Medical Receptionist Emily Guthrie and Operations Lead Cindy Sands gather information at the Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) Clinic.
On July 9, 2018, the Department of Psychiatry opened a new Behavioral Health Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) clinic.
The IOP clinic helps support the needs of individuals with co-occurring mental and addiction disorders who require more support than weekly or monthly outpatient services provide but do not require detoxification or other inpatient treatment. Dr. John Franzen, psychiatrist and medical director of the IOP, says the program is off to a good start.
“We have an amazing staff, and we’re getting a lot of support within the unit,” Dr. Franzen said. “It’s exciting because we know that these services are needed and not available in many places, especially when you look at the high level of care we can offer.”
Dr. John Franzen
IOP Director
The IOP has started with patients meeting three hours in the afternoon four times a week.
“People are showing up, which is great,” said Erin Bagwell, a licensed mental health provider with the IOP. “You never know how things will go when you start a new program, but people are engaged and communicating with one another.”
On Aug. 6, the IOP added an evening group, which provides adults who work during the day openings to receive treatment for addiction and mental disorders.
Treatment entails a combination of individual and group therapy and may also include medication-assisted treatment provided by a multidisciplinary team of providers including a board-certified addiction psychiatrist, licensed therapists, and a registered nurse.
“We hope to be able to find the right time for people to get help, which is why we have the evening session for working groups. Mental illness and addiction can go hand-in-hand for many individuals. We want to be able to capture as many people as possible,” Dr. Franzen said.
The treatment program typically lasts four to six weeks. Outside of the IOP, patients can also see therapists or addictions specialists one-on-one. Dr. Franzen said the IOP additionally tries to get families involved.
To refer a patient or schedule an appointment, call 402-552-6007