Intensive Outpatient Program
Van Nuys Behavioral Health Hospital’s intensive outpatient program (IOP) is designed to help patients live more independently and reduce the need for future hospitalizations. IOP patients participate in group therapy with the goal of stabilization to deal with chronic and persistent psychiatric disorders.
Our IOP patients often are in transition from inpatient care to assimilation back into the community. Other IOP participants are referred (or self-referred) because there has been a recent deterioration in social or occupational functioning due to symptom exacerbation.
Our IOP offers a safe, structured environment that enables the patients to return home at night and maintain important family and community relationships. Program goals include talking to a healthcare professional in a friendly, supportive and safe environment; learning to manage thoughts and feelings; developing relationships; and having more structure in day-to-day living.
Patients meet individually with a case manager to help achieve these goals.
Evidence-based Curriculum
The IOP is centered on evidence-based core curriculum treatment planning tailored to the specific needs of each patient. These patients attend the program for 1-11 hours of treatment per week to improve their level of functioning and prevent the need for a higher level of care.
The multidisciplinary IOP treatment staff includes psychiatrists and other physicians. This enables us to provide patients with comprehensive care and individualized treatment with the goal of providing the highest level of care. The IOP operates Monday through Friday, offering:
- Comprehensive evaluation and treatment planning
- Daily meals and transportation
- Medication management
- Individual and group therapy
- Educational groups for coping and life management skills
- Drug and alcohol counseling
- Tai Chi, medication, music and art therapy
- Symptom management
Raj's Story
IOP provides patients being treated for mental health to receive care during the day, and be able to live and work independently. A recent graduate of the program, Raj, shares his experience.
“The support team and other patients worked with me in such a way that I was able to see myself in a different light,” Raj said.
IOP patients participate in group therapy with the goal of stabilization to deal with chronic and persistent psychiatric disorders. “Groups that dealt with psychology and change were the most helpful to me,” Raj recalled. “They provided great lessons on how to improve our lives.”
As mentioned above, IOP is centered on evidence-based core curriculum treatment planning tailored to the specific needs of each patient. These patients attend the program for one to 11 hours of treatment per week to improve their level of functioning and prevent the need for a higher level of care.
Raj said he would recommend the hospital’s IOP because it provided him with a “bulwark of protection against mental illness symptoms and hospitalization. I learned about assertiveness, the power of gratitude, and anger management skills.
“As a result, I am very stable in my current job.”
For 24-hour intake, call (800) 565-0558. For general information, call (818) 787-1511.