Intensive Outpatient Programs
Group Therapy Program In Partnership With IOP Behavioral Health
In the field of behavioral healthcare, there have traditionally been two main treatment options: inpatient and outpatient care. Outpatient care usually involves receiving therapy and medication management during scheduled appointments, while inpatient care is typically for patients experiencing severe symptoms and in need of a safe environment to stabilize. While both of these treatment options can be highly effective, they do not always bridge the gap from crisis to stability. Research indicates that combining the coping skills learned in inpatient care with the flexibility of outpatient care can be highly effective. Therefore, IBH is partnering with and supporting IOP Behavioral Health in bringing this kind of service to the Birmingham, Daphne, Huntsville/Madison, Montgomery, and Muscle Shoals areas.
IOPs, or Intensive Outpatient Programs, are group therapy-based programs designed to treat those in crisis and those feeling unstable or stuck despite their current outpatient treatment. Group therapy is the foundation of IOP care! This type of treatment is a natural and powerful addition to continued individual therapy and psychiatric care. IOPs are an excellent balance of experiential interaction between group members, learning new skills, and developing problem solving abilities.
Through IOPs, patients can improve their mental health while still being able to maintain their daily routines! During 3 hour sessions, patients participate in guided group discussions, psychiatric education, and other evidence-based approaches. Though these sessions are longer and more intensive than traditional therapy appointments, they provide patients the freedom to continue their daily lives while receiving treatment.
The standard schedule for an IOP program is 3 hours daily, 3 days per week. In an effort to accommodate busy lifestyles, groups are offered both virtually and in-person at various times of the day throughout the week. Additionally, most employers will provide some flexibility for participation in IOP, and virtual sessions are available when distance or mobility are a barrier to in person participation. Like traditional therapy, IOP Services are covered by most medical insurance plans.
Think you may benefit from joining one of our IOP group therapy sessions? Click here to receive more information!
FAQs
A form of psychotherapy that aims to help people manage mental health conditions or cope with negative experiences and behaviors. It involves one or more mental health practitioners who deliver psychotherapy to several individuals in each session.
We currently have two offices in Alabama! They are located in Daphne and Madison. However, we also have Zoom sessions for patients that cannot commute to one of our physical locations.
Daphne Office:
7101 US-90 Suite 130
Daphne, Alabama 36526
Huntsville Office:
350 Sun Temple Drive
Madison, AL 35758
The program is 3 days per week. Each day consists of a 3-hour group session, for 9 hours total per week. We meet on alternating days (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday). We have a morning group (9am to Noon) and an afternoon group (1pm to 4pm).
Once you agree to start treatment, you may elect to apply for medical leave, and we will complete any necessary paperwork you provide to us. Assuming you have short-term disability, we will complete the paperwork you bring us so that you can receive your check in a timely manner. We will also help you with any FMLA related paperwork. The truth is, if you are doing a poor job because of your mental health, you owe it to yourself to receive treatment and get back to your old self. What would you tell your best friend, spouse, or child to do?
It’s important to recognize that dealing with mental illness takes time to work through it. Remember that you’re investing in yourself and your future, so be patient and kind to yourself as you continue to make progress towards your goals!
The length of treatment varies by patient. Our research shows that it takes about six weeks in our programs to achieve the best results. However, a typical course of treatment at IOP Services lasts around twelve weeks
Generally, our patients have existing relationships with a therapist and/or psychiatrist. Such professionals refer patients to us when standard treatment is not adequate.
However, that is not always the case. If you think our program may be beneficial to you, feel free to contact us. We want to help you find the treatment you need, whether it’s with us or not.
Yes, we accept most major health insurance providers, including Aetna, Blue Cross, Cigna, Humana, Optum, Tricare, United, and more!
- Achieving behavioral change
- Addressing psychosocial issues
- Developing a support system
- Improving problem-solving skills
Group Therapy can act as a support network and a sounding board. Other members of the group often help you come up with specific ideas for improving a difficult situation or life challenge, and hold you accountable along the way. Regularly talking and listening to others also helps you put your own problems in perspective while maintaining confidentiality.
- In an IOP you will find,
- Additional Support
- Social Interaction
- Accountability
