Intensive outpatient program

[WhereTheRiverGoes]

Has anyone been in one? My psychiatrist recommended it since meds and regular therapy seem to be having little effect. I’m a little skeptical though. Plus, according to the hospital’s website, it seems the only way to get into the program is to show up at the ER in the middle of a crisis, and that gets a big ol’ “nope” from me; I’ve seen how regular medical personnel treat psych patients and I will not subject myself to that again.

But if I can find a way to just show up and sign up, or get referred there without an ER visit, I might consider it. So, has anyone participated in any such program? What was involved? Did it help?

 

[Angie]

I've been in iop in two different hospitals. One was helpful the other nit so much.

At some hospitals they can put you into iop without a big crisis admission.

You might check the hospital's website to see what their intake procedures are.

I wish you well.

 

[Lane]

Has anyone been in one? My psychiatrist recommended it since meds and regular therapy seem to be having little effect. I’m a little skeptical though. Plus, according to the hospital’s website, it seems the only way to get into the program is to show up at the ER in the middle of a crisis, and that gets a big ol’ “nope” from me; I’ve seen how regular medical personnel treat psych patients and I will not subject myself to that again.

But if I can find a way to just show up and sign up, or get referred there without an ER visit, I might consider it. So, has anyone participated in any such program? What was involved? Did it help?

Ive been in outpatient programs two times. Once to switch meds, that was for three months and the other for trauma.

I found both helpful overall. They focussed on mindfulness activities, group therapy.

 

[WhereTheRiverGoes]

Thanks Angie and Lane. I’m leaning toward doing it, but need more info first that the hospital is not providing. Guess I’ll wait for my doc to get back from medical leave and ask her more then.

 

[Aurelia]

I've done it before and for me it was a huge waste of time, but doesn't necessarily mean it would be that way for you. The hospitals always make it sound much better on their website than it actually is. And yeah, I did show up in the middle of a "crisis". Well, wasn't a crisis to me, but I guess threatening to stab your ex counts as one in their eyes (whatever 😉 🤣). Bottom line is, we did some art therapy, group where no one really said much, and I got offered drugs and sex by a dude in a motorcycle gang who could have been my dad. But I guess on the plus side, it was something to do for 8 hours (not him, but the IOP).

 

[WhereTheRiverGoes]

I got offered drugs and sex by a dude in a motorcycle gang who could have been my dad.

You’ve talked me into it.