Let’s demystify the term “Intensive Outpatient Program”, or IOP for short. This is a special kind of treatment service offered by healthcare professionals to individuals who need more care than a routine doctor’s visit, but less than full-time hospital care.
In an Intensive Outpatient Program, people continue to live in their own homes and visit a treatment center for scheduled sessions. They might attend these sessions multiple times a week, and each could last a few hours. This is in contrast to inpatient treatment, where people need to stay in a hospital or treatment center full-time.
Though it shares the ‘outpatient’ label with regular outpatient services, an IOP is more intensive. While regular outpatient services might involve short weekly appointments with a doctor or therapist, an IOP involves several longer sessions each week.
An Intensive Outpatient Program’s goal is to provide the support individuals need to manage their health effectively, while they continue with their daily activities. It’s all about striking a balance – getting the help needed without pressing pause on life.
At Thru Health, we make this level of care accessible in your own home or wherever you are at to ensure access to needed services while living your regular life. To learn more or speak with someone about one of our specialized programs, go to www.thru.health/get-started to schedule a time.
For more information about Intensive Outpatient Programs and how they differ from other levels of care, consider exploring resources from reputable organizations such as the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), the American Psychological Association (APA), the Mayo Clinic, or MentalHealth.gov. Always remember to consult with healthcare professionals for specific information regarding health and medical treatments.
