Deciding between an Intensive outpatient program (IOP) vs. individual therapy is something you should consider before deciding which mental health treatment program is right for you. There are key differences between both programs, and we will discuss them in this article. We will discuss what is the difference between IOP vs. individual therapy, the advantages and disadvantages of each program, and how to choose the right therapy option.
Rockland Recovery Behavioral Health is a full-service mental health treatment center that welcomes Massachusetts residents who are looking for an outpatient program to treat their depression and anxiety disorders. Our IOP for depression utilizes cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to treat all aspects of the condition. You will work privately with a professional therapist who will uncover the root cause of the depression and teach you several coping skills to manage your symptoms and triggers.
IOP vs. individual therapy: which is right for you?
An intensive outpatient program, or IOP, and individual therapy are two separate treatment options that can heal substance use disorders and mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. But which is right for you? An IOP gives you a more structured program over individual therapy, typically involving multiple sessions per week and includes group therapy.
Does IOP include individual therapy? Yes. Individual therapy is included in all intensive outpatient programs. It is essential for clients to continue working privately with a therapist about their struggles with depression or other mental concerns. In individual therapy, therapists will dive deep to uncover the underlying issue and begin developing coping skills to prevent symptoms from worsening.
What is the difference between therapy and intensive therapy?
In most scenarios, the difference between individual therapy and intensive therapy is the time commitment involved. Both use psychotherapy to talk about their symptoms and difficulties in managing them in unique ways.
In individual therapy, you spend one to two hours per week in one-on-one sessions. It focuses on the original reason you are working with a therapist, developing coping skills, and improving communication skills. It is for those who need to address specific issues and develop coping skills to support their recovery.
In IOP, you spend a minimum of 10-15 hours per week working with a therapist in group and private therapy sessions. It is for clients who need more support than an individual therapy session can provide. IOP can last for several months and is generally less expensive than inpatient treatment.
Key differences between IOP and individual therapy
While individual therapy and IOP use the same therapeutic methods, several differences separate them that you should be familiar with. Some of the key differences between IOP and individual therapy include:
- Individual therapy is a one-on-one program, whereas IOP includes individual and group therapy sessions.
- Individual therapy typically costs less than IOP.
- Individual therapy is more flexible than IOP and only meets once a week, whereas IOP meets for 10-15 hours per week.
- IOP delivers a higher level of care than individual therapy.
Another key difference is in the goals of each program. While individual therapy focuses on self-awareness and developing coping skills, the goal of IOP is to create an effective recovery program, including relapse prevention, skills training, and perfecting coping skills.
Pros and cons of each approach
With any therapeutic program, there are good things and bad things about each approach. For instance, IOP provides structure, stability, and a higher level of care, but it also costs considerably more than individual therapy. Here are more pros and cons of each approach to help you decide.
Pros of IOP
IOP gives you a more intensive level of care than individual therapy and can potentially lead to better outcomes. It includes both individual therapy and group therapy sessions and medication if necessary. An outpatient program allows clients to continue working while attending therapy, and it offers continuing support and resources that allow them to reach their recovery goals.
Cons of IOP
The cons of IOP include:
- IOPs are more expensive than traditional therapy
- They require a greater time commitment
- IOPs are more structured and can reduce the individual’s sense of independence
- IOP is not suitable for everyone, such as severe substance use disorders and mental health conditions that require 24/7 supervision
Pros of individual therapy
In an individual therapy program, you’ll receive one-on-one attention from a professional therapist to get to the heart of the problem. The sessions are shorter, only up to an hour per session. It gives you a safe and confidential space to discuss sensitive subjects and difficult emotions. Plus, this program is more flexible than IOP and allows you to schedule appointments at any time.
Cons of individual therapy
One of the biggest cons of individual therapy is that there is no peer interaction that you get from IOP. You work one-on-one with a therapist, and this can make some clients feel isolated and alone. Individual therapy requires a strong commitment, and those who find it hard to get motivated will struggle in individual therapy.
How to choose between IOP vs. individual therapy
How do you choose between IOP vs. individual therapy? You will have to ask yourself some tough questions to know for sure. You will have to fully assess your needs, which can include the severity of symptoms and how much time you can give to getting better. People with severe disorders can begin treatment through an inpatient treatment program and graduate to outpatient care.
Cost is another consideration. Typically, individual therapy can cost anywhere from $100 to $250 per session. IOP costs, on average, between $3,000 to $10,000 per program. Depending on how many individual sessions you need, it can be more expensive than IOP.
Check with your insurance provider to see if they cover individual therapy or IOP and how much they will cover.
Enroll in intensive outpatient treatment for depression at Rockland Recovery Behavioral Health today
If you are struggling with depression and need help feeling better, Rockland Recovery Behavioral Therapy welcomes new clients to enroll in our IOP. When you first arrive at our discreet location, we will run a full health assessment. We use this information to create a tailored treatment program that can include behavioral and holistic therapy, family therapy, and evidence-based clinical modalities to create a comprehensive treatment program.
For more information about the difference between IOP vs. individual therapy and how they can benefit you, complete our online form or call 855.520.0531 today to speak with our dedicated team.