Mental health is an important aspect of our overall well-being. Many people struggle with their mental health at some point in their lives. For those who require more support than traditional therapy or medication can provide, an intensive outpatient program (IOP) may be a beneficial treatment option. IOPs help individuals manage symptoms of mental health disorders while still living at home and engaging in everyday activities. Southern Live Oak Wellness offers an intensive outpatient program in Atlanta, GA as part of our comprehensive approach to mental health treatment.
What is an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)?
An intensive outpatient program (IOP) offers daily or weekly therapy sessions and other services designed to help those struggling with mental health disorders. In an IOP, individuals participate in group and individual therapy as well as activities related to their recovery goals. These activities may include education groups, skill-building strategies, mindfulness exercises, medication stabilization, and other complementary therapies. An IOP provides comprehensive mental health care while allowing individuals to maintain some degree of independence. by living at home and continuing to engage in everyday activities such as work or school. Generally speaking, individuals are expected to attend the program for three hours per day, three or five days per week, over one to two months. Our daytime IOP is split between two tracks—five-day IOP and three-day IOP. Accordingly, both tracks run from 9 AM to 12 PM. Our evening lOP runs two groups per evening. As such clients attend either a skills group or a process group. Like all of our programs, IOP clients will meet with an individual therapist once a week and meet with our psychiatrist as needed.
Who is IOP Appropriate For?
Southern Live Oak Wellness offers an intensive outpatient program as a step down from our residential or partial hospitalization programs (PHP). Outpatient programming is an important part of the continuum of care for those seeking healing and recovery from mental health disorders. Therefore, it is recommended that clients admitted into our IOP have already completed a higher level of care before their admission. However, we may accept direct admissions on a case-by-case basis. Some of the mental health disorders we treat during IOP include:
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression
- Bipolar disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Schizoaffective disorder
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- OCD
- Personality disorder
- Suicidal thoughts
- Self-harm
- Eating disorders
- Dual diagnosis
Benefits of an Intensive Outpatient Program
The potential benefits of an IOP are significant. Not only does it allow individuals to receive comprehensive mental health care while still living at home, but it also allows them to practice the skills they learn in therapy in their everyday lives. Additionally, IOPs provide a sense of community and support that can be invaluable when managing symptoms of mental health disorders. Other benefits include:- Continuum of care
- Privacy
- Flexible schedule-day or night IOP
- Peer support
- Maintaining family, work, or school commitments
- Improved recovery outcomes
- Access to specialists
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Family support
What to Expect at Our Intensive Outpatient Program in Atlanta, GA
At Southern Live Oak Wellness, we treat our clients with dignity and respect in a safe and comfortable environment. Our outstanding clinical team is dedicated to creating individualized treatment plans incorporating evidence-based therapies. We also recognize the value of family involvement during this process. Therefore, as needed, we extend support through education programs, family support groups, and additional post-treatment guidance.
Treatments We Offer During Our IOP
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
A form of psychotherapy that focuses on identifying and changing negative patterns of thought, behavior, and emotions. By addressing these issues, CBT helps clients better understand how their thoughts and behaviors affect their lives and relationships.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
A type of cognitive-behavioral therapy that focuses on helping individuals learn to regulate their emotions and behaviors more effectively. Based on the principles of mindfulness and acceptance, DBT teaches clients the skills to better manage distress and navigate interpersonal relationships.
Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR combines elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy, exposure therapy, and psychodynamic approaches with eye movement or other forms of bilateral stimulation. EMDR helps clients identify, process, and move beyond traumatic memories or other sources of distress that can interfere with functioning.
Brain Mapping
Using a diagnostic tool called a Quantitative Electroencephalogram, or QEEG, brain mapping can be used to help provide crucial information on an array of brain-based disorders including anxiety and depression.
Medication Stabilization
Southern Live Oak Wellness provides a secure, structured, on-site medication stabilization environment. Our psychiatrist is on-site 40 hours a week to monitor medications and make patients aware of potential side effects. Additionally, we also have our RN run medication education groups to help clients understand the symptoms, causes, and necessity of medication.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
This non-invasive technique uses magnetic fields to activate nerve cells in the brain to relieve symptoms of depression. TMS is usually used when other depression therapies have not been successful. TMS is offered at all levels of care, including on an outpatient basis.
Alpha-Stim
The Alpha-Stim electrotherapy tool is useful and safe in the treatment of pain, anxiety, sleeplessness, and depression. There are no long-term negative effects, no risk of addiction, and no drug interactions.
Complementary Therapies
Complementary therapies for mental health disorders can increase feelings of well-being, ease symptoms of anxiety and depression, and promote relaxation. As a result, these approaches are recommended alongside traditional mental health treatments, such as medication and psychotherapy. Complementary therapies include:
- Nutrition
- Outdoor recreation
- Reiki
- Red light-therapy
- Animal-assisted therapy
- Life skills
- Music therapy
Experience Compassionate Mental Health Care in Atlanta, GA
Ultimately, if you or someone you know is struggling with a mental health disorder, it is important to speak with a professional to discuss concerns and treatment options. Mental health disorders can be difficult to manage on your own. Southern Live Oak Wellness provides comprehensive evidenced-based treatment and other services designed to help individuals live the happy and healthy lives they deserve. To learn more about our intensive outpatient program in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as our other programs, contact us today.
