Can I Do a Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) at Home?

Yes, you can absolutely participate in a virtual IOP. One of the silver linings to the year 2020 was more accessible telehealth options, and at Lighthouse Recovery, we are pleased to be able to offer a holistic, thorough, virtual Intensive Outpatient Program. Although in most of the United States at this point, we are out of quarantine and coronavirus vaccinations are available to those choosing to receive one, some individuals may still opt for a virtual IOP for other reasons. There are some key differences and considerations to make when choosing a virtual intensive outpatient program, but many of our ways to make the most out of your IOP still fit for those doing a virtual IOP.

Consider the following before deciding to go the virtual route to your Intensive Outpatient Program:

Reliable Internet

Sounds obvious, but really think about the reliability of your Internet at home (or wherever you’ll participate in the 3 group sessions, individual therapy session, and recovery coach session). That is a lot of bandwidth! Ensure your Internet can support a Zoom session for an hour. The good news is after this past year of living in a pandemic, you’ve probably relied on Zoom to some degree! If you know your Internet doesn’t cut it, get a Wi-Fi extender or look into switching to a more reliable provider. It’s crucial for your drug or alcohol recovery that you are fully available, without getting disconnected, for your therapy sessions.

IOP Program Benefits

Integrative

We employ staff specializing in a wide range of modalities, allowing us to provide a more comprehensive approach. These modalities include, but are not limited to: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Psychodynamic Interpersonal Therapy (PIT), and Eye Movement Desensitization, and Reprocessing (EMDR).

Compassionate

Our highly trained staff work intensively with clients to address core issues. Every IOP session is aimed at reducing negative behaviors by addressing the emotions and thoughts that are often behind them. We work diligently and compassionately to make clients feel safe and understood.

Convenient

Our flexible programming allows clients to continue to live at home, go to work or attend school, and still get the therapeutic support they need. The average intensive outpatient program lasts eight to twelve weeks and combines three group therapy sessions and one individual therapy session per week. We offer night groups and telehealth options for those with busier schedules.

Cost-effective

Depending on the severity of the client’s case, programmatic therapy can be dramatically more cost-effective than a standard Inpatient Treatment program. We work with most private insurance providers to offset the majority of programming costs.

Insurances We Accept

Lighthouse accepts 100+ private insurance policies and offers cost-effective private-pay plans.

VERIFY YOUR INSURANCE

A device with a big screen

Especially for our virtual small-group sessions, you’ll want a bigger screen. Seeing 10 small headshot boxes on your phone screen doesn’t allow you a close enough view to connect with your peers. Relying on a phone simply won’t cut it.

A private, quiet room with no distractions

Consider the time of your sessions and your home environment. Make sure children, roommates, spouses, parents, or anyone else you live with know the hard boundary of your alone, private time during therapy. Dogs should be walked and tended to prior to the meeting. Make sure your children have someone else’s attention so your alcohol and drug recovery sessions are uninterrupted. While one of the pros to a virtual IOP is increased time at home (less travel commute to therapy!), you want to consider the challenges.

Commitment to your sessions

As with any alcohol or drug rehab program – virtual or not – commitment is key. A positive to going virtual for your IOP may mean no late arrivals because of Dallas traffic; however, it might seem easy to push your other plans late since you can log-in from virtually anywhere. A virtual IOP needs the same level of commitment and schedule blocking as an in-person IOP. Most IOPs last 8 to 12 weeks, a blip in time when you consider your addiction journey. Commit completely to your virtual IOP, as you would an in-person program, to achieve long-term drug recovery success.

Can participate from most anywhere

While coronavirus heightened the need for virtual Intensive Outpatient Programs, many who travel for business are reaping the benefits. The key feature to the virtual IOP is that you can participate from anywhere in Texas with Internet! With the ability to virtually participate in an IOP, there’s no excuse to delay your recovery journey now that business travel may be ramping back up again. We offer flexible meeting times, including evenings, which make the perfect excuse to miss a tempting alcohol-fueled work dinner or drinks event.

More flexibility

In general, a virtual IOP offers more flexibility. While our Lighthouse Recovery office for in-person IOP meets in Dallas near the Galleria, our virtual IOP is open to anyone, regardless of location.

