A virtual intensive outpatient program IOP offers the same dynamic and comprehensive treatment that Westwind Recovery® in Los Angeles, California has to offer in person, but 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 your mental health conditions and SUD as we would in our in-person addiction treatment programs.
According to the National Institute of Health (NIV), telepsychiatry can increase treatment accessibility by reducing barriers to intensive outpatient programs (IOP) such as social consequences, work absences, and travel time. Our IOP program can assist your mental health issues and much more.
What is Virtual IOP?
Virtual IOP, or Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program, is a mental health treatment program that provides comprehensive therapy sessions online. It is designed for individuals who require more intensive support than traditional weekly therapy sessions but prefer or need to receive treatment from home. These programs typically include a combination of individual and group therapy, psychiatric treatment, and other supportive services, often totaling several hours of therapy per week.
These mental health treatment options offer mental health support for the following:
- Co-occurring disorders requiring dual diagnosis IOP treatment
- Bipolar disorder
- Anxiety disorder
- Major depressive disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
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 to assist with medication management which typically occurs with medication-assisted treatment
- Virtual family group for loved ones who are interested in supporting the behavioral health process
The following group therapies are offered in our virtual IOP treatment program for mental health and SUD:
People with mental health symptoms or substance abuse issues struggle with building and forming meaningful and supportive bonds and healthy social relationships as well as comfort in knowing how to express their thoughts and feelings.
At Westwind Recovery®, there are process therapy groups as a part of the addiction treatment process daily to support the development of the insight and skills necessary for positive relationship formation and emotional regulation and expression. Clients can process, develop healthy coping strategies, and get peer support to discuss issues that arise in addiction treatment settings.
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 during the treatment planning and the development of healthy coping mechanisms. A variety of topics include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Codependency
- Grief and Loss
- Emotional Regulation tools
- 12 Step Focus
- SMART Recovery Informational
Westwind is very lucky to have a full team of CCAAP (California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professions Credentialing) certified counselors who can teach engaging and personalized relapse prevention group sessions in our outpatient treatment programs.
Within substance abuse recovery, one of the most important groups we provide as a part of our evidence-based treatment that is 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 during times of chronic stress. The goal is to create a strategy to help clients cope with these high-risk situations in advance to avoid engaging in self-harm or self-sabotage incidents.
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 that can be experienced in a connected online environment. This practice allows clients to become more aware of buried emotions and deep-seated trauma while identifying the necessary steps toward healing those wounds.
Because breathwork doesn’t depend on conscious thought, it can successfully circumnavigate the defense mechanisms, roadblocks, and behavioral health challenges typically encountered during conventional talk therapy and individual therapy sessions, and, often after just one session, clients can see and feel the nurturing effects.
Results vary from person to person, but most clients report a reduced level of their anxiety disorders, a sense of being consciously present and connected, and in many cases having had “a spiritual experience” — often for the very first time. To be able to ignite breakthroughs like this for your healing journey in a virtual setting can truly assist with addiction recovery.
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. Drug and alcohol addiction can truly impact daily lives and our virtual IOP sessions can assist with ongoing support and help you overcome your substance use disorder.
Why Should I Try Virtual IOP?
- 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 IOP programs
Does Insurance Cover Virtual IOP?
Major insurance providers will cover an online intensive outpatient program in the same way that they would in-person treatment, such as residential treatment, or outpatient services. We can work with you during your initial assessment and your insurance company to figure out coverage options and insurance benefits. We also offer self-pay options if health insurance is not an option for you.
Westwind Recovery® Offers Virtual IOP Substance Abuse Options
At Westwind Recovery®, we understand that substance abuse is a complex disease that requires intensive treatment options, such as medical detox and a partial hospitalization program. That’s why we offer a range of individualized treatment plans designed to meet the unique needs of each client. Virtual programs can improve access to health care services, especially for patients living in rural areas, by reducing travel costs and wait times.
Our virtual intensive outpatient programs are one of the most comprehensive virtual treatment options 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, dialectical behavioral therapy, and more. You’ll also have access to our support mental health professionals 24/7, so you can get help whenever you need it. If you’re ready to take the first step in your drug addiction 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.
