Next Steps for Transitioning Out of IOP

This blog shares the next steps for transitioning out of IOP. After you complete an IOP, or intensive outpatient program, it’s recommended that you step down to outpatient therapy. Your IOP may even support you in getting that set up prior to your graduation. 

 

What’s the difference between outpatient therapy and intensive outpatient therapy? In your IOP, you likely had several forms of mental health treatment, several times per week. This looks like having some group therapy, then individual therapy, possibly family therapy, and more. 

 

In outpatient therapy in Simi Valley, you would have therapy once or twice a week. Depending on your needs, the therapist can understand what frequency of sessions is appropriate for you as well. So, why continue therapy after IOP? 

 

This is to help maintain the progress you have already made, build support outside of your program, and provide regular management of symptoms. Continuing treatment after your IOP program helps you adjust to caring for your mental health independently and promotes utilizing skills and coping strategies you have acquired as you transition out of IOP. 

 

If you’re transitioning out of IOP in Simi Valley, Ca, consider calling us for a free consultation on our services and experience. Make sure to read our blog on Therapy After IOP.

 

Next Steps for Transitioning Out of IOP: Hold consultations to ensure you find the right fit

Individuals can go into IOPs for a variety of different reasons. This could include having suicidal thoughts, self-harming behaviors, severe depression or anxiety, trauma, substance use, anger issues, and much more. 

 

Now that you have made progress, received consistent support, and developed coping skills and strategies, it’s important to continue strengthening these areas. You’ll want to be working with the right fit, that will effectively guide and support you to do this. 

 

By holding consultations, you can get a sense of a therapist’s personality and ask them some important questions. You can gather information about how they approach treatment, what modalities they utilize, their experience working with the issue, and more. 

 

You can also gather information relating to their fees and insurance policy. Alongside this, you may also want to ensure that they have the right availability for your needs, and most things seem to be a great fit for you. 

 

When you’re transitioning out of IOP, it’s important to have the right support to guide you on your next steps. Make sure to read our blog on What to Do When You Have Relapsed!

 

Next Steps for Transitioning Out of IOP: Plan to schedule for weekly sessions 

When transitioning out of IOP, you can plan to have weekly scheduled sessions. During your program, you likely had scheduled times and days throughout the week for various types of sessions. Now with your outpatient therapy, you’ll have one day a week with a set scheduled time to meet. 

 

It is preferred (and recommended) for outpatient therapy to begin on a weekly basis. This is for your therapist to begin developing rapport with you, learn more about your history, and be able to come up with an effective treatment plan. Your therapist will want to prevent too much time passing before sessions, to ensure they’re providing proper support. 

 

Consistency is essential for these sessions as well. As you continue navigating outpatient care, you and your therapist can discuss tapering down to bi-weekly sessions or once a month sessions. When your collaborative goals have been met, and the therapist believes it is appropriate to alter session frequency, you may even come as-needed.

 

Teens transitioning out of IOP would benefit from their own teen therapy in Simi Valley or family therapy in Simi Valley as well. 

 

Next Steps for Transitioning Out of IOP: Coordinate care between other providers moving forward

It’s possible that within your IOP, you were connected with a psychiatrist, nutritionist, physician, or more. These providers were actively collaborating together with you, and each other, to coordinate care. Perhaps you started a new medication and are planning to continue taking it through your outpatient therapy journey.

 

Continuing the care coordination between providers can be very helpful. Although it is not required, it can be good for providers to be able to connect and discuss the best course of treatment for your needs. Maybe you are in therapy and wanting to taper down from medication, for example.

 

In this case, your therapist and psychiatrist can collaborate to discuss how to support you in managing symptoms as they come up for you. Your therapist may also want to be aware of any common side effects for medications. In conclusion, the more information your therapy can have about your care and how it works for you, the better!

 

Transitioning out of IOP can be an easy and breezy process. Consider calling us today for therapy in Simi Valley, Ca at (805) 774-1506 x1 if you’re looking to continue care!

 

In-person therapy in Simi Valley is ideal for those seeking a separate, safe space from their home. Check out our blog on Online Therapy or In Office Therapy to understand what format is best for you. Another great blog to read is ours on if you need Therapy or Medication to address your issues.

 

By seeking out support, you can begin your journey to feeling relief. You don’t have to go through finding the right level of support alone, either. 

 

Consider calling our therapy group at (805) 774-1506 for a free consultation on how you or a loved one can get started today!

 

Seek out a validating, safe environment with us today. We will help you get to where you want to be. Our therapists provide trauma therapy, teen therapy, individual adult therapy, LGBTQIA+ therapy, anxiety therapy, depression therapy, family therapy, and more in-office in Simi Valley, CA.