Intensive Outpatient Program Increases Offerings to Meet Growing Needs

How Expanding Access to Intensive Outpatient Services Helps Those on The Path to Recovery

Breaking the cycle of addiction takes action, perseverance, and maintenance. Bridges’ Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) facilitates all of this by providing specialized treatment for individuals who are dealing with both mental health and substance use issues. This all-inclusive high level of care is designed to help people maintain their sobriety and recovery while living as independently as possible.

Bridges’ IOP program is conducted as group treatment for three hours per day, three days a week. In 2023, to meet the high demand, Bridges doubled its IOP offerings by adding a second group, and the creation of a third group is currently being considered. In total, individuals take part for 45 days or 15 weeks and they benefit from supports such as individual check ins, peer advice and going over the benefits of a 12-step program.

“I get a lot from this group,” says Bridges client, Everett. “Before I came here, I had a lot of social anxiety. But being here has helped me open up. Even my family says there is a big change in me. I got my family back. I am a workaholic, but I come to IOP straight from work because it means a lot to me.

Staffed by licensed clinical social workers and licensed professional counselors, the groups follow a set curriculum. Random urine toxicology screens are performed, which is one of the measurements, along with attendance, that insurance providers use to continue authorization for treatment.

Each IOP group includes a peer who offers valuable guidance by sharing their own experience in recovering from substance use disorder and what they’ve done to remain substance-free. The peer’s success gives group members someone to model and helps them stay engaged in the recovery process.

“The need is growing. Since COVID, we are seeing more people who have co-occurring disorders. People who used during COVID to cope are now looking to come through it on the other side,” according to Dawn SilverDeAngelis, Bridges’ Director of Adult Services. “Those in the IOP groups are looking for the support they need to be substance-free.”

Individuals come to Bridges’ IOP from different sources, including hospitals, rehab programs, private clinicians, our MATT’s Van, and court referrals. Bridges does its best to eliminate any gaps in timing to get people directly into our program.

According to Everett, “IOP means everything to me. I would not have my family in my life if it was not for this group. I know that. I speak highly of IOP and the staff as often as I can. Sometimes it is tiring to come three times a week from 5-8 pm, but I needed it and showed up and it has been great.”