Adult Intensive Outpatient Program

Intensive outpatient programs are designed to provide patients with structured care that is less intensive than residential programming but more intensive than traditional outpatient therapy. In the intensive outpatient program at our Louisiana hospital, we deliver compassionate, personalized services for adults who are struggling with mental health concerns and substance use disorders. Our comprehensive services include individual, group, and family therapies, as well as medication management as needed. The program length can vary depending on each patient’s needs but generally lasts at least two to six weeks. 

For patients who are struggling with opioid addictions, our IOP also includes medication-assisted treatment (MAT). MAT is backed by organizations such as the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and has been shown to help patients who are struggling with opioid addictions by combining the use of prescription medications with therapy. 

counselors, medical professionals, and support staff will ensure that each IOP patient is receiving the interventions that will allow him or her to further progress in recovery while navigating the presenting symptoms of whatever mental or behavioral health issue is at hand.

If you or a loved one is struggling with a mental health or substance use disorder, participating in an intensive outpatient program can offer several benefits, including: 

• Structured support with flexibility: Intensive outpatient programs can provide patients with consistent access to therapy while allowing them to maintain their daily routines, such as going to work or school or keeping up with family responsibilities. 

• Personalized care plans: Our personalized care plans address each patient’s unique needs, ensuring individualized guidance as they work toward healing. 

• Comprehensive therapy: Our IOP offerings include group and individual therapy sessions. These sessions provide supportive settings in which patients can address personal concerns. We also offer family therapy, which can help patients improve their communication skills and build or repair relationships with loved ones. 

• Peer support: Our IOP encourages peer interaction, helping patients connect with others who are facing similar challenges. Group therapy sessions create a sense of community and accountability and can provide a place where patients can share their experiences without fear of judgment.  

• Continued care after completing a higher level of programming: Our IOP can serve as a bridge between inpatient programming and independent living, providing continued structure and guidance as patients continue to move forward on their healing journey. Many of our patients choose to step down to our IOP after completing our inpatient program.  

• Relapse prevention: Our IOP can assist patients who are struggling with substance use disorders in developing better coping strategies, which can help them identify and manage their individual triggers and reduce the risk for relapse in the future. 

Eligibility for the IOP at Longleaf Hospital is based on an individual’s current needs. A person may qualify for admission to the IOP if they: 

• Are struggling with a mental health concern, a substance use disorder, or both 

• Need structured support but do not require acute, 24/7 inpatient care 

• Are experiencing difficulties in their daily life, relationships, or work due to their symptoms 

• Are motivated to participate in programming while maintaining a higher level of independence 

• Have completed a higher level of programming (such as our inpatient program) and need ongoing assistance and guidance 

Our intensive outpatient program is designed for people who are struggling with mental health and substance use disorders. We can help patients address many concerns, including:  

• Anxiety 

• Depression 

• Bipolar disorder 

• Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) 

• Borderline personality disorder 

• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) 

• Oppositional defiant disorder  

• Intermittent explosive disorder  

• Self-harm 

• Schizophrenia 

• Schizoaffective disorder 

• Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder 

No matter what you are struggling with, know that you are not alone. When you are ready to seek care, the expert team at Longleaf is here to guide you on the path to healing.  

In our IOP, we deliver compassionate and evidence-based care for adults, including: 

• Group therapy: Led by a licensed master’s-level clinician, group therapy provides patients with a safe and welcoming space to share their experiences and receive support from their peers. During group therapy sessions, our care team incorporates evidence-based practices such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing (MI), and solution-focused therapy. Topics typically include stress management, communication skills, and coping strategies for those who are healing from mental health and substance use disorders. Our group sessions take place three times per week, with three groups meeting each of these days. 

• Individual therapy: In individual therapy, patients can focus on personal concerns within a confidential environment. In these sessions, our caring counselors listen without judgment and help patients develop the tools and skills they need to support their long-term healing. Individual therapy is offered on an as-needed basis and is led by a licensed master’s-level clinician. 

• Medication management: Our staff can also offer medication management services if necessary. At Longleaf, whether a patient takes medication as part of their care is always a personal choice. If patients choose to incorporate medication into their care plan, they can meet with a psychiatrist as needed. 

• Medication-assisted treatment: In our IOP, we can also provide MAT, which combines the use of FDA-approved medications like methadone, buprenorphine, and Suboxone® with individual and group therapy. This treatment method can provide patients with relief from withdrawal symptoms so that they can address the physical, mental, and emotional impacts of opioid addiction. 

At Longleaf Hospital, we foster an encouraging and welcoming environment where patients can work toward rebuilding their lives with confidence. No matter where you are on your healing journey, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. 

If you are looking for even more flexibility in terms of receiving intensive outpatient support, our Louisiana hospital also offers an evening intensive outpatient program for adults age 18 and older who are struggling with mental health concerns and substance use disorders. Patients who participate in this program can receive high-quality care without disruption to their usual daily activities, such as working, going to school, or caring for loved ones during the day. The typical program length is six to 12 weeks, but the length can vary depending on each patient’s needs. 

As with our other program offerings, care plans for patients in the adult evening IOP are tailored to their individual needs and goals. We offer individual and group therapy for all patients, as well as family therapy on an as-needed basis. Our evidence-based services incorporate cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing, as well as 12-Step methodology for patients who are struggling with addictions. These services can help patients develop healthier coping strategies, which can improve their chances of finding long-term healing.  

As part of their care plans, some adult IOP patients are prescribed medications. In these cases, the medical professionals on staff at Longleaf meet with patients twice per week to provide medication management services.  

Located in a peaceful setting in Alexandria, Louisiana, Longleaf Hospital provides intensive outpatient programming for those who are struggling with mental health concerns and addictions. When you choose Longleaf, you can expect: 

• Expert care: Our expert care team is knowledgeable, compassionate, and committed to helping you discover true healing.  

• Comprehensive support: In our IOP, we incorporate a variety of services to address each patient’s holistic needs.  

• Personalized care plans: We make it a priority to understand your experiences, symptoms, and goals, and we develop a care plan that is as unique as you are. 

• Positive, encouraging environment: Our intensive outpatient program provides a positive, encouraging space to share your experiences, grow, and heal.  

At Longleaf, we are here to guide you every step of the way on your journey to healing. Our goal is to help you rediscover joy and work toward a brighter, healthier future. 

If you would like more information about our intensive outpatient program or any of our other levels of care, simply reach out to us at your convenience. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff is available to answer your questions at any time and can help you determine whether the IOP at Longleaf Hospital is right for you or your loved one.  

This content was written on behalf of and reviewed by the clinical staff at Longleaf Hospital.