Finding the right type of treatment for substance abuse issues can be difficult. Especially because of the number of programs that are available. Inpatient programs are an excellent option if you need a high level of care. Intensive outpatient programs for mental health and addiction can be better if you are balancing career and family obligations.
Intensive outpatient programs for mental health and addiction typically require a time commitment of 4-6 hours per day, several days a week. Working professionals can find greater flexibility to coordinate treatment around their work schedule, which then makes intensive outpatient programs for mental health and addiction a perfect fit for men and women who have demanding careers.
Intensive outpatient programs are designed for patients that don’t require hospitalization or medically assisted detox services, or who have already been discharged from detox. Intensive outpatient programs are also a great step down from inpatient that allow you to return to work while focusing on your recovery.
Benefits of Intensive Outpatient Programs for Mental Health
Working professionals face additional obstacles when seeking treatment for mental health or addiction issues. Many professionals have difficulty obtaining time off to receive inpatient treatment or could face termination if they attend a long-term inpatient program.
Intensive outpatient programs focus on providing professional, experienced treatment that is flexible, allowing you to continue meeting your financial, career and family obligations during treatment.
Some other benefits of intensive outpatient programs for mental health and addiction include:
- A higher level of privacy
- More affordable than inpatient treatment
- The ability to go home every night
- Continuing to be able to support yourself and/or your family financially
- Access to evidence-based treatment
- Connection to community-based supports
- Education about relapse prevention
Intensive outpatient programs can be less stressful. This is because they allow you to maintain some of your normal routines and meet your existing obligations. The stress imposed by adapting your entire day-to-day life to an inpatient program is avoided. This is because you are able to continue your regular presence within your community. Intensive outpatient programs for mental health and addiction also allow you to ease into treatment and are in more relaxed settings than inpatient programs.
What to Expect
A typical day in an intensive outpatient program for mental health or addiction is fairly standard. It consists of group and individual therapy, education, and recreational activities. Expect to engage in group therapy daily, which helps create a welcoming, accepting environment to discuss sensitive topics. Most intensive outpatient programs implement evidence-based treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectic behavioral therapy. Therapy helps you identify how to perceive and interpret the world around you. Understanding how and why you think the way you do can help you gain better insight. Improving the way you view situations can change the manner in which you address negative thoughts, feelings, and events, which can prevent relapses.
Finding an Intensive Outpatient Program
It is important to find the right intensive outpatient program for mental health and addiction in order to support your recovery. Having a demanding work schedule or family obligations does not have to stand in the way of recovery. Intensive outpatient programs provide the flexibility needed so you can continue working. To learn more about our intensive outpatient program that specializes in helping working professionals call us today at [Direct].
