Breaking Through Resistance: Overcoming the Challenges of Starting IOP

Starting an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) can feel overwhelming. It is often an intense time commitment and requires dedication and a desire to improve on your mental health. Although it can feel overwhelming, IOP is a massive step towards recovery. Here are some of the common challenges clients face - and how to overcome them. 

Emotional Resistance 

In some cases, people don’t feel an intensive outpatient program (IOP) is the right fit for them. They may not feel as though their symptoms are ‘severe’ enough to require an intensive program, or may feel shame or embarrassment about starting treatment. 

TIP: Try to reframe IOP as a positive step towards improving your mental health now - and for the rest of your life! It’s not a sign of failure, but rather strength to give yourself the opportunity to learn and grow. 

Fear of Being Vulnerable

It can feel very intimidating to join a group therapy setting, especially if you’re used to individual therapy. 

TIP: You are the captain of this ship - you get to decide how slowly or quickly you jump in and share about yourself and your story. There’s no expectation for you to share immediately. Our programs allow you to ease in at your own pace, and respect emotional boundaries so you can adjust and feel comfortable. 

 

Commitment to Schedule 

One of the most common concerns we hear when considering an IOP is the time commitment. IOPs typically run throughout the week for several hours each day. 

TIP: Try to reframe the way you think about IOP and the required commitment. As an intensive program, our sessions run four times a week for three hours each day. While it feels like - and IS - a huge time commitment, the program is short term - typically 8-12 weeks, and will equip you with tools that will last a lifetime. Many of our programs are run during the evenings, allowing school and work schedules to remain intact. You are committing yourself to improving your mental health and well-being during your time at IOP. 

 

Financial or Insurance Barriers 

Concerns about program costs or insurance coverage can feel overwhelming and sometimes impossible. 

TIP: Speak to our insurance specialist to see if we are in network with your insurance and what coverage might look like. 

 

Fear of Judgment

You may have concerns about how others will view your engagement in a mental health or substance use intensive outpatient program. 

TIP: Your health and recovery are paramount. Many people engage in mental health treatment of some kind. It’s up to you to decide how much you share with loved ones regarding your treatment. You will also likely find the group environment to be highly supportive to your recovery; think of a built in support system! 

 

Lack of Motivation or Hopelessness 

Depression, anxiety, and addiction can leave you with low motivation and energy. This can result in feelings of hopelessness regarding your mental health. 

TIP: Take it one step at a time. Seeking help is progress. Showing up is progress. Motivation builds once you are engaged and begin to see the possibility of change. We’re happy to offer in-person IOP, a hybrid IOP option, or virtual IOP to help you adjust to the demands of the schedule over time. 

Fear of the Unknown 

Some people have never heard of or had experience with Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP). This can leave people feeling uncertain, anxious, or fearful of what IOP looks like and if it will be a good fit for them. 

TIP: Our staff is more than happy to speak with you about the structure of IOP, how it works, and if we feel it would be a good fit for you. Our IOP includes group therapy, individual check ins, activities, and opportunities for family therapy. If you have questions regarding the program - feel free to reach out! 

 

It can feel incredibly challenging and overwhelming to consider an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for you or a loved one. However, many sources of resistance or challenges in starting can be worked through with the support of your care team. There’s never shame in getting the help you need. IOP is an excellent opportunity to build knowledge of emotional regulation, skills, and strategies that will benefit you for the rest of your life! 

 

For more information about IOP:

Call: 860-946-0447 

Email: hhs4help@gmail.com

Notice is hereby given that, pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes Sec. 19a-638, Hopewell Health Solutions, LLC is applying for a certificate of need to establish an outpatient behavioral health care facility for adults at 248 Flanders Road, East Lyme, with an associated capital expenditure of $10,000. Interested persons may contact the State of Connecticut, Office of Health Strategy, Attention: Steven Lazarus, 450 Capitol Ave. MS #510HS, Hartford, CT 06134 or by phone at 860.418.7001 for additional information.