What is an Intensive Outpatient Program for Mental Health?
Mental health issues can negatively impact someone’s life. Learn more about how an intensive outpatient program for mental health can help.
A Brief Overview of an Intensive Outpatient Program for Mental Health
Intensive outpatient mental health and substance abuse programs have been used for many years. 12% of those who have attended rehabilitative care since 2011 used an intensive outpatient program for mental health or addiction recovery. It can be an effective way to treat many different conditions.1
An intensive outpatient program for mental health is a middle ground in terms of treatment intensity. It’s more intense than traditional outpatient care or seeing a therapist but less intense than full inpatient treatment. Many who choose an intensive outpatient program for mental health appreciate that it provides flexibility to return home at night while still providing higher levels of medical support.
What is Mental Health, and Why is it Important?
Now that you know more about intensive outpatient treatment, you may wonder about mental health and its importance. Mental health covers the well-being of your mind. When we think of healthcare, we typically think of physical ailments such as being sick or bodily injury. Mental health is a similar concept to your mind.
When someone struggles with a mental illness, it can affect their life in many ways. Mental illness can affect moods, perceptions, and the ability to complete normal day-to-day activities. Mental illness is also more common than many think. About 1 in 5 people struggle with a diagnosable mental illness. Having the proper care for mental health is important.2
What Factors Impact Mental Wellness?
Many factors can impact mental wellness. Common things that can impact our mental health and well-being include the following:3
- Stress
- Burnout or feeling overworked.
- Relationship or family issues
- Injuries or physical health issues
- Loss of family members or friends
- Traumatic incidents
- Abuse
- Feeling isolated
All these factors and more can take a toll on the mind when left unmanaged. Some can even lead to mental health challenges getting out of control.
How Can An Intensive Outpatient Program for Mental Health Help?
Intensive outpatient care may be a good option when someone struggles with more severe mental health symptoms. Intensive outpatient treatment for mental health provides more help than just attending therapy sessions or working on your daily routine.
When using an intensive outpatient program for mental health, you will attend a rehab center regularly to get treatment. You will likely have therapy sessions, work on life skills, attend support groups, and get other medical treatments that can help improve mental health symptoms.
What Treatment Options do IOPs Offer Specifically for Mental Health?
An intensive outpatient program (IOP) can be used for many conditions. The most common form of IOP is used for addiction treatment. However, IOPs can provide specific resources for mental health conditions. IOPs for mental health offer a structured psychological treatment program. It’s more intensive and usually more frequent than traditional mental health treatment. You will typically attend treatment sessions 3-5 days per week, sometimes for 3-5 hours at a time.
An IOP for mental health will tackle the condition from all angles, including underlying issues contributing to mental health problems. It’s important to treat underlying problems like stress, trauma, addiction, or anything else going on in someone’s life alongside mental health to get the best results.4
Best Practices to Improve Mental Wellness at Home
While an intensive outpatient program for mental health can be beneficial, it isn’t necessary for everyone. Many people can improve mental wellness through basic daily practices. Some best practices to improve mental wellness at home are:
- Exercise and Eat Right: Getting the body moving along with high-quality nutrients can help the mind immensely. When you exercise, your body and mind release many positive chemicals and neurotransmitters. When practiced regularly, these effects can boost your mood and make you feel better.
- Connect With a Positive Social Circle: Getting involved in the community or connecting with a positive group of friends will regularly help improve mental wellness. Many who struggle with mental illness also feel isolated in their daily life. Getting out and seeing others energizes your body and mind and releases feel-good hormones that can help.
- Create a Schedule: If you’re feeling bogged down by stress or overwhelmed with a lot on your plate, creating a schedule can help. Check each item off your list as you complete it, and create time for breaks and relaxation. If you put the proper plan in place, it will remove some of the stress.
- Practice Mindfulness or Breath Control: Mindfulness activities like meditation, yoga, or breathwork can also help. Deep breathing will help relax the mind and body in times of stress. It’s a good way to take a break from the noise and frustration of daily life.
Taking the Step Toward Additional Support
If you practice all these things, you can improve your mental health significantly. However, if you don’t see improvements, contacting a therapist, treatment center, or medical professional is an excellent next step to get additional help.
How Essence Healthcare Can Help with an Intensive Outpatient Program for Mental Health
Essence Healthcare is a treatment center for mental health and addiction. If you’re looking for an intensive outpatient program for mental health, we have resources that can help.
An intensive outpatient program for mental health at Essence Healthcare is a great place to start. Essence uses evidence-based practices in our intensive outpatient mental health programs. These clinically studied and time-tested methods provide the best results for those seeking high-quality mental healthcare.
What Makes Essence Healthcare Stand Out?
Our facility is an excellent treatment option because we have a smaller capacity. When you attend outpatient care here, you won’t feel overwhelmed by many people or a big building. It’s a small facility made to make you feel welcome and at home. You can comfortably focus on improving your mental well-being while you’re here.
Our staff will help you each step of the way through your intensive outpatient program for mental health. Our treatment professionals are highly trained to create a plan for success made for your exact needs. With various therapies and treatment options available, we’re confident we can find the best options for you.
Contact Essence Healthcare Today to Learn More About IOPs for Mental Health
If you would like to learn more about starting an intensive outpatient program for mental health, you can contact us today. We’re here to answer any questions you may have.