Ability to do in-person

While you might go virtual to be able to complete your group and individual counseling remotely, you might also seek the accountability of an in-person session. For this reason, you can make your virtual IOP a hybrid. Your one-on-one with your recovery coach can be done in person (or via telehealth if you choose) while the therapy sessions are online. Talk with your team to see if that would work for you!

Your information is secure

We know how important it is for your therapy sessions to be completely secure. You’re sharing incredibly personal information through an online platform. That’s why we use Zoom, which is HIPPA-compliant and protects your PHI (personal health information).

Whatever reason you choose to participate in a virtual Intensive Outpatient Program, choose to complete yours with the Lighthouse Recovery team. We have small group sizes, licensed Masters-level clinicians utilizing a range of cognitive behavioral therapies, personally-matched recovery coaches all which help lead our Clients to long-term recovery and success. Unlike traditional drug rehab centers in Dallas, we address the underlying causes of substance abuse and addiction to help our Clients truly break free from addiction.

Why Choose our Dallas IOP?

Category	Lighthouse IOP	Standard IOP
Program Philosophy and Structure	Individualized, custom-built, and holistic curriculum Maximum of 8 persons per group Each client is matched with a Recovery Coach who can provide support outside of clinical programming by setting goals, building engagement in outside recovery groups, and creating accountability All Lighthouse Therapists are Masters-level clinicans with a wide range of experiences so we can best match client to Therapist Both in-person and Teleheath attendance options available Both day and night groups available 24/7 access to support plus 12 months of extended support	Standardized programming (usually an "off-the-shelf" curriculum) Up to 30 persons per group No Recovery Coaching i.e. program is limited to only hours spent in group and individual therapy leaving significant "gaps" in coverage Experience of Therapist varies from company to company as does the ability to "match" a client with the most applicable Theraupetic experience Attendance options vary from company to company Group options vary from company to company Extended support varies from company to company
Additional Program Features	Lighthouse is in-network with the most common insurance policies and accepts 100+ policies on an Out of Network basis Preferred Access to our Recovery Coaching Program Robust Network i.e. psychiatrists, neurofeeback specialists, etc. Beautifully designed, private office building centrally located in Dallas, TX	In Network benefits vary from company to company No access to in-house Recovery Coaching offered Referral Network for Auxiliary Services varies from company to company Condition and privacy of office varies from company to company

IOP Frequently Asked Questions

What is IOP?

Intensive outpatient program (IOP) is a lower level of care on the spectrum of treatment. It usually consists of three 3-hour group sessions a week with a licensed therapist and at least one 1-hour individual therapy session. IOP is perfect for those stepping down from a Residential or Inpatient Treatment Center, or those that are unable to commit to going away for a minimum of 30 days. IOP is often a good alternative for those with families or careers that they are unable to take too much time away from.

Is IOP right for me?

An intensive outpatient program is suitable for most people at some point in their recovery journey. Although we like to be able to help as many individuals as possible at Lighthouse, some clients require a higher level of care initially due to the severity of their addiction and are later suitable for the IOP level of care. We offer a free assessment for everyone who calls needing help with no obligation to enroll in our programs. Let one of our trained professionals help you make the determination.

How long does IOP last?

Typically, an IOP lasts 8 to 12 weeks. There are a number of factors that help determine the intensive outpatient program length, such as insurance benefits, medical necessity, and engagement.

How much does IOP cost?

Treatment can be expensive, but IOP is often on the lower end cost-wise when comparing it to Residential or Inpatient care. We’re able to work with most private insurances to help offset the cost of your treatment with us. If for some reason your insurance doesn’t cover our program or you don’t have insurance, we can always discuss our Scholarship Self-Pay rates. Our finance team may be able to help you set up a payment plan, if you are unable to come up with the full cost upfront.

What happens if I relapse in an IOP?

As unfortunate as it may appear to be at the time, every experience can be turned into a positive lesson, if you are honest and seek immediate help. For some people, relapse is part of the process and it only has to be a negative if you don’t work to get back on track. It’s hard for some people to come to terms with being addicted to alcohol or drugs, so a relapse could be the motivation to focus harder on their recovery. If one does occur, call your support system and your program contact immediately. One mistake does not have to derail your journey to lasting recovery and happiness.

Where can I find more IOP resources?

Check out our IOP resources: