Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

The ECMC Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is a structured, outpatient treatment opportunity that engages participants three days per week over four weeks. It serves as a step-down program for those individuals in need following completion of ECMC’s Partial Hospital Program (PHP) or can be a step-up from traditional outpatient programs for newly diagnosed patients.   

All IOP sessions are individualized for each patient and the program may run longer or shorter based on need. The goal of the program is for participants to achieve mental stability and resume daily living. With a variety of treatment methods, IOP provides access to medications and concentrated counseling services in a way that is tailored to fit specific needs.   

Each patient, regardless of the program model, will engage in group and individual psychotherapy. Family involvement is also an important aspect of the program. Family group sessions are held weekly to provide loved ones with education on self-care and information on maintaining healthy boundaries. Individualized case management, medication education, and therapeutic activities are also provided. Group therapy consists of skill building and processes, including topics such as coping skills, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), assertiveness, meditation/relaxation, anger management, psychoeducation, grief & loss, stress management, codependency, conflict resolution, and others. 

This innovative program offers an alternative to inpatient hospitalization, may shorten necessary hospital stays, and reduce readmissions by allowing for a transition to the IOP treatment model. IOP helps to fill a gap in service options, allowing patients more choice of therapeutic methods.