So, I got a phone call about being recommended by my psychiatrist or therapist for Intensive Out Patient care. It meets as a group during the hours I have to work so it wouldn’t work anyway... but why do they think I need it? It IS optional, so it’s not like I’m required .

I mean... I’m stable. Sure I was living in my car awhile but I’m in a home, have food, clean clothes, a job.... I mean resources like support groups or forums are lots of help but I’m not sure there’s warranted reason to suggest IOP.

I’m not exactly offended, but a little confused. What’s anyone’s experience with IOP?

I've never been to IOP, but maybe you should ask why your psychiatrist and therapist think you need it. If you're fine right now, then maybe it was a misunderstanding.

If IOP conflicts with your schedule and you end up needing to go, you'll have to obviously request different shifts, but if you really don't think you need to attend such a program, then I would avoid it since you're a new employee. (Many bosses and other employees don't understand mental illness, and unfortunately, it's easy to fire the new guy and just replace him with someone else looking for a job. The employer can make up any BS excuse to fire you, like "omg Marcus stole a pen!! who knows what else he'll steal! we have to fire him just to be safe!") Hope that makes sense. (And yes, it's unfortunate how this world treats people with mental illness.)

I was in and out of IOP for a couple years. It's all group therapy but you could talk to the counselors one on one if you wanted and the doc there was the best doc I've ever come across. They were all genuinely caring people and I still go for "aftercare" when I can.

I agree with bluebicycle about asking your treatment team about why they're suggesting it. If you disagree with their reasoning then don't go.

[FluffyDinosaur]

I guess it may be a little different where I am, but I was in the equivalent of an IOP program for a while. I liked the fact that they offered more frequent therapy sessions and more flexible help, but I personally don't care for the group treatments. I was able to decline those and still make use of the other care they offered.

[*Beth*]

They might think with all you've been through that IOP could be helpful. I would definitely ask them.

I have never been IOP, but I've always wished I could do it. I've never had insurance that covered IOP.

Thanks for your replies! I’ll definitely reach out, or more likely wait until next week at my therapy session to ask. I kