Intensive outpatient treatment offers a higher level of professional involvement and care compared to traditional therapy-as-usual. Regrettably, many mental health programs lack professionals with the experience needed to effectively guide patients toward lasting mastery over their OCD. Traditional therapies that involve talking about the problem rarely result in correcting the problem. Patients may leave their therapist’s office feeling reassured, but this is only a temporary fix and results in no real change.

IOP versus Residential/Inpatient Options

It will cost much more to stay at a residential or inpatient facility than to participate in an IOP. Residential treatment programs include room and board and maintain a full-time staff that is available 24 hours a day. This cost is more than what a patient would spend staying at home or even at a nice hotel. Because IOP participants are not sleeping overnight or relying on the facility for their meals and other needs, IOP treatment costs are significantly lower.

Furthermore, IOP patients have greater autonomy than they would in an inpatient setting. Inpatient psychiatric facilities may lock patients in, restrict use of electronic equipment and personal items, have rigid visiting hours, utilize shared rooming, and limit use of the telephone. This degree of control over patients is not usually necessary for clients with primary OCD. Our psychologists have worked extensively in both inpatient and outpatient settings and bring this experience to bear when treating patients in our IOP.

Our Program: Unique and Effective

When this treatment was designed, a 3.5 week intensive program for OCD was offered, but that program was prohibitive for most people who are unable to take 3.5 weeks off of work (or who may need to be accompanied by a family member unable to take that much time off work). The current program was designed based on new research showing that online therapy can be an effective part of the treatment process. Thus, patients need to only spend 2 weeks at the actual treatment facility and the remainder can be done from home. Research suggests that the vast majority of people with obsessive-compulsive disorder respond well to our treatment approach.

Currently, patients at most intensive/residential programs for OCD average a 60-day stay, and treatment is usually only 50% complete by the time patients are released. Patients must then finish treatment with a local clinician, who may or may not have adequate experience providing OCD treatment. Furthermore, patients at these programs may employ bachelors-level technicians (behavioral specialists), who may be working with four patients per session. We think this compromises the quality of care. Our IOP includes daily individual sessions with a licensed masters or doctoral-level therapist in addition to individual work with a therapist assistant (masters-level or graduate student). This degree of expertise and attention makes all the difference when it comes to complete and speedy recovery for our patients. If you are considering another IOP, be sure to ask how much time will be spent individually with a masters or doctoral-level professional.

Planning for Intensive Outpatient Treatment for OCD

Because of the degree of individual attention provided, our intensive outpatient program takes time to schedule. Contact our offices right away if you anticipate participation. A deposit is required to preserve your spot.