If you’re struggling with a mental health condition, it can be difficult to function like you usually would. But with the right treatment, you can begin to heal from the symptoms that have been so disruptive to your daily life. San Jose Behavioral Health Hospital provides an intensive outpatient program (IOP) for adults who have various mental health concerns.
Introduction to IOP
Adults who take part in the intensive outpatient program at San Jose Behavioral Health Hospital receive structured therapeutic services multiple days per week while also having the opportunity to work, attend school, participate in volunteer activities, or otherwise engage in a healthy independent lifestyle.
Our intensive outpatient program provides care three days per week. Each treatment day consists of three hours of therapy, for a total of nine weekly hours. This program is often ideal for adults who need a higher level of care than can be provided via traditional outpatient services but whose needs aren’t severe enough to warrant 24-hour services.
Typical program participation is eight to 12 weeks, but the amount of time you spend in our IOP will depend solely on your progress and needs. As is the case with all levels of care at our San Jose, California, hospital, length of stay and other care-related decisions in our IOP are made according to what’s best for each patient.
Some individuals enroll in our intensive outpatient program after completing an inpatient, residential, or partial hospitalization program (PHP). For these adults, our IOP provides step-down support as they prepare to transition to the next stage of their healing process. In other cases, adults enter directly at the IOP level, or they step up from traditional outpatient services.
Program Features
Prior to starting this program, you’ll complete an assessment that will identify your needs and goals and allow our clinical team to develop the individualized plan that is right for you.
Group therapy is the main method of care, offering a variety of benefits for those who are recovering from certain mental health challenges. Groups are safe and supportive environments where you can share your thoughts, learn from the experiences of others, gain valuable information about mental health disorders and the recovery process, and practice healthy communication skills.
Groups can also help break down the sense of isolation that can occur when you’ve been suffering from a mental health disorder. You can discover that you are not alone and that you should not feel shame or guilt because of the symptoms you have been struggling with.
In addition to group therapy, potential services for IOP participants include:
- Basic medical care
- Medication management
- Individual therapy
- Family therapy
- Experiential therapy
If you need basic medical services, you can meet with a nurse once per week while you’re taking part in our IOP. If you receive medication management services, you may meet twice a month with a psychiatrist and have multiple meetings with members of our nursing staff.
Individual therapy occurs once a week, and family therapy is scheduled on an as-needed basis. These sessions are conducted by a therapist or social worker.
Examples of experiential therapies in our IOP include mindfulness, art therapy, and guided imagery. Experiential therapies are offered on a regular basis and are typically incorporated into groups.
Admissions Criteria
We make all admissions decisions on an individual basis. We review the medical history, strengths, needs, and goals of each person who is being considered for our IOP.
The objective of this assessment process is to ensure that our IOP is the optimal environment for each person. If at any point we determine that our IOP isn’t the right place for you, we’ll work with you to make an appropriate referral to a trusted and vetted provider in the area.
In general terms, our IOP is designed for individuals who meet the following criteria:
- Age 18 or older (all genders accepted)
- Have a primary diagnosis of a mental health disorder
- Can have a substance use disorder diagnosis if primary diagnosis is a mental health disorder
- Able to fully engage in all therapeutic interventions
- Need a higher level of care than can be provided via traditional outpatient therapy
- Do not require the more intensive services that are available via an inpatient, residential, or partial hospitalization program
To determine if our IOP services are right for you, please contact us today. A member of our team is available 24/7 to answer all your questions and help you make the most informed decision.
