An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is a structured form of addiction treatment designed for individuals who require more intensive care than typical outpatient therapy but do not need the 24/7 supervision of a residential or inpatient program. IOP allows clients to continue with their daily responsibilities—such as work, school, and family life—while receiving targeted therapy and support for their recovery.

IOPs generally include individual therapy, group therapy, and education on relapse prevention, offering a comprehensive approach to addiction recovery while allowing clients to remain engaged in their everyday lives.

• Individuals who have recently been discharged from an inpatient, residential or partial hospitalization facility.
• Those who require intensive therapy but are unable to displace themselves entirely from their current life and responsibilities as is necessary with an inpatient program.
• Those who require intensive therapy but are unable to afford the service in a residential or inpatient setting.
• Those who do not require constant supervision but can benefit from extensive treatment sessions.

Not everyone seeking recovery can reside at a treatment facility, and not everyone necessitates round-the-clock supervision, but still, they may require extensive care. In such situations, intensive outpatient therapy programs offer a valuable alternative.
These programs adhere to a structured approach founded on the initial assessment and a personalized treatment plan. They maintain regular communication with the client until the treatment process is successfully completed. The providers and the treatment plan are dedicated to ensuring that the client receives the highest quality care, incorporating empirically validated treatment methods such as therapy, medication-assisted treatment, and supplementary support from resources like 12-step groups.
Monarch Recovery IOP offers patients the opportunity to maintain their personal lives while prioritizing sobriety and recovery.Our program features group and therapy sessions in a modern, comfortable office space situated within a distinctive indoor/outdoor office complex. Monarch IOP involves a minimum of nine (9) and a maximum of twelve (12) hours per week. These hours are spread across three days between Tuesday through Thursday (three hours per day). The program lasts for at least 90 days. The intensity and duration of treatment may be extended based on the specific needs of the individual.

Transitioning from a residential treatment

setting, where patients usually stay for 30, 60, or 90 days, to an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) represents a shift to a lower level of care. This transition frequently entails patients leaving their residential program and directly enrolling inan IOP, oftentimes while also residing in a supportive sober living environment.

A typical Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) provides structured therapy for individuals recovering from substance abuse, offering a balance between treatment and maintaining daily responsibilities. It usually includes group and individual therapy sessions, focusing on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), relapse prevention, and coping skills development. The goal is to provide consistent support, education, and tools to help individuals avoid relapse and build a sober lifestyle while allowing them to live at home and engage in work or school.

In contrast, Monarch IOP takes a unique approach by emphasizing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as its core educational modality. Rather than just teaching coping skills, Monarch’s program encourages participants to engage in experiential learning, which involves active participation and hands-on activities that promote deeper emotional awareness and acceptance. This method allows individuals to confront and accept difficult emotions and thoughts instead of avoiding them, helping them build long-term resilience.

The experiential approach of ACT at Monarch proves more beneficial because it encourages participants to actively engage with their recovery process rather than passively learning techniques. The goal is not just to stay sober but to cultivate a life of meaning and purpose, even in the face of challenges. 

Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT) is the use of medications in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies for the treatment of substance use disorders. For those with an opioid use disorder (OUD), medication addresses the physical difficulties that one experiences when they stop taking opioids. MAT stabilizes the brain and helps break the cycle of cravings and withdrawal, which can last for years after the last drug use. This helps prevent relapse and allows patients to fully benefit from counseling and peer support. MAT is primarily the administration of medications such as buprenorphine (Suboxone) and Naltrexone.

• Buprenorphine work by reducing cravings and preventing withdrawal.
• Naltrexone works by blocking the effects of opioids in the body.

The medicines ease the unpleasant physical symptoms associated with withdrawals from drugs and alcohol. This allows patients in a treatment program to focus on their learning and growth for recovery without having to worry about withdrawal symptoms or drug cravings. This option can provide a higher level of care and support.

MAT and Monarch Recovery Centers

As a certified SUD treatment facility, Monarch Recovery Centers IOP has developed and implemented a MAT policy that strictly adheres to the guidelines set forth by the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) in BHIN-23-054. This policy aligns with HSC Sections 11832.9(c) and 11834.28(c), ensuring comprehensive care for our clients. To facilitate medication referrals and provide seamless access to MAT services, we maintain affiliations with local clinics, including BAART Programs Carmichael

BAART clinics do a variety of services such as:

• Medication administration: MAT clinics prescribe and dispense FDA-approved medications, such as buprenorphine or methadone, which can help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Individual and group therapy: These sessions provide a safe space for clients to address underlying issues, develop coping skills, and learn relapse prevention strategies.
• Case management: MAT clinics often have case managers who help clients navigate challenges related to housing, employment, and other social determinants of health.
• Crisis intervention: In case of emergencies or relapse, MAT clinics can provide immediate support and guidance.

At Monarch Recovery, our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) integrates group therapy using various modalities; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for effective treatment and lasting recovery. Within the context of group therapy each modality brings unique benefits.

Group therapy offers significant benefits that often match or surpass the effectiveness of individual therapy. The collaborative and supportive environment of group therapy helps diminish the stigma, shame, and isolation frequently associated with addiction, fostering a sense of solidarity and mutual understanding among participants. This is key. Through socialization, sharing experiences and strategies, individuals reinforce their journey to recovery, benefiting from the collective wisdom and support of peers facing similar challenges.

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):

   CBT helps individuals recognize and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. In group therapy, participants learn to break the cycle of substance abuse by replacing harmful behaviors with positive ones, improving overall well-being.

2. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT):

   DBT helps individuals manage emotions and reduce harmful behaviors. Group sessions provide a space to learn and practice emotional regulation and interpersonal skills, fostering a supportive environment for recovery.

3. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): ACT teaches acceptance of negative emotions through mindfulness. In group therapy, participants gain support from peers while practicing ACT techniques, enhancing motivation and personal growth.

At Monarch Recovery Centers, we emphasize the importance of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy – In ACT, mindfulness is used to help individuals increase psychological flexibility – the ability to stay in contact with the present moment and act according to one’s values even in the presence of difficult thoughts and feelings. It is a key component of the therapeutic process, helping individuals to better manage stress, anxiety, depression, and other psychological challenges, challenges found throughout the recovery process.

We’ll look at how we can set treatment goals and take action to change your life for the better – and in the process, develop a sense of meaning, purpose and vitality instead of the self-defeating habits or destructive patterns of behavior; let go of self-defeating beliefs; rise beyond our fears and change our attitude in life-enhancing ways. This is especially effective in addiction treatment, empowering individuals to live a meaningful life free from substance dependance.

Monarch IOP operates as a substance abuse program and is categorized as a Level II on the spectrum of care for treatment, according to the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM). The ASAM has defined five primary levels within the continuum of care for substance abuse treatment, each serving different needs:

• Level 0.5: Early intervention services
• Level I: Outpatient services
• Level II: Intensive outpatient/Partial hospitalization services
• Level III: Residential/Inpatient services
• Level IV: Medically managed intensive inpatient services