One of the biggest challenges in substance abuse is whether to seek treatment and recovery. Approximately 22.5 million Americans, both children, and adults have some form of substance abuse issue which can cause a vicious cycle that affects mental health and well-being. Once an individual decides to stop the cycle of addiction, Epic Health Partners can aid in recovery, with locations in Richmond, Danville, and Martinsville, Virginia.
What Is Intensive Outpatient (IOP)?
If an individual recognizes the need for a structured treatment program option but cannot commit to inpatient treatment because of outside responsibilities, IOPs are a great option. These programs typically take place in a substance use or mental health treatment facility and occur in regularly scheduled sessions. IOPs encourage engagement in individual and group therapy sessions throughout the week and offer treatment resources, such as peer-oriented or self-help groups, to help provide additional treatment support. IOPs are designed to bridge the gap between the intensive treatment of residential programs and allow individuals to continue living and maintaining their personal responsibilities at home. These programs are a valuable treatment option for many.
Advantage #1 Safety, Structure, and Flexibility
IOPs offer a safe and flexible environment with enough structure to provide the needed level of care for recovery. Access to addictive substances is not available while engaging in IOP and are highly supervised by a team of staff. Individuals do not have to place work or school on hold while receiving IOPs as the flexibility of the program allows treatment to occur before or after obligations throughout the day. Since individuals in IOP programs live in their own homes, they are encouraged to use the lessons and skills from treatment in the community to work through environmental triggers as they are introduced to different therapeutic skills. While IOPs require attendance to at least three sessions a week for four to six hours a day, they are able to obtain a high level and quality of care, while learning necessary skills to use, as needed.
Advantage #2 Professional Assessment and Treatment Planning
IOP participants receive high-quality care delivered by licensed experts with extensive training and experience in recovery and maintenance. Comprehensive Needs Assessments are conducted in order to get an understanding of individuals, their habits, mental health diagnoses, and current needs. These professionals, in collaboration with the participant, work together to design a treatment plan using interventions and methods, proven to promote the very best outcomes and reduce the likelihood of relapse. Each individual uses this custom-built treatment plan to address their success and stabilize lifestyle habits, interpersonal relationships, and reintegration into society.
Advantage #3 Social Support
Support from professionals and peers plays an essential role in an individual’s ability to achieve sobriety, avoid relapse, and maintain a healthy lifestyle. IOPs encourage building a supportive community among participants and peers where connecting with others and feelings of belonging and acceptance create a family-like atmosphere with other like-minded individuals, who understand addiction and its difficulties. These programs offer the potential for long-term support to assist in maintaining a substance-free lifestyle by encouraging a peer-supported environment.
Epic Health Partners, Your Compassionate Providers in Richmond, Danville, and Martinsville, VA
Epic Health Partners is a mental health provider that houses intensive outpatient programs for substance use treatment, medical assisted treatment, and referral for inpatient treatment, as needed. Our services also deliver a wide range of behavioral and mental health services that compassionately focuses on individual needs. Epic specializes in and targets wellness strategies to support a holistic approach to treatment.
To learn more, please call us at (434) 835-4601, or request an appointment online. And, if you are in danger of self-harm, please don’t wait. Call 911 for immediate help or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-TALK (8255). Also, you may text HOME to 741 741. Hope and help are always available right away.
