Frequently asked questions

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is a comprehensive, personalized protocol that requires the patient to participate three or more times a week, for up to anywhere between 3  hours each day, in a range of therapies for addiction treatment, and social programs for successful recovery, and integration into family and community life. During IOP treatments, clients have a heavy daily schedule, but they go home in the evening.

Candidates for IOP are determined after the initial assessment that evaluates our client’s current, mental, and physical state, and it is usually recommended for patients who have formal responsibilities they hold at home, work, or at school. The IOP client receives psycho-education and treatment techniques that they get to put into practice immediately at home, work, or school, to cope with stressors.

Most insurances cover mental health and/or addiction treatments and The Counseling Center works with the majority of insurance companies. We also offer attractive self-pay structures. Call us directly for any questions you have regarding insurance coverage and payments.

Partial hospitalization is the recommended approach when an individual’s current mental and/or physical state at time of assessment demands the highest level of care.

The personalized treatment designed for each individual at time of the assessment evaluation may identify the need of pharmaceutical prescriptions to alleviate withdrawals and cravings, and to transition an individual who wishes to be rid of addiction, into different forms of management of any mental or physical underlying ailments.

In the Intensive Outpatient Program, you receive services primarily through group therapy, but are also assigned an individual therapist you will meet with on a weekly basis while in treatment. Groups are small and generally do not exceed 10 people, allowing for a safe environment.

Many different areas and topics are covered in the IOP. Everyone is introduced to the following areas while in the IOP at The Counseling Center at Freehold:

• Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome Or PAWS
• Relapse Prevention Skills
• How to Manage Urges and Cravings
• Understanding the Brain Chemistry of Addiction
• Progression of the Disease of Addiction
• Introduction To the Twelve Steps
• Spirituality
• Stages of Change
• Focus On Co-Occurring Disorders and the Effects On Addiction and Recovery
• the Family Education Program
• Depending on your needs, you may be referred to additional comprehensive mental health treatment, or training in how to increase healthy life skills, or employment counseling.

When you first start our IOP you will have daily “work” with us so we can help you through the shakiest times of your recovery. As you become stronger and don’t need such intense professional support, you will have shorter sessions, less often.

This is sometimes called a “step down” system since you are effectively “stepping away” from our support as you become more independent. Of course our professional staff remains available and ready to assist you at any time in your treatment.

Your important initial clinical assessment will determine your suitability for the IOP treatment program. In some situations, detox may be required. If medically-supervised detox is required, you will learn the specifics of that requirement for your custom treatment plan, and you will be referred to available professional detox services that are a fit for your situation, prior to starting the IOP program. You will also receive important, helpful counseling about your needs and treatment options as part of your assessment.

At an inpatient treatment facility, you live in a residence area, usually a shared dorm room, under the rules and governance of the operators of the center. Each treatment center is unique with its own set of requirements, but you generally give up control of your day to day life while in treatment. Travel is sometimes required for inpatient treatment, and sometimes travel is desired. For example, some people choose to go to Florida for inpatient rehab, and live in a treatment facility for the duration of their rehab. For the typical rehab experience lasting 30 days, this can mean a significant time away from work, family, and personal obligations. 

With an outpatient program like the IOP offered by The Counseling Center you continue to live at your own home. You remain in control of your own life. You can still go to work or get a job, and begin rebuilding your personal life, with the help and support you receive from the program. You are responsible for participating in the treatment programs at the local Counseling Center, according to your scheduled treatment plan.

In the Intensive Outpatient Program, you continue your life with support from the local clinical, emotional and peer support systems provided by the IOP.

Our IOP usually runs for a period of 8 (eight) weeks but every patient is different. Every patient’s treatment program is designed just for them, so may run more or less than eight weeks if needed.

Research has shown the individuals whose families are involved in treatment have a much better prognosis and a higher success rate. Counseling Center will make a concerted effort to include family members in treatment whenever possible.  The goal of the family education program is to provide family members with information and support that will assist our clients in their recovery.

The purpose of this program is to provide family members with education, information and support to aide their family member in their recovery process.  The family program will have three parts: Didactic/Education Lecture, Process Group (family members only) and Question and Answer Session.

Yes, an assessment is required for admission to the Intensive Outpatient Program. An IOP treatment is tailored to the individual by a Master’s level professional clinician who uses information gained in the introductory interview and assessment.

Your personal history, status, and condition will determine how detailed an assessment you will require in order for us to do an appropriate evaluation. When you make your appointment for your first interview and assessment, you will be advised if there will be any fees for the parts of your assessment.

The treatment plan for you will be determined through a clinical and medical assessment that may include interviews, questionnaires, medical histories, psycho-social evaluations, urine and/or breath analysis, and more. The more detailed our knowledge is of your total state of being, the better your treatment plan will be.