People seeking treatment for substance use disorder must be placed in an appropriate level of care. Along this “continuum of care,” there are five different levels. Each level of care increases in the hours of supervision and care offered. This means that individuals will be placed at higher or lower levels of care spending on the severity of their substance use disorder or the symptoms that occur during withdrawal.
Levels of Care Include:
IOP is a lower level of care that can be utilized for many client needs. IOPs can be used as an introduction to treatment for clients with substance use disorder, as a transition to a lower level of care following an inpatient facility, or as a transition to a higher level of care following a relapse.
As addiction experts, we can help you choose what level of care is right for you. By calling our admissions team today and providing them with a complete history of your substance use, we will ensure you find the resources you need to start your recovery at an appropriate level of care.
Call to find the best fit for you: (855) 202-2183
Still unsure? After answering the question, “What is an intensive outpatient program,” we will break down:
All this information will help you answer the question, “Is IOP right for me?”
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The vast majority of IOP programs for addiction treatment can be covered by insurance, helping to keep out-of-pocket costs low to non-existent. To determine whether your policy covers the IOP program you would like to attend, contact your insurer by calling the number on the back of your insurance card5. From here, a customer service representative will walk you through your benefits to better understand your possible financial obligations before being admitted to your desired IOP.
This information can also be easily found by using your health insurer’s mobile app.
Luckily, you can easily find out whether your insurance covers treatment costs by contacting IOPs and asking about the specific policies they accept and what they will need from you regarding documentation from your insurance. Many IOPs make it even easier by listing a phone number you can call to verify your insurance on their website. 6
But first, it is vital to understand how to find an IOP you can attend.
No matter where you live, simply googling “IOP Programs Near Me” will yield countless results of IOP programs in your area. However, this can lead to confusion as one sorts through the list of possible IOP programs they can attend. For this reason, it is recommended that you seek out recommendations from loved ones or close friends who have had experience with an IOP they trust.
An even more effective option could be asking a therapist or psychiatrist you see for a recommendation to any treatment centers they would feel comfortable recommending to a patient (if they have not already made such recommendations).
Finally, you can use The United States Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration’s website to find programs nationwide.
Once you find an IOP program that interests you, make sure to ask admissions coordinators any and every question you can. You are investing your time, money, and life by seeking treatment, and you deserve your concerns to be heard in a caring and supportive manner 7.
Some questions can include:
No question is a dumb question when it comes to investing in an IOP that can help to save your life!
One of the biggest questions that most people will want to ask an admissions coordinator is, “How long does an Intensive Outpatient Program last?” Whether due to familial, educational, or vocational responsibilities, it is important for those seeking an IOP to be educated on the average amount of time they can expect to be in an IOP for addiction treatment. While there is no specific time frame for all attending an intensive outpatient program, most facilities will recommend and offer treatment for a minimum of 90 days.
This is because research has suggested that a minimum of 3 to 6 months in treatment is necessary to sustain the gains made throughout one’s early recovery. This includes any gains made in higher levels of care attended before being admitted into IOP 8.
While it is impossible to know just how long you will attend IOP, it is highly suggested that you consider only the programs that offer a minimum of 90 days or the even more effective option of 5 months. Although this sounds like a huge commitment, several options can make attending an IOP and continuing your normal life viable. One of those options could be finding an evening intensive outpatient program (EIOP).
Various IOPs offer scheduling during hours that do not conflict with traditional work hours. Evening intensive outpatient programs are an example of an IOP that can be easily integrated into someone’s life without disrupting day-to-day responsibilities. Many of these programs will offer treatment three nights a week for a minimum of 3-hour sessions.
A typical IOP schedule you can expect to find might be:
The different schedules offered by IOPS make it easy to find an IOP that works for you, whether an evening or day program.
Knowing how much an IOP can cost, how long it will last, and how to find one near you can help you understand whether IOP is right for you. However, the last thing you must know to answer this question is what to expect in an IOP.
Services that can be expected include:
Finally, you may be amazed that many IOPs specialize in specific populations. Knowing that you are surrounded by like-minded people who share some aspects of your past and identity can make it easy to expect that your time in an IOP will be spent learning and healing through various therapeutic interventions.
Examples of IOPs for special populations:
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