January 16, 2023 PCI Centers
When an individual needs more intensive mental health support and work but are limited by schedule, transportation, geography, or time constraints, clients can participate in our virtual IOP (Intensive Outpatient Program). Our specialized program is individualized to fit each client’s needs and offers the flexibility required for attendance.
Here’s more information to first understand what Virtual IOP is in detail and what to expect from treatment.
What is Virtual IOP?
A virtual intensive outpatient program (VIOP) is a level of care above outpatient weekly therapy sessions with a therapist or psychologist. It is designed for those who need more support than a weekly session can provide, or for those who are stepping down from a partial hospitalization program (PHP) or residential program and would like to transition into an online IOP that fits with their schedule.
A VIOP is especially convenient for those who have geographic or transportation limitations and are unable to attend an intensive outpatient treatment program in person. PCI’s VIOP is open to all residents of California.
PCI’s VIOP offers the same types of sessions an in-person program would, including individual therapy, family/couples therapy, vocational therapy, and group therapy.
Modalities used include but are not limited to:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
- Process therapy
- Mindfulness-based therapy
- Motivational interviewing
- Relapse prevention where applicable. Also, if seeking treatment for substance misuse, PCI’s VIOP also offers virtual sessions with an addiction medicine specialist.
All virtual sessions are facilitated through a HIPAA compliant video conferencing software.
What to Expect in a Virtual IOP
In VIOP clients log on to treatment through the secure HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform. Clients attend virtual therapy for 3 hours a day, 3 days a week. Group therapy is performed with a set schedule and individualized sessions can be arranged to best fit the schedule of the client.
Our master’s and doctoral level therapists take each client’s physical, emotional, and mental health into account. A treatment plan is collaboratively created with the client and their individual therapist and modified where necessary. We also take into consideration each client’s relationships with family and friends, their job, and hobbies, as mental health can adversely affect all aspects of life. Our experienced therapists employ multiple treatment modalities in order to provide effective and individualized treatment. PCI’s VIOP also includes the expertise of addiction counselors where applicable. Further, if seeking treatment for substance misuse, PCI ensures in-person drug and alcohol testing is conducted on site at PCI and/or a testing lab where necessary.
PCI’s VIOP combines the benefits of virtual therapy and support groups packed into an intensive and structured therapeutic environment.
What you can gain from Virtual IOP
Over the course of the program, each client will gain insight into the root causes of their mental health concerns and/or maladaptive behaviors, process them in one-on-one therapy sessions as well as in group therapy amongst peers, which assists in normalizing mental health needs and leaning into support. Clients acquire the skills and healthier coping strategies necessary to face and overcome real time life stressors once they complete their program.
