IOP FAQs
WestBridge’s Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) provides an intermediate level of care for adults seeking more support and structure than weekly outpatient therapy can provide and who do not need the intensity of a partial hospitalization program, residential treatment or hospital setting.
Services are provided for 3 hours per day, 3 days per week and the length of treatment is between 8 – 12 weeks.
What exactly is an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)?
IOP provides an intermediate level of care for individuals seeking more support and structure than weekly outpatient therapy can provide and who do not need the intensity of a partial hospitalization program, residential treatment or hospital setting.
How is IOP different from weekly outpatient therapy?
IOP provides more support than traditional outpatient therapy. IOP occurs 3 days a week for 3 hours a day and includes group and individual therapy sessions.
How is IOP different from a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)?
IOP is less intense than Partial Hospitalization Programs, residential treatment, or hospital care.
Who is a good candidate for an IOP program?
Individuals of all genders living in the community who are experiencing challenges with thought, mood, or anxiety disorders, with or without co-occurring substance use.
What mental health or substance use conditions does the program treat?
WestBridge specializes in treating psychosis, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and PTSD, with or without substance use disorders.
How many days per week do I need to attend?
Three days per week. The morning IOP track runs Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:30am – 12:30pm. The afternoon IOP track runs Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 1:00pm – 4:00pm.
How long are the sessions each day?
Sessions are 3 hours per day.
Is the program offered during the day, evening, or both?
WestBridge offers both a morning IOP track and an afternoon IOP track. At this time, an evening track is not available.
Can I work or attend school while participating in IOP?
Yes. The schedule (mornings or afternoons, 3 days/week) provides flexibility for individuals to choose the track that works best for them and still attend work or school.
How does the program help participants transition back to work, school, or daily life?
If an individual is not currently working or enrolled in school, their therapist can help explore factors relating to incorporating them into their daily schedule.
What does a typical day or session in the program look like?
Each day includes three groups in which the topics vary by day. The first group of the week is goals group to check in on individual goals. The last group of the week is progress group, reflecting on the individual’s growth and progress made throughout the week. An individual therapy session is also scheduled once a week with the participants identified therapist. The program emphasizes 1:1 and group interaction rather than lecture-style presentations.
How many people are usually in each therapy group? and How many people are typically in each therapy group?
WestBridge IOP groups are limited to a maximum of twelve participants. Each group is facilitated by two clinicians, leading to a maximum of fourteen individuals in the group.
Will I also have individual therapy sessions?
Yes, participants in IOP meet with their therapist once per week for individual therapy.
What types of therapy approaches are used (CBT, DBT, trauma therapy, etc.)?
The group curriculum includes the following therapy approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy.
Is medication management available through the program?
Medication management is not a feature of WestBridge’s Intensive Outpatient Program, though every participant will meet with a psychiatric provider upon admission for an initial evaluation. If an IOP participant needs a psychiatric provider, WestBridge can provide potential resources as part of the case management services provided in IOP. Medication management is included in WestBridge’s and partial hospitalization and residential programs.
Will I meet with a psychiatrist or medical provider?
Every IOP participant will meet with a WestBridge psychiatric provider upon admission for an initial assessment. Although ongoing psychiatry is not a feature of WestBridge’s IOP, additional assessments may be conducted if the clinical team determines they are necessary.
What topics are covered in group therapy sessions?
Group therapy sessions are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Health & Wellness, Seeking Healthy Supports, Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, Skills in Practice, and Wellness Recovery Action Plan.
How long do people typically stay in an IOP program? and How long do people usually stay in the program?
The average length of stay in WestBridge’s IOP is between 8 and 12 weeks.
How do you determine when someone is ready to finish the program? How do you decide when someone is ready to step down from IOP? How do you track progress and improvement during the program?
Identifying the end of treatment is a joint decision making process between the participant and their IOP therapist. When it has been determined that the participant has achieved their individual treatment goals, a thoughtful plan for discharge and aftercare supports will be collectively established.
What happens after I complete the IOP program? / What happens after the program ends? / Do you help connect participants to ongoing therapy or recovery support?
As a participant nears completion of WestBridge’s IOP, the team will work to identify aftercare options if the participant does not have a preexisting provider. The participant will also be able to participate in the WestBridge alumni program.
What happens if I miss a session?
Participants may miss IOP sessions for various reasons, such as family obligations, doctor appointments, or illness. The treatment team asks that, whenever possible, 24 hours’ advance notice be provided when a person is aware they will miss a session.
What happens if I relapse or have a setback during treatment?/ What happens if my loved one relapses or experiences a setback during treatment?
While each circumstance is unique, if a participant experiences a recurrence or exacerbation of symptoms during treatment, the treatment team may recommend additional services, such as ongoing substance use testing or a shift in level of care if a their symptoms have become acute. Individuals have the ability to transition to WestBridge’s partial hospitalization or residential levels of care.
Do I need a referral to enter the program?
Referrals are not necessary to enter any WestBridge program.
How quickly can I start the program? And/OR How quickly can someone start treatment?
The pre-admission process can usually be completed within one to two days. If a person wants to wait until they hear from their insurance company regarding a pre-authorization before starting IOP services, that can take an additional 2 business days, but WestBridge offers a 3-day grace period for individuals who want to start services immediately. During this three-day grace period, individuals can start services while their insurance company processes the pre-authorization, and if the claim is rejected, the individual will not be billed by WestBridge for those three days of services.
Does insurance usually cover Intensive Outpatient treatment? Does insurance usually cover this program?
Yes, WestBridge is in network with most commercial insurance providers and IOP services are usually covered.
What should I bring or prepare for each session?
WestBridge will provide program materials for IOP participants to use during groups, however individuals are welcome to bring their own pen and paper if they’d like.
Is transportation assistance available?
At this time, transportation is not available.
Will my participation in the program be confidential?
WestBridge adheres to privacy rules in accordance with HIPAA and CFR 42 Part 2 which ensure participant confidentiality.
Can I continue seeing my current therapist while attending IOP?
Yes, although insurance providers will likely require any outside individual therapy visits to occur on non-IOP days in order to continue IOP insurance coverage.
Is an Intensive Outpatient Program the right level of care for me? For my loved one?
During the pre-admission process, each participant speaks with an admissions clinician who will complete an assessment to determine if IOP is the current recommended level of care.
How do you determine whether someone should be in IOP instead of PHP or residential treatment?
WestBridge utilizes the Level of Care Utilization System (LOCUS) assessment with every individual as part of the pre-admission process to help determine an appropriate level of care.
Do you treat both mental illness and substance use at the same time (dual diagnosis)?
Yes, our IOP treats thought, mood, or anxiety disorders with or without co-occurring substance use.
Who will be on my loved one’s treatment team?
The treatment team is comprised of a variety of master’s level clinicians and each participant will be connected with a therapist for weekly individual therapy sessions.
How experienced are the therapists and clinical staff?
The treatment team is comprised of a variety of master’s level clinicians, some of whom have decades of experience, whereas others are newer to the field.
How do you keep participants safe if they are struggling or in crisis?
If a participant is struggling or in crisis, the treatment team will assess for safety risks and may recommend a higher level of care if there is an immediate risk. Participants can be transitioned to WestBridge’s partial hospitalization or residential programs or to an outside program based on the individual’s needs.
What support is available for families who are struggling as well?
WestBridge offers online video support groups that are drop-in, open to family members to join at any time. The purpose of these groups is to create a place of connection and support that focuses on the family members’ self-care and journey of recovery.
What are the first steps for getting an assessment or admission?
Contact our Admissions team. You can do this in one of the following ways: 1) call 1-877-461-7711, 2) book a phone consultation, 3) complete an intake questionnaire or fill out an online contact form. The admissions team will respond to all inquiries during office hours, Monday–Friday, 8:00am–4:30pm Eastern Time.