Teen & Adolescent Addiction Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
We you will learn:
- What is an intensive outpatient program for adolescents?
- How is an IOP different from other levels of care?
- What are the benefits of Guardian Recovery’s IOP for teens?
Teen & Adolescent Substance Use Disorder Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
Choosing the right treatment for a teenager struggling with behavioral concerns can be a daunting task. Intensive outpatient treatment (IOP) offers a balanced approach that combines the impact of inpatient care with the flexibility of outpatient programs.
At Guardian Recovery, our adolescent IOP provides a supportive and therapeutic environment where teens can address their behavioral issues and develop healthy coping skills. Our experienced clinicians work closely with each teen to create a personalized treatment plan that addresses their unique needs.
Beyond treating addiction symptoms, we focus on understanding the underlying causes of substance use, such as trauma, mental health conditions, and environmental factors. By empowering teens and families to address these issues, we help them build a strong foundation for long-term recovery and resilience.
Don’t let behavioral, mental health, or substance use disrupt your teen’s future. Reach out now to discover how our holistic approach can provide the support and guidance they need to thrive.
What Is an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) For Adolescents?
Guardian Recovery’s intensive outpatient program for adolescents is a specific level of care that allows teens to attend school, engage in their day-to-day lives, and live at home or in a sober living environment while simultaneously participating in treatment. Doing so provides not only a structured and supportive program to continue growth and healing but also a means to practice life skills amid newfound challenges and old triggers—all with a familiar support structure firmly in place.
Often, teens employ Guardian Recovery’s adolescent IOP as a step-down in care from one of our more intensive services, including medical detox, inpatient/residential care, or the partial hospitalization program (PHP). However, if detox and intensive levels of care are unnecessary, our IOP can serve as a standalone treatment modality for teens.Â
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How is an IOP Rehab Program Different From Teen Residential Inpatient Treatment?
An IOP offers many of the same therapies and services provided in more intensive levels of care. For example, teens participate in individual, group, and family therapy, and receive medication-assisted treatment (MAT) as needed. Plus, Guardian Recovery’s adolescent care experts employ evidence-based strategies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR), motivational interviewing (MI), and more. However, IOPs offer fewer sessions per week and generally shorter session durations. As such, IOPs bridge the gap between intensive care and your teen’s new normal.
Regardless of the level of care that best fits your teen, Guardian Recovery offers a holistic approach that addresses the underlying causes of behavioral issues, substance use, and mental and emotional health concerns. Since these issues often overlap and fuel one another, our treatment programs enable teens to identify and address the underlying factors that drive their behavior.Â
Whole-person and whole-family healing are also an integral part of our mission. As such, we help teens to develop effective communication, life skills, relapse prevention tools, and more. Plus, we integrate families into the healing process via family therapy, workshops, and parent support groups. Both in-person and virtual sessions are available to serve in- and out-of-state clients.
At Guardian Recovery, treatment isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. That means that based on various physical, mental, and emotional health assessments, Guardian Recovery customizes treatment according to your child’s needs, wants, and preferences. And prior to discharge, we provide a comprehensive aftercare plan, enabling teens to seamlessly transition from our IOP to further step-downs in care, such as our outpatient services and virtual care options.
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The Benefits of Intensive Outpatient Treatment for Teen Recovery
Guardian Recovery’s IOP provides holistic care that treats the underlying issues that drive troubling teen behaviors, substance use, and mental and emotional concerns. Within a safe and structured support program, teens can address these underlying issues and continue to build the skills necessary to thrive today and in the future.
Additional benefits of our IOP for adolescents include:
- Personal Freedom and Flexibility. Guardian Recovery’s IOP is an ideal treatment option for teens that don’t need intensive care, as it allows them to continue to attend school and participate in various personal activities while in treatment. Additionally, teens can return home or to a sober living environment in the evening.Â
- Lower Treatment Cost. Since residential inpatient treatment includes room and board, the cost of an IOP program is often considerably less than residential care. At Guardian Recovery, we work closely with most major health insurance providers to make all levels of care as accessible as possible.
- Support Network. Our IOP provides a built-in support system for adolescents. Teens can offer one another peer support and encouragement as they learn to communicate in healthy and effective ways and develop meaningful friendships. Additionally, parents can access family therapy and parent support groups through Guardian Recovery.
- Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) and Psychiatric Services. Our IOP offers psychiatric care services and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) as needed. These FDA-approved medications can significantly decrease the risk of relapse, reduce cravings, and minimize withdrawal symptoms.
- Dual Diagnosis Care. Mental health and substance use disorders often occur concurrently, a phenomenon known as co-occurring disorders or a dual-diagnosis. Given the complex interrelationship between the disorders, best practice is to treat both conditions at the same time. Guardian Recovery offers a host of dual-diagnosis treatment options that promote holistic healing.
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What Is the Treatment Process Like in an Intensive Outpatient Program?
The treatment process at Guardian Recovery begins with a thorough evaluation of your teen’s medical and mental health history. Our experienced professionals engage with both you and your teen to collect vital information that informs the creation of a personalized treatment plan, addressing aspects such as the recommended duration, medications, therapies, and more. If you are transitioning from another level of care with Guardian Recovery, previous assessments and records are seamlessly transferred to the IOP.
Teens typically attend treatment 3 to 5 days a week for a few hours per session. Many of our locations offer several different schedules, including a morning track, an afternoon track, and an evening track. The duration of stay in this stage of treatment is based on what is deemed clinically appropriate, but IOP typically lasts 60 days or longer.Â
In addition to one-on-one therapy with counselors, teens engage in group therapy, providing them with opportunities to connect with peers, work through conflicts, and share their experiences and achievements. These group settings foster a supportive atmosphere where participants are encouraged to express their emotions and uplift one another.Â
Additionally, virtual treatment options are also available to foster even more flexibility and less travel time for parents and teens.
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What to Expect in an IOP for Substance Use Treatment
Along with the aforementioned activities and care, your teen and your family can expect the following from Guardian Recovery’s IOP for adolescents:
- Individual Therapy. Facilitated by their personal counselor, individual therapy sessions allow teens to explore personal issues in a confidential, one-on-one setting.
- Group Sessions. Teens participate in group therapy sessions where they share their experiences and learn from others in similar situations, developing better communication skills and building a support network.
- Healing Environment. Designed specifically for teens, each treatment center is set up to be a safe and nurturing space that promotes healing and wellness.
- Life Skills Training. Teens learn new coping strategies and life skills that will serve them well during their treatment and beyond.
- Family Involvement. In-person and virtual family therapy sessions foster whole-family growth. Plus, workshops and peer groups empower parents and guardians to get the support they need.
- Aftercare Planning. Based on your child’s needs and progress, your case manager crafts and adjusts an aftercare plan to ensure continued recovery and growth once your child leaves treatment.
Mental Health Treatment in an Intensive Outpatient Program
Mental health, behavioral issues, and substance use often overlap and can significantly impact each other, creating a self-perpetuating cycle that worsens conditions. Adolescents are particularly susceptible to these challenges due to their developing brains and increased risk-taking behaviors.1
Adolescent-specific research indicates a strong connection between substance use disorders and mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, trauma/PTSD, and more. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that many teens struggling with substance use also have co-occurring mental health issues, a condition known as dual diagnosis. Additionally, early substance use can increase the risk of developing mental health problems later in life.1
At Guardian Recovery, we understand the complexities of dual diagnosis and offer specialized care to address both mental health and substance use issues simultaneously. Our integrated approach utilizes evidence-based therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing (MI), to help teens develop healthy coping skills and a genuine desire for change.
By addressing both conditions concurrently, we provide a more effective and comprehensive path to recovery. Studies consistently demonstrate the superiority of integrated treatment over separate approaches.2
Factors When Choosing IOP Treatment for Your Teen
The most important factor when choosing a teen IOP is whether it meets the needs of your teen and your family. If a teen is progressing from a higher level of care and the facility offers IOP—as is the case with Guardian Recovery—stepping down to its IOP program can provide continuity of care with people who already know your child.
Other important considerations include:
- Is the program licensed and accredited?
- Does the IOP only address substance use, and does it focus on holistic behavioral care?
- Are comprehensive evaluations and assessments offered?
- Does the facility offer various scheduling tracks that are convenient to your family?
- Do they provide a wide variety of therapies?
- Are family-focused services available?
- Is there access to aftercare?
- Do they offer traditional and holistic therapies?
- Do they provide mental health treatment for co-occurring disorders?
Guardian Recovery’s adolescent IOP ticks all of these boxes and then some. As a fully licensed adolescent recovery center, we also hold The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval, the highest level of accreditation for healthcare providers.
How Do I Know if Intensive Outpatient Treatment Is Right for My Child?
Deciding exactly which program is right for your child can be a difficult task. At Guardian Recovery, our simple admissions process can help you and your family determine which of our treatment programs will best meet your child’s treatment needs.Â
Reach out now for a free and confidential conversation. Our staff can answer your questions, discuss various treatment options, and provide a free initial assessment to help determine which treatment route will likely best meet your child’s needs.
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Is your teen struggling with emotional or mental health issues? Are they exhibiting problem behaviors such as truancy, fighting, disinterest, substance use, etc. ?
You and your teen are not alone. At Guardian Recovery, we understand the challenges you’re facing and are committed to providing a safe and supportive treatment plan that provides whole-person healing. We work closely with parents and guardians to not only help teens overcome current obstacles but also empower them to develop the skills necessary to thrive well into the future.Â
Ready to take the next step? Our admissions process is simple and straightforward. Reach out to our experienced advisors, who can answer your questions, discuss treatment options, and verify your insurance.
Let’s work together to help your teen thrive. Contact Guardian Recovery today to learn more about our programs and how we can support your family.
FAQs
Since each treatment program is customized to the unique needs of each teen in our care, no two care plans are alike. As such, costs vary dramatically. Generally speaking, however, the cost of an IOP is significantly less than that of inpatient care, given the added costs of room and board with the latter option. Additionally, we accept most major insurance plans, and both mental health and substance use disorder care are typically covered by insurance.Â
To know for sure how much you’ll pay and how much insurance will cover, reach out now for a free and confidential phone call. Our staff can answer your questions, discuss care options, verify insurance benefits, and discuss alternative payment options if necessary.
Effective recovery is fueled by a full continuum of care. Thus, we encourage residential clients to transition to an outpatient or aftercare program following IOP. This might include ongoing therapy, participation in 12-Step groups, and more.
Trained in behavioral, mental health, and substance use treatment, our care teams plan for and address any physical or mental health conditions that occur alongside substance use. We then integrate any necessary accommodations and medications into your teen’s care plan and provide ongoing communication with you as well as updates to the care plan as necessary.
We go above and beyond HIPAA and health privacy standards to ensure the privacy of our teens and families. If you are concerned about specific privacy requirements, reach out to learn more.
We offer a host of family-specific services as your teen progresses through our treatment options. Parents and guardians can participate in family therapy, workshops, educational sessions, and peer support groups.
Yes. One of the main advantages of our teen IOP is that your child can still attend school while in treatment.
Sources
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2018). Common Comorbidities with Substance Use Disorders Research Report. Part 1: The Connection Between Substance Use Disorders and Mental Illness.Â
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2018). Common Comorbidities with Substance Use Disorders Research Report. What are the treatments for comorbid substance use disorder and mental health conditions?
Reviewed professionally for accuracy by:
Ryan Soave
L.M.H.C.
Ryan Soave brings deep experience as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, certified trauma therapist, program developer, and research consultant for Huberman Lab at Stanford University Department of Neurobiology. Post-graduation from Wake Forest University, Ryan quickly discovered his acumen for the business world. After almost a decade of successful entrepreneurship and world traveling, he encountered a wave of personal and spiritual challenges; he felt a calling for something more. Ryan returned to school and completed his Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling. When he started working with those suffering from addiction and PTSD, he found his passion. He has never looked back.
