If you want to know the difference between outpatient therapy and an intensive outpatient program, let Fair Park Counseling answer all your questions. Learn about these treatments here. Addiction does not take time off. If you do not take it seriously, addiction can cost you your life. If you or a loved one is considering treatment for substance abuse, you may have questions about the various types of treatment. In particular, you might wonder what the difference between outpatient therapy and intensive outpatient therapy is.
Although they sound almost the same, they are two distinct treatment options. Those who suffer from addiction need to commit to overcoming their obstacles. But working up the courage to tackle substance abuse issues is not an easy thing to do.
Sometimes inpatient therapy options won’t work due to life and work requirements. But simple outpatient therapy often doesn’t carry enough power for you to kick the addiction and get on the road to recovery.
Most of the time, people feel that they must choose between inpatient and outpatient therapy. Both options provide much-needed care for someone who experiences addiction. But there is a gap between the two choices. And that gap can be the reason why a person doesn’t follow through with a recovery plan.
Our counselors see what happens when people do not follow the recommendations of aftercare once they leave a treatment facility. If you feel that you need any level of care in facing your addiction, reach out to the team at Fair Park Counseling.
What Does Traditional Outpatient Therapy Mean?
This form of treatment means that you do not check yourself into a residential clinic. Instead, you take advantage of counseling appointments that fit around your work and life schedule. You still live at home and use therapy to support you in recovery. It is a very popular choice due to that fact.
Why Should You Choose Intensive Outpatient Therapy?
Intensive outpatient therapy (IOP) can be a perfect fit to close the gap between inpatient and outpatient services. If you are not a candidate for inpatient care or have already completed a residential program, IOP might be just what you need.
When patients leave a treatment facility, they may still need assistance in using the new skills they have learned. If a traditional outpatient therapy program isn’t offering enough help and accountability, intensive outpatient therapy may be appropriate. It can provide a much more robust and consistent level of support to reinforce new habits and skills.
So What Is the Difference Between Outpatient Therapy and an Intensive Outpatient Progam (Therapy)?
Both options have the same goal: supporting addiction recovery. But IOP is more aggressive for cases where someone needs a much higher level of support.
Traditional and intensive outpatient therapy are both great choices in recovery. They each offer convenience, privacy, and the ability to maintain your work-life balance. And the chance to sleep in your own bed every night is a big selling point for both types of outpatient therapy.
Intensive outpatient therapy is just what the name suggests: intense. At Fair Park Counseling, you will attend more classes, more group sessions, and more one-on-one time with our master addiction counselors. The increased quantity allows you to achieve a higher level of health and wellness in recovery.
Here are the most important things to consider about the two choices.
Time
The biggest difference between outpatient therapy and intensive outpatient therapy is the amount of time you spend with a counselor. Our staff of Master Addiction Counselors will not rush you through this process.
The time you spend on your counseling and therapy is in direct correlation to the success you will have in recovery. Intensive outpatient therapy allows you more time to give you a chance at a higher degree of success.
It most cases, standard outpatient therapy encompasses one or two hours per week. Intensive outpatient therapy cranks up that amount to a minimum of 10 hours per week. This extended amount of time gives you the greatest chance of success in your healing process. Our incredible staff of professional addiction counselors will craft and implement a personal recovery solution for you and support you throughout your time here.
Cost-Effectiveness
Intensive outpatient therapy means that you can take part in a proven system to help with your addiction issues. But unlike with inpatient therapy, you don’t have to give up your job to do so. You can maintain that crucial balance between work and life so you can continue to earn money.
You will be able to fit your IOP sessions around your schedule, so you do not have to take time away from work or school. This option allows you to keep your momentum going while getting the right help for your battle against addiction.
Ease the Transition Back to Normal Life
If you are finishing a course of treatment at an inpatient facility, IOP therapy is a great next step. Intensive outpatient therapy can provide a rigorous support system for those patients in need of extra reinforcement as they transition from inpatient therapy.
Shifting back to a typical life can be challenging for people battling substance abuse. With its focus on more time, access, and support, intensive outpatient therapy is a perfect gap solution to help you get fully on the road to recovery.
Trust the Experts
Intensive outpatient therapy exists because it works. Our expert staff sees the successes every day. With extended time to focus on the issues of addiction, patients enjoy longer-lasting recovery.
When someone leaves inpatient treatment, the typical recommendation is to enroll in IOP therapy. Patients who do not follow the recommendations or aftercare plans from their treatment facilities struggle to remain sober.
Many people overestimate their ability to be successful in recovery when leaving rehab. It’s critical to remember that addiction is a disease and requires consistent follow-up care.
If someone receives treatment for heart disease, they generally follow the doctor’s instructions for aftercare to remain healthy. It seems reasonable. The same should be said for those battling substance abuse. It is crucial to follow the recommendations and care plans from your doctor, counselor, and treatment facility.
Recovery Is Possible
Regardless of where you are in your recovery journey, Fair Park Counseling is here to help. For assistance in recovering from substance abuse, our counselors can help with intake, referrals, and full intensive outpatient therapy. We are on your team.