Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

Our IOP includes a diverse array of programming. All clients enrolled in this service are asked to invite their chosen family to Multiple Family Group Therapy (MFGT). Clients are also required to participate in Individual Therapy at a mutually agreed upon time. IOP is primarily accomplished through process groups, education groups, skills building groups, and peer support. This programming is tailored both to the needs of the individual and to larger groups in order to provide insight into the disease of addiction, the process of recovery, and the skills necessary to manage thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that impede recovery. We want to collaborate, encourage, and support a changed lifestyle, fully independent from substance use.

An outpatient treatment program is, of course, a program that does not include residential treatment. An individual might choose to engage with an outpatient program in lieu of residential treatment or they might enroll in such a program as a follow-up to inpatient treatment for a substance use disorder.

At Waypoint Recovery Center, we refer to our outpatient services as our “intensive outpatient program” (IOP) because we want to emphasize the varied and robust aspects of the program. Waypoint’s IOP is designed to be collaborative, encouraging, and supportive of a changed lifestyle that no longer includes the use of drugs or alcohol. The program provides an excellent way to develop the wherewithal to keep the danger of relapse at bay.

In keeping with the notion of an “intensive” program, Waypoint’s IOP involves several layers—each intended to provide effective strategies and support to those in recovery from a substance use disorder.

First, every client who enrolls in the IOP is asked to invite their chosen family to multiple family group therapy (MFGT). As the name suggests, MFGT brings together multiple families in therapeutic sessions in which the variety of voices, relationships, generations, and the like can share in the process of healing and growing. It is important to acknowledge that addiction is a disease that impacts entire families—not just the person who has been using drugs or alcohol—and MFGT gives families a chance to share their experiences, support one another in challenging times, and celebrate together as progress is made.

Next, each person enrolled in the IOP takes part in individual therapy sessions. Individual therapy is personalized to meet the specific needs of the individual, but the underlying goal is the same: to provide strategies, resources, and support to help a person maintain their sobriety even when they face challenges. Good mental health and sobriety go hand-in-hand, and individual therapy helps strengthen and support both.

Much of work done in the IOP is accomplished in group settings. These groups may include:

• Process groups: In a process group several people meet together with a therapist to share their struggles and concerns. Process groups can help individuals learn more about themselves and about the ways in which they interact with others. The group setting allows for the development of mutual support and understanding.
• Education groups: An education group tends to be less focused on interpersonal relationships and more focused on learning. A trained therapist shares information and ideas that can help the members of the group develop good coping skills and the ability to set, pursue, and meet goals that support sobriety.
• Skills building groups: In a skill building group, members learn and practice skills that will serve them well in their day-to-day lives and help them lessen the likelihood of a relapse. Being able to skillfully manage the stresses of everyday life is an essential part of successfully maintaining sobriety over the long term.

Each of these groups provides an opportunity to benefit from (and to provide) peer support. Knowing that others are going through the same challenges can be helpful in terms of building empathy and staying motivated to stay sober.

In summary, Waypoint Recovery Center’s intensive outpatient program is tailored both to the needs of the individual and of larger groups. The program seeks to provide insight into the disease of addiction and the process of recovery. Grounded in evidence-practiced and administered by trained professionals who possess both expertise and compassion, the IOP helps those we serve to develop the range of skills necessary to manage thoughts, feelings, and behaviors effectively and healthily so that they do not impede recovery or upend hard won sobriety.