BOLD Blog, Intensive Outpatient Program, San Diego

Drug and substance abuse have become a startling problem in the U.S. Research shows 81,000 people died last year from an overdose. Daily, that equates to 221 people, and represents the highest number of overdoses ever recorded in a 12-month period, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

If you or a loved one are suffering from substance abuse, there are a number of different treatment options available. An intensive outpatient program (IOP) could provide the type of treatment you need for recovery.

What is an intensive outpatient program?

An intensive outpatient program gives people the chance to fight addiction, depression, or other disorders with a more minimal impact to their everyday lives. This kind of rehabilitation program provides a way for people to get help without living in a residential facility 24/7. 

What’s the best intensive outpatient program in San Diego County?

There are a number of intensive outpatient programs in San Diego County, but one of the best options is BOLD Health. Led by founder and psychiatrist Kristy Lamb,  the treatment focuses on a holistic approach with science-based treatments and unmatched patient care.

When a person takes a bold step to seek treatment, BOLD Health works to meet that person where they are on their journey, assess their needs, and provide a path to recovery.

What conditions do intensive outpatient programs treat?

Intensive outpatient programs treat a variety of mental health conditions and addictions. At BOLD Health, the following conditions are the most common ones that are treated in our IOP program:

• Addiction and substance abuse
• Depression and bipolar disorder
• Panic and anxiety disorders
• Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Eating disorders

Do intensive outpatient programs offer detox services?

One of the first stages of substance abuse treatment is detox. This is where all of the alcohol, pills, or other substances leave the body. Most intensive outpatient programs do not offer detox services. However, because BOLD is physician-run, it is able to offer a unique outpatient detox program on a case by case basis.

The outpatient detox program enables patients to receive help from BOLD Health during the day, but go home at night. This is a powerful treatment program that’s an especially good fit for people who have family obligations and a strong support system at home. After detoxing, a person can begin BOLD Health’s intensive outpatient program in San Diego County.

What should patients expect from an intensive outpatient program?

As the name suggests, patients often commit to an intense therapy schedule that could meet three to five days a week in the morning and afternoon. Most programs meet for nine hours or more per week.

What happens during these meetings? Group therapy is a main component to recovery. Patients can confront their problems in a supportive environment, learn to manage their mental health symptoms, how to socialize without drugs or alcohol, and commit to common goals.

For people suffering from mental health illnesses and/or addiction, the goal of this rehabilitation program is to help patients:

• Maintain their vision of sobriety recovery
• Alter destructive and/or addictive behavior
• Address deeper psychological issues
• Develop a support system
• Work to establish coping skills

Additional components of patient care could include individual therapy, psychiatric medication management, family/partner therapy, and biofeedback.

If you or a loved one are suffering from addiction or a mental disorder, be sure to learn more about BOLD’s services in north San Diego County. This includes the cities of Encinitas, Carlsbad, Del Mar, Rancho Santa Fe, and Solana Beach.