Virtual Intensive Outpatient offers the same dynamic and comprehensive treatment that Westwind Recovery® has to offer in-person, with the convenience and flexibility of doing it from your home. While your surroundings may be different, you can rest assured that we will address everything as we would in our in-person programs.
1 in 5 U.S adults reports that the pandemic had a significant negative impact on their mental health. 45% of those with mental illness. 55% of those with serious mental illness. 32.1% of U.S. adults with mental illness also experienced a substance use disorder in 2020 (17 million individuals).
What is Virtual IOP?
During the Covid-19 pandemic quarantine, virtually based healthcare saw a dramatic increase. Many behavioral healthcare providers saw an opportunity to lessen the risk to patients and still offer outpatient treatment on a virtual basis. That said, virtual healthcare is offered across many different fields.
A 2020 study found that telehealth use during the initial COVID-19 peak (March to April 2020) increased from less than 1 percent of visits to as much as 80 percent in places where the pandemic prevalence was high. A recent ASPE report found that Medicare telehealth utilization increased 63-fold between 2019 and 2020.
From Behavioral Health to Primary Care, Virtual Healthcare is growing every day.
Westwind’s virtual IOP program offers a wide spectrum of clinical services including:
- Individual psychotherapy with a therapist
- Group therapies with therapists and specialty facilitators
- Access to psychiatry or assistance setting up a psychiatrist for you in your area
- Virtual family group for loved ones who are interested in supporting the process
The following group therapies are offered virtually:
Process Groups
People with mental health concerns or substance use issues struggle with healthy social relationships as well as comfort in knowing how to express their thoughts and feelings.
At Westwind, there are process therapy groups on a daily basis to support the development of the insight and skills necessary for positive relationship formation and emotional regulation and expression. Clients are able to process and get peer support to discuss issues that arise.
Psychoeducation Groups
Psychoeducational groups are a form of group therapy that is less focused on developing relationships between the clients, and instead, focused on providing education through information-sharing and the development of healthy coping mechanisms.
A variety of topics include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
- Codependency
- Grief and Loss
- Emotional Regulation tools
- 12 Step Focus,
- SMART Recovery Informational
Preventing Relapse
Westwind is very lucky to have a full team of CCAAP (California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professions Credentialing) certified counselors who are able to teach engaging and personalized relapse prevention groups.
Within substance abuse recovery, one of the most important groups that are imperative for lasting sobriety is Relapse Prevention.
These groups utilize evidence-based approaches including cognitive-behavioral therapy that aims to limit or prevent relapses by helping a client anticipate circumstances that are likely to promote a relapse. The goal is to create a strategy to help clients cope with these high-risk situations in advance.
Breathwork for Recovery
Breathwork is a simple breathing technique that assists in:
- Processing trauma
- Developing healthier thought patterns
- Creating a new perspective on the old behavior
This two-stage rhythm helps calm the brain and allows clients to experience a more tangible connection to their bodies. This practice allows clients to become more aware of buried emotion and deep-seated trauma while identifying the necessary steps toward healing those wounds.
Because breathwork doesn’t depend on conscious thought, it is able to successfully circumnavigate the defense mechanisms and roadblocks typically encountered during conventional talk therapy and, often after just one session, clients are able to see and feel the nurturing effects.
Results vary from person to person, but most clients report a reduced level of anxiety, a sense of being consciously present and connected, and in many cases having had “a spiritual experience” — often for the very first time.
Self-judgment is reduced, self-love is achieved, and most importantly, clients gain awareness that they have the power to generate the same sense of relief that they had previously only been able to find by using drugs and alcohol.
Why Should I Try Virtual IOP?
If you feel safer in your home setting
If you feel safer in your home setting- If you aren’t able to travel for treatment
- If you have a complex work schedule
- If you’re just looking for the convenience of a virtual program
How Do I Pay for Virtual IOP?
Most Health Insurance carriers will cover Virtual treatment in the same way that they
would in-person treatment. We can work with you and your insurance company to figure out coverage options. We also offer self-pay options if health insurance is not an option for you.
Enhance Your Chances of Sobriety at Westwind Recovery®
At Westwind, we understand that substance abuse is a complex disease that requires intensive treatment. That’s why we offer a range of services designed to meet the unique needs of each client. Telehealth can improve access to health care services, especially for patients living in rural areas, by reducing travel costs and wait times.
Our virtual IOP program is one of the most comprehensive in Los Angeles, and it’s perfect for those who need more flexibility in their treatment. With virtual IOP, you can receive all the same high-quality care from the comfort of your own home.
We’ll work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that includes individual therapy, group therapy, and 12-step meetings. You’ll also have access to our support staff 24/7, so you can get help whenever you need it. If you’re ready to take the first step in your recovery, contact us today. We’re here to help you every step of the way.
Dr. Deena is the Chief Clinical Officer of Westwind Recovery®, an award-winning outpatient treatment center in Los Angeles where she oversees the clinical and administrative program and treatment methods. Dr. Deena is a doctor of psychology and licensed clinical social worker since 1993. LCSW #20628. Originally from the East Coast, Dr. Deena has worked running treatment centers, worked as a therapist in psychiatric hospitals as well as school settings and currently has a thriving private practice in the LA area. Dr. Deena has appeared regularly on the Dr. Phil Show as an expert since 2003. She has also been featured on many other TV shows, podcasts and has contributed to written publications as well as podcasts.
