The Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), a service of Woodridge Hospital, treats patients experiencing mild to moderate symptoms of distress or impaired function due to a psychiatric illness and/or substance abuse issues.

The program includes group therapy, medication management and may include individual or group therapy as needed.

Group therapy

IOP is an intensive level of care, offering group therapy three times a week for three hours each day. There are two different groups offered, both led by a trained therapist.

The morning group is a psychiatric intensive group geared toward patients with a primary mental health diagnosis.

The evening group is a group focused on alcohol and substance abuse and dependence that addresses other mental health issues as needed.

Group focus may include:

• Challenging thought distortions
• Coping skills
• Identifying triggers
• Interpersonal skills
• Relapse prevention
• Self-awareness
• Substance abuse
• Other topics based on the needs of the group

How long is the Intensive Outpatient Program?

The length of the program is based on the needs of each patient and progress toward treatment goals.

However, the average length of stay in the inpatient program is 6 to 8 weeks or around 18 sessions total.

Follow-up care

Following the IOP, the patient will be referred to outpatient mental health providers for ongoing treatment. Patients in active treatment with an outpatient provider may continue treatment, and efforts will be made to coordinate care.

Also, with the assistance of aftercare appointments, patients will be able to transition from intensive therapy to outpatient treatment with a focus on symptom management, medication compliance and relapse prevention.