WHAT IS INTENSIVE OUTPATIENT THERAPY 

An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is a kind of treatment service and support program used 
primarily to treat eating disorders, anger, anxiety, depression, self-harm and chemical dependency that 
does not rely on detoxification. It is an advanced concentrated method of assisting the patient recover! 
This form of intense therapy is recommended in some circumstances by a clinical and/or medical 
assessment. IOP may be recommended for those who do not need medically-supervised detox. IOP can 
also enable people in recovery to continue their recovery therapies following successful detox, on a 
part-time yet intensive schedule, designed to accommodate work and family life. Intensive Outpatient 
Program allows patients to continue working, maintain their current living situation, and improve their 
relationships, all while receiving services right in their community. If an individual has co-occurring 
psychiatric disorders and are experiencing significant impairment in their daily functioning this program will be instrumental to recovery.  

HOW DO I OBTAIN TREATMENT 
The first step and key to successful treatment is an initial evaluation and assessment of the patient and 
his or her family by our treatment professionals. Admission to the Intensive Outpatient Program is based upon this assessment and meeting the following criteria:
 1. Must be at least 18 years old 

MUST HAVE A PRIMARY DIAGNOSIS OF ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:  

2. Major chemical dependency or alcohol abuse – The Individual suffers from critical and 
continuous drug abuse. Drug addiction and alcoholism is a chronic illness characterized by 
problematic drug use, followed by periods of abstinence, reductions in use, or return to 
problematic drug use. Continuing care suggests that interventions work best when they are 
offered for extended periods such as those offered in an Intensive Outpatient program. 

3. Acute Anger - An individual constantly feels frustrated and angry. Their temper causes problems 
at work, at home or in their relationships. They avoid new events and people because they feel 
like they can't control their temper. In some instances, they have gotten in trouble with the law 
due to their anger. 

4. Major depressive disorder (MDD) - Is a mental disorder characterized by at least two weeks of 
low mood that is present across most situations. It is often accompanied by low self-esteem, 
loss of interest in normally enjoyable activities, low energy, and pain without a clear cause; 
usually people have multiple episodes of depression and during these episodes, symptoms occur 
most of the day, nearly every day and may include: 
• Suicidal thinking or feelings 
• Overeating - Changes in appetite — often reduced appetite and weight loss, but increased 
cravings for food and weight gain in some people 
• Fatigue, loss of appetite, sleep problems, aches or loss of interest in sex — not caused by a 
medical condition or medication 
• Feelings of sadness, tearfulness, emptiness or hopelessness 
• Angry outbursts, irritability or frustration, even over small matters 
• Loss of interest or pleasure in most or all normal activities 
• Sleep disturbances, including insomnia or sleeping too much 
• Tiredness and lack of energy, so even small tasks take extra effort 
• Anxiety, agitation or restlessness 
• Slowed thinking, speaking or body movements 
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt, fixating on past failures or blaming yourself for things that 
aren't your responsibility 
• Trouble thinking, concentrating, making decisions and remembering things 
• Frequent or recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts or suicide 
• Unexplained physical problems, such as back pain or headaches 
Common signs and symptoms of depression in children and teenagers are similar to those of adults, but there can be some differences. In younger children, symptoms of depression may include sadness, irritability, clinginess, worry, aches and pains, or being underweight, feeling misunderstood and extremely sensitive, using drugs or alcohol, eating or sleeping too much, self-harm, loss of interest in normal activities, refusing to go to school or poor attendance at school and avoidance of social interaction. 

5. Binge Eating Disorder (BED) – Binge eating involves consuming a large amount of food 
accompanied by a loss of control – the feeling that you can’t stop. People with BED often feel 
preoccupied with food, weight and shape. They may have feelings of intense shame and low 
self-worth. The obsession with food interferes with their quality of life, including their job, 
school and relationships 

REFERRALS
We accept referrals from city and government agencies, Probation & Parole and Community Service 
Boards; In addition, all individuals that feel this may help them on their road to recovery can be 
screened for acceptance. To participate, individuals must commit to attending a minimum of three 
hours of therapy per week. 
Many different topics are covered in the IOP. Everyone is introduced to the following areas while in the 
IOP at The Counseling Center at Freehold: 

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT TO GAIN FROM INTENSIVE OUTPATIENT THERAPY 
• Relapse Prevention Skills 
• How to Manage Urges and Cravings 
• Understanding the Brain Chemistry of addiction, anger, cravings, depression. 
• Progression of the Disease of Addiction 
• Introduction to the Twelve Step recovery program 
• Spirituality 
• Stages of Change 

Education

Focus On Co-Occurring Disorders and the Effects On Addiction and Recovery 
Individual, Marital, Couples, Family and Group Counseling 
Addiction/Abuse Education 
Depression/Anxiety Education 
Anger/Stress Management 
Life Transitions Education 
Self Discovery Education 
Co-Dependency Education 

Other

Psychiatric Care 
Introduction to the 12-Step Recovery Program 
Introduction to the Adult Children of Alcoholics Program 
Compulsive Behaviors Education 
SUMMARY 
An individual can start rebuilding their personal life and mending important family ties right away, when living at home and participating in intensive outpatient treatment. With the Intensive Outpatient Treatment program an individual is able to establish a foundation for long term recovery support in their local community right from the start of treatment, instead of waiting until they return from living away in a rehab center. 
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. Certain individuals will 
receive individual therapy depending on the severity of their disorder. 
Taking a chance and taking that first step towards recovery starts with treatment. This is an opportunity 
to start a new life free from alcohol and drugs and should be considered as an investment in your loved 
one’s or your own life! 
Our mission is to help you get clean and sober and stay that way. During your treatment, we promise to 
do all we can during your recovery process to maximize your potential for life-long happiness in sobriety.