Columbus, Ohio’s Leading Adult Mental Health Treatment Intensive Outpatient Program

Intensive outpatient programs are designed to provide comprehensive support for individuals who do not need the round-the-clock supervision residential treatment and inpatient treatment offer but do need highly structured intensive programming that extends beyond the limitations of traditional outpatient treatment. Sometimes people can benefit from participating in an intensive outpatient program after they have completed a higher level of care, like residential treatment, inpatient treatment, or partial hospitalization programming (PHP). Other times, transitioning from traditional outpatient therapy to an intensive outpatient program as a higher level of care can be helpful. However, there are also many situations where individuals may start their treatment process in our intensive outpatient program without having received previous treatment. 

Our IOP includes three hours of services a day, three days a week, for a total of nine weekly hours of care. When programming is not in session, people can work, attend school, spend time with their family and friends, and otherwise engage in activities outside of the treatment setting.  

This balanced approach provides an ideal opportunity for individuals to practice healthy communication skills, problem-solving capabilities, and symptom management strategies in a real-world environment and then process their experiences and receive focused feedback during IOP treatment sessions.  

At our treatment center in Columbus, Ohio, all decisions for admissions to the intensive outpatient program are made on an individual basis. Our admissions counselors are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to talk to prospective patients and referral sources. It is not necessary to make an appointment, but we are able to schedule one if someone prefers to do so.  

Each person who comes to our treatment center receives a detailed assessment through which our admissions counselors gather information about their social, medical, and personal history. These counselors also ask questions about the symptoms the person is currently experiencing or has experienced in the past, as well as if they have previously received any type of treatment. By getting as much information as possible, the counselor can make sure that they are able to understand the person’s needs and determine whether intensive outpatient treatment will be a good fit for them. 

In general, treatment in our intensive outpatient program is designed to serve people who meet the following criteria: 

• Adults age 18 and older  
• Struggling with a mental health disorder 
• Can fully engage in all parts of intensive outpatient treatment 
• Do not need 24/7 support 

Patients who are struggling with addictions in addition to mental health disorders can also receive treatment in our intensive outpatient program. 

There are some situations in which our intensive outpatient mental health treatment program may not be the best fit for a person. For example, if someone is experiencing a health crisis that requires immediate medical intervention, we will work with them to make sure that they get to a place where they can receive the treatment they need. Our facility is not equipped to provide this level of care. Additionally, we cannot offer treatment for people who are violent if their behavior could put the safety of other patients or staff members at risk.  

Whenever a person explores getting treatment at Mount Carmel Behavioral Health, we take all aspects of their personal circumstances into account. If we are unable to offer the treatment that will be of most benefit to them, we will provide referrals to other treatment providers. 

There are a number of ways receiving care in our intensive outpatient program can be beneficial to you.  

Intensive outpatient treatment is meant to help people maintain stability and reduce the risk for needing to be hospitalized. It is also designed to guide people so that they can be successful in their daily lives without having to suffer from the symptoms that have been affecting them. 

For patients who are in our IOP, our team’s goals are to do the following: 

• Provide guidance as they return to activities of daily living (e.g., work, family life, social activities, etc.) 
• Practice coping skills with them 
• Assist them in fostering behavioral changes that support a healthy lifestyle 
• Encourage their motivation to change 
• Assist them in building trust 
• Teach them about healthy boundaries and ways to practice developing and maintaining those boundaries 
• Help them identify and address various psychosocial concerns that could be impacting them 
• Help them build a positive social support network 
• Assist them with integrating back into their community 

Everyone who receives care in our intensive outpatient program is given an individualized treatment plan to guide them throughout their time in treatment. 

Depending on patients’ specific needs, their individualized treatment plans may include: 

• Medication management services 
• Individual therapy 
• Group therapy 
• Family therapy 

Individual, group, and family therapy sessions may incorporate the principles and practices of various therapeutic approaches, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and motivational interviewing. 

While in group therapy sessions, patients have the opportunity to discuss a number of different topics, including: 

• Identifying feelings 
• Changing negative thought patterns 
• Communication 
• Managing moods 
• Self-esteem and self-efficacy 
• Assertiveness 
• Problem-solving 
• Goal setting 
• Crisis prevention 
• Healthy boundaries 
• Relationships 
• Managing the effects of trauma 

Therapy sessions in our IOP are led by licensed social workers or other experienced professionals. If a patient receives medication management services while participating in our IOP, their care will include weekly meetings with a psychiatrist.  

The amount of time a patient spends in our IOP is based on the progress they make throughout their time in the program. Patients play an active role in their treatment process, and they are able to speak with their treatment team if they believe that they are ready to graduate from the program or if they feel that they need or want to remain longer.  

The specific benefits each patient receives from our IOP can vary depending on personal factors, such as their history, the nature and severity of the symptoms they’re experiencing, and their immediate and long-term goals.  

However, all adults who take part in the IOP at Mount Carmel Behavioral Health can expect to benefit from several features of our programming, including: 

• Personalized service – At every level of care, our goal is to provide each patient with the customized services that will best prepare them to make sustained progress toward improved health. Our IOP team will take the time to get to know you as a unique individual so that we can be sure that you are receiving the focused care that’s most beneficial to you. 

 

• Experienced professionals – At the IOP level, you will work in close collaboration with a team of experienced and compassionate professionals. In addition to their training and expertise, each member of our staff shares an unwavering commitment to providing superior, personalized service. 

 

• Safe environment – While you are receiving care in our IOP, you will be in a safe and welcoming environment. Our team is dedicated to ensuring that each person who participates in IOP sessions receives customized care and comprehensive support in an atmosphere of dignity and respect.  

 

• Shared support – Many people who struggle with mental health concerns also develop a sense of isolation. In our IOP, you can discover that you are not alone, and that other people understand what you have been experiencing. Our program can help you develop the personal support network that can benefit you for years to come. 

If you would like to learn more about our intensive outpatient program or any of the services we offer at our treatment center in Columbus, Ohio, please reach out to us at your convenience. Our team is available anytime to answer any questions you have and help you make the best decision for yourself or a loved one.