For over fifty years, The Association for Ambulatory Behavioral Healthcare has served as a conduit for best practices and networking in the industry. Our mission is to promote Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient Programs as a vital component of the Behavioral Healthcare Continuum. Our vision is to provide education, advocacy and support for Partial Hospitalization Programs and Intensive Outpatient Programs.
WHO MIGHT BENEFIT FROM AN INTENSIVE OUTPATIENT PROGRAM?
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Those who benefit the most from Intensive Outpatient Programs are likely attempting to become as autonomous as possible, while still struggling with daily life skills. These individuals are not in critical condition, but need assistance with some cognitive functions in order to fuel a sense of accomplishment, as they transition from other crisis programs and begin to re-establish their. Many of these cognitive issues are the result of behavioral, physical or mental health challenges. Substance addiction is a recurring topic that is addressed. It is not unusual for an individual to relapse, so the IOP modality focuses on and addresses relapse as a possibility. Consistency in approach via the licensed practitioner, who fosters a sense of trust between IOP group participants, continues to be a best practice for successful outcomes.
HOW DOES INTENSIVE OUTPATIENT COMPARE WITH OTHER OPTIONS?
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IOPs are an important part of the continuum of care for alcohol and drug abuse disorders, as well as other addictions. While not
as stringent as a PHP, the IOP modality focuses on group participation and interaction, which can render some degree of intensity as emotions are unleashed. An IOP can be more effective than individual therapy for eating disorders, depression, self harm and any chemical dependency that does not require detoxification in a hospital setting. Intensive Outpatient Programs are also used by some HMOs as transitional treatment for patients just released from a psychiatric ward or a rehabilitation facility.
ARE THERE GUIDELINES FOR THE TREATMENT OF CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS?
The IOP modality continues to gain recognition and popularity, largely due to evidence of cost-saving benefits and proven outcomes as they relate to the overall mental health of program participants. IOPs are now being implemented/ incorporated into many hospital systems throughout the U.S. First used as an alternative to PHPs or total inpatient care for adults, many practioners are finding that a similar model works well for adolescents with substance use disorders, or co-occurring mental and substance use disorders (who do not require medical detoxification or 24-hour supervision). A credible reference regarding guidelines and admission criteria for adoclescents can be found here.
HOW HOW DO I FIND OUT MORE ABOUT MAKING INTENSIVE OUTPATIENT PROGRAMS A PART OF MY BENEFITS PROGRAM?
The Association for Ambulatory Behavioral Healthcare, representing hundreds of providers and professionals across the United States, is a leading advocate in the field. AABH welcomes the opportunity to assist you with learning more about Intensive Outpatient Programs, and ways to integrate one into your benefits program. Please use the contact form​ on this site to ask for more information.
CAN INTENSIVE OUTPATIENT PROGRAMS IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF MENTAL HEALTHCARE?
As costs for providing mental healthcare continue to rise rapidly, the direct and indirect savings that can be realized through the use of Intensive Outpatient Programs as an alternative to inpatient treatment mean that significant resources will be saved. These resources could provide more services to a larger audience without sacrificing clinical quality, and at the same time controlling overall costs. IOPs are an important part of the continuum of care for substance use disorders. They are as effective as inpatient treatment for most individuals. Public and commercial health plans should consider IOP services as a covered health benefit. Standardization of the elements included in IOPs may improve their quality and effectiveness.
HOW CAN THESE GUIDELINES HELP
MY BUSINESS?
IOPs benefit an organization in two major ways. First, Intensive Outpatient Programs are an avenue of providing clinically equivalent mental healthcare at a much lower cost than inpatient treatment. There are indirect savings because an individual involved in Intensive Outpatient treatment may be able to continue work, school, and focus on other goal-oriented daily activities. As an indirect, long-term savings, there is evidence that those who successfully fulfill prescribed IOP therapy and treatment plans, as designated between practitioner and patient, will be those most likely develop a sense of autonomy and confidence that would not have existed before treatment and participation in group camaraderie experiences.
WHAT CONSTITUTES AN INTENSIVE OUTPATIENT PROGRAM AND LEVEL OF CARE?
To qualify as an Intensive Outpatient Program, there must be a specified structure; offered within a specific timeframe; have clear guidelines for evaluation, admission, program and discharge; and be led by licensed clinicians skilled in the approach that represents national models. Please reference 'Intensive Outpatient Treatment and the Continuum of Care," and "Substance Abuse Treatment for Persons With Co-Occurring Disorders," both published by NIMH.
WHAT IS AN INTENSIVE OUTPATIENT
PROGRAM?
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An Intensive Outpatient Program, i.e., IOP, (sometimes referred to as Intensive Outpatient Treatment, i.e., IOT) is defined as “time limited ambulatory active treatment services” that are coordinated within an array of available clinical options outside of a hospital setting. The primary goal of an IOP is to monitor and maintain stability, introduce structure and discipline into otherwise chaotic lives of clients, and provide opportunities for clients to develop communication and socialization skills (particularly useful for individuals whose socializing has revolved around using drugs or alcohol) and assist integration into community life. Participants in an IOP treatment program are free to continue their daily living at home, while attending school and/or work— and thereby enjoy the advantage of flexibility to deal with a wide range of conditions while surrounded by friends and/or family members.
HOW WERE THESE GUIDELINES
DEVELOPED?
Both sets of these standards and guidelines represent collaborative efforts. Highly qualified, experienced professionals representing a diverse group of specializations and experience contributed freely and actively in the creation of these materials. The results are criteria that approach Intensive Outpatient Programs care from an unbiased, independent and realistic viewpoint.
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AN OVERVIEW OF THE INTENSIVE OUTPATIENT PROGRAM MODALITY
HOW DO I EVALUATE THE QUALITY OF AN INTENSIVE OUTPATIENT PROGRAM?
There are specific criteria that an Intensive Outpatient Program should meet, as described in a publication from NIMH in “Services in Intensive Outpatient Treatment Programs.” An assessment is required for admission into an IOP, including a psycho-social evaluation, review of medical history, and other past IOP or PHP treatment. These guidelines are also outlined in this handbook. Programs which do not meet these guidelines should not be designated as Partial Hospitalization.