be a preferable option for people who don’t have the time or resources to go to a facility. It also allows you to receive support in an environment you’re comfortable with, such as your bedroom, which can help you open up more than you would in an unfamiliar setting.
Read on to learn about what’s involved in a virtual IOP, like the one we offer at Guidelight Health, and how to know if it’s the right fit for you
How treatment is structured in virtual IOP
Besides the setting, and the need for reliable Wi-Fi, a virtual IOP doesn’t have many differences than in-person treatment, especially when it revolves around evidence-based approaches. That’s why studies show virtual mental health treatment has similar effectiveness to in person.
All treatment plans are structured around your specific needs, symptoms, goals and life circumstances.
At Guidelight, people in our virtual IOP attend treatment over the course of six weeks, though the duration may vary from client to client. The program involves 3-4 hours of treatment a day, for three days a week, with flexibility for scheduling. This gives clients a steady level of support while still prioritizing their daily lives and commitments.
Our virtual IOP is structured as a combination of therapy in two different dynamics:
Individual therapy
Talking one-on-one with a licensed therapist allows you to focus on the specific challenges that are impacting your mental health and learning coping mechanisms that can help you long after the six weeks are over.
Individual therapy gives you the space to look at your mental health challenges from every angle to gain perspective on them to see how you can move forward toward the future you want.
Group therapy
Group sessions during IOP give you the opportunity to open up in a judgement-free zone with people who can relate to what you’re going through. Even though your mental health journey is extremely personal, talking to others who are on their own journey helps to validate your emotions.
You can gain insight from others about how to handle challenges and learn what skills have helped them. You’re also broadening your support system that can keep you motivated.
Both types of therapy involve skills training as well as evidence-based therapeutic approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and trauma-informed treatment.
Medication management is also included in our virtual IOP, which involves meeting with psychiatrists. With our structural collaborative care model, we work with your outpatient providers to make sure they stay updated with your progress and possible medication changes when needed.
Why virtual IOP might be the choice for you
An intensive outpatient program can help you navigate severe mental health distress and develop the skills needed to move along your journey and become the best version of yourself. But how do you know if you should go the virtual route? Here are a couple of benefits to consider:
No commute necessary
The flexibility for a virtual IOP doesn’t just refer to the active treatment hours, but also the free time before and after. Not having a commute gives you back more time in your day. This is also an important benefit for people who don’t live close to a facility or don’t have access to transportation to get there.
Higher level of care than regular outpatient therapy
For many people, weekly therapy is the first (and only) stop on their mental health treatment plan. While that works for some, others may need a bit more support. A virtual IOP gives you access to the high level of support you need to make significant progress on your mental health, especially if your symptoms are severe or worsening.
Guidelight has an effectively structured virtual IOP to help you
When it comes to mental health treatment, it’s possible to balance convenience and effectiveness. That’s what a virtual IOP does.
At Guidelight, we can help you with a variety of mental health concerns that are impacting your overall quality of life, including:
Everyone has a seat at Guidelight. Contact our team online or call us today for more information about virtual IOP or to schedule an initial evaluation.