Red Flags to Watch for in an Intensive Outpatient ProgramĀ š©
When evaluating the various Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) in Dallas, you might have an exhaustive list of requirements for them to meet. But, just as important as the requirements are the red flags!Ā
Hereās a few of the red flags to watch out for when evaluating an IOP program:
- Generalized approach to treatment
When you call a preferred Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) near you, you might ask them what type of behavioral therapies they employ during treatment. A great question! But, while listening to their answer, pay close attention to how they discuss behavioral therapy. Itās important the IOP program provides an individualized approach to drug and alcohol abuse treatment. While there are certainly best practices to try during addiction treatment, there is no one-size-fits-all approach in therapy. Make sure your program discusses using a variety of behavioral therapies, including evidential and experimental therapies, to uncover the right treatment for the individual.
- Inexperienced staff
Another tickbox during your evaluation of an IOP program may be the qualifications of therapists and staff. You absolutely want licensed, Masterās level clinicians! But during the discussion about staff qualifications, inquire also about level of experience in substance abuse disorder, or (if necessary) treating co-occurring disorders. You want therapists, as well as the case managers to be familiar with addiction treatment.
- Frequent staff turnover
While reviewing staff experience, ask about staff retention. How long have the therapists been with the Intensive Outpatient Program? Is there frequent staff turnover? If every individual working for the rehab facility is new, it may be a sign there was some negativity within the program and can be a red flag.
- Social media reviews
Nowadays, itās pretty common to consult social media for social proof before making a big decision. When choosing an Intensive Outpatient Program in Dallas, we recommend the same! Reading real life reviews from people walking through what youāre about to do is vital. Red flags for social media reviews would be if an IOP program has no reviews at all, or it carries an overwhelmingly negative review presence.
- No availability
While a facility having no availability isnāt a āred flagā indicator for the IOP program, itās a deal breaker when choosing a facility. SAMHSA recommends moving forward with an alcohol or drug rehab facility that has availability within 48 hours because time is crucial during recovery. Even if the IOP seems perfect, if they can’t get you in, move on to the next one.
- General feel of the facility
The last area to look for red flags is during the tour of the Intensive Outpatient Program. If the overall feel is morose and off, thatās a red flag. The facility should feel clean, welcoming, well-equipped, professional, organized, and upbeat. The work done during an IOP program is challenging and difficult, and itās important that the facility and staff morale isnāt brought down by the weight of the work that addiction treatment entails.
If youāre looking for an Intensive Outpatient Program in Dallas that meets all the requirements and is full of green flags, check out Lighthouse Recovery. Use our very own guide to evaluate for yourself, and youāll see why current and former patients give us glowing reviews. For more information, check out our website or give us a call today: (214) 396-0259.
