Mega Doctor News
Contrary to widespread belief, not all patients experiencing behavioral health challenges require hospitalization or a residential program.
From helping with a mental health condition to aiding in struggles with addiction, an intensive outpatient program (IOP) is a treatment option that teaches participants coping mechanisms needed to manage their own care outside a behavioral health facility.
An IOP, like the one offered at South Texas Health System Behavioral, helps participants cope with depression, anxiety, stress and anger management while improving communication, socialization and relaxation skills through time limited, individualized treatment options.
“Intensive outpatient programs are meant for individuals needing significant support but not requiring full-time hospitalization,” says Leticia Sosa, MSSW, LCSW, LCDC-I, CLYL, Director of Outpatient Services, STHS Behavioral. “These programs offer more structure than weekly therapy while providing patients flexibility to live at home and continue day to day routines.”
IOPs allow for collaborative treatment methods designed to help patients achieve positive results. Sessions usually consist of a combination of individual and group therapy to help patients better cope with any emotional or behavioral issue.
These programs have served 7.3 million people in 2024, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, enabling participants to live at home and maintain their daily routines.
“That accessibility makes it easier for patients to blend therapy and support into their everyday lives,” says Sosa.
While exact success rates can vary depending on the specific program and individual needs, intensive outpatient programs for mental health show a success rate ranging from 60-70%, per the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. A key factor to IOPs being successful consists of continued participation in treatment sessions.
To help community members struggling with mental health conditions and substance use disorder better understand the services available to them locally, South Texas Health System Behavioral is dedicating its latest Let’s Talk Mental Health webinar to intensive outpatient programs.
Streaming live via STHS’ Facebook page on Thursday, January 2, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., the online seminar will feature an STHS Behavioral representative discussing how these intensive outpatient programs are transforming mental health care and helping viewers determine if an IOP is the right treatment option for those requiring mental health services.
| Who: | South Texas Health System Behavioral |
| What: | Let’s Talk Mental Health Webinar Series – Intensive Outpatient Programs |
| When: | Thursday, January 2, 2025, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. |
| Where: | Online via STHS’ Facebook Page |
