If you’ve found yourself here, reading this post, chances are that you’ve heard the term IOP before. Maybe a family member has mentioned it or you’ve heard it in passing within therapy spaces. Let’s dive into IOP further and answer the question “What is a perinatal intensive outpatient program?” as well as share about the Perinatal-specific IOP at River Root Counseling, covering: what it is, who it’s for, and the benefits it provides.
Intensive Outpatient Programs – what are they?
IOP stands for Intensive Outpatient Program. This type of program is for those who need a higher level of care – more than weekly or monthly sessions with a specialist may provide – and generally include both group and individual therapy. These programs usually run 3-4 days a week for several hours each day, allowing for those who participate to have work and home life accommodations. With IOP, clients are able to set the foundation for long-term success with mental health issues.
Now that you know what IOP is, let’s talk about the Perinatal-specific program that we offer here at River Root Counseling. In this section, we’ll discuss who it’s for and details of our program.
Who is the Mother & Baby Perinatal Intensive Outpatient Program for?
The Mother & Baby Perinatal Intensive Outpatient Program is built for adult parents who are experiencing significant symptoms of depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bipolar disorders, perinatal trauma, eating disorders, and related complications during pregnancy, postpartum, post-adoption, after a loss, or at any point in the adjustment to parenthood.
While no two mental health journey are identical, below are some of the common symptoms our clients may have upon beginning our Perinatal Intensive Outpatient program:
- Near-constant worry that cannot be eased
- Feelings that something bad will happen
- Intrusive thoughts that are upsetting and persistent
- Fears of being left alone with your baby
- Physical symptoms, such as gastrointestinal upset or lack of appetite
- Insomnia or difficulty sleeping when the baby sleeps
- Excessive crying
- Irritability and anger
- Difficulty bonding with your baby
- “Baby blues” that do not get better
- Lack of interest in things you previously enjoyed
- Persistent doubts about your ability to care for your baby
- Feelings of guilt, shame, or hopelessness
River Root’s Perinatal IOP offers an increased level of care for when traditional weekly outpatient sessions are not helping you feel better and return to previous levels of functioning.
Details of our program
Our Perinatal IOP offers a hybrid model, meaning you can participate anywhere in Ohio virtually, or in person at our office in Uniontown, Ohio. River Root Counseling’s Perinatal Intensive Outpatient program is the only perinatal-specific IOP throughout the state of Ohio, and is one of few like programs in the country.
Our Program runs three days a week on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, for three hours each day from 9am to 12pm, and includes: individual and group therapy, as well as streamlined access to psychiatric services from medical providers. Mothers are welcome to attend with their baby in arms.
Our Perinatal Intensive Outpatient Program includes the following:
- Daily skill building groups
- Daily processing groups
- Individual and family therapy
- Streamlined access to psychiatry and medication management
- Trauma-informed care
- Health and wellness for moms
- Making your “tribe” of support from professionals and other moms
What You Can Expect
In our daily process groups, we utilize a variety of evidence based therapeutic approaches to best meet the needs of our clients. Some of these include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), Acceptance and Commitment therapy (ACT), all through a trauma-informed lens.
Our Ohio-based Perinatal Intensive Outpatient Program utilizes creative therapeutic interventions, including arts, yoga, and other beneficial components to improve clients’ overall physical and cognitive functioning. All of the above listed services are provided in-house by River Root’s clinical team, with exceptions given to arts and yoga, in which River Root will contract with local trauma-informed professionals as appropriate.
River Root Counseling’s Perinatal Intensive Outpatient Program includes as needed couples or family therapy in addition to individual therapy. Strong and healthy relationships are an important part of parenting. Our couples and family therapy services encourage healthy family structures, including discussion and intervention around defining parental roles, identities, increased knowledge and tools pertaining to mental health in parenthood, and more.
In addition to the professional support provided by the clinicians and trauma-informed professionals, one thing you can expect is support from other moms who can help support you and hold you accountable as you experience the program. Having this community and care from those who truly understand your circumstances is incredibly supportive on the healing journey in Perinatal IOP.
If you feel that River Root Counseling’s Mother & Baby Perinatal Intensive Outpatient Program may be a fit for you or someone you love, please reach out to us! We would love to share more information, answer any questions you may have, and enroll you in the Program so you can begin receiving support right away.
You can contact Jordan, our Client Care Coordinator at 330.595.4563 or email jordan@riverrootcounseling.com
We look forward to connecting with you and helping to support you in your journey of motherhood! Please learn more about the benefits of IOP in the following links.
https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/April-2020/The-Value-of-Structured-Outpatient-Treatment