As many of us have heard before, managing our mental health is not a linear process. Sometimes we take 3 steps forward, and 2 steps back. Sometimes unexpected life circumstances come out of the blue and knock us back to what feels like “square one.” Sometimes we’ve been feeling good for years, and suddenly, our symptoms start creeping back in. When this happens, we can feel at a loss about what we can do to help ourselves.  

When looking for mental health treatment, there are a variety of options that can sometimes feel confusing. For some, treatment might look like seeing a therapist once a week, maybe twice a month, and a psychiatrist occasionally. But what happens if that just isn’t enough time? Where do we go from there? An Intensive Outpatient (IOP) Program might be the answer. 

What is an IOP? 

Intensive Outpatient programs are built to meet the needs of those looking for additional support from their treatment team.  IOP is a combination of individual and group therapy, several times a week, and frequent visits with a psychiatrist. This opportunity for additional support gives you the chance to get your life back on track, and start feeling better, quicker. Attending an IOP is the chance to emotionally invest in your mental health and bring you closer to achieving your goals.  

What Conditions can Be Treated at IOP? 

• Anxiety 
• Depression 
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder 
• Bipolar Disorder 
• Trauma and PTSD 
• Psychosis 
• ADHD 
• Personality Disorders 
• Co-Occurring Disorders 

Finding the Right IOP Program for You!   

Choosing to start an IOP Program means making a commitment to yourself and your well-being, but it is also a time commitment! You always want to make sure to pick a program that best fits into your daily routine. For some, a daytime program is a great option. Others may find a program that runs at night fits in with their work and school schedule. You also want to take your personal preferences into account! Do you prefer to be seen in person, or do you enjoy attending treatment from home via telehealth? Whatever program best fits your unique needs and preferences is the right one for you! 

Harmony Bay’s IOP 

At Harmony Bay, we offer an evening telehealth Intensive Outpatient Program! This program may be the right choice for you if you are looking to further your progress but have a busy schedule during the day. Many of our graduates have successfully maintained their day jobs, school schedules, and/or at-home obligations while still maintaining enrollment in this program. Our uniquely designed curriculum has been created specifically to meet the needs of telehealth clients, making the experience as immersive as possible from your own home! See below for a detailed breakdown of the schedule:  

Group Therapy: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays 6:00 pm-9:00 pm 

Individual Therapy: Once a week 

Medication Management: Biweekly sessions 

HB IOP Curriculum Units:

• Psychoeducation on Mental Health Disorders and Medication management 
• Emotion Regulation 
• Treatment Planning and Goal Setting 
• Interpersonal Relationship Dynamics  
• Cognitive Behavioral Tools 
• Trauma-Focused Techniques 
• Boundary Setting & Communication Tools 
• Achieving Wellness 

Therapeutic Modalities: 

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy 
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy 
• Trauma-Focused Interventions 
• Motivational Interviewing  
• Mindfulness Interventions 
• Solution-Focused Therapy 

Are you thinking about enrolling in our IOP? Take this Quick Quiz and see if HB IOP is the right fit for you! 

1. Are your mental health symptoms impacting your ability to carry out daily tasks? 
2. Do you find yourself feeling lonely, or lacking in social and emotional support? 
3. When you experience increased emotion, do you find yourself struggling to identify safe coping skills that work for you? 
4. Have you been struggling with nightmares, flashbacks, intense fears and/or panic attacks? 
5. Have you previously attended mental health treatment, but found it to be ineffective? 
6. Do you experience frequent wishes to be dead, suicidal ideation, or self-injurious behavior? 
7. Do you find yourself having frequent breakdowns in between therapy sessions? 
8. Has a mental health professional ever suggested your symptoms might be better managed at a higher level of care? 

If you’ve said “yes” to any of these questions, an Intensive Outpatient Program might be the right choice for you! Call Harmony Bay at 855.956.1493 for a free consultation and to discuss your options!  

Published on 11/4/2022 | Written by Harmony Bay Therapist, Rebecca Austin, LSW, CCTP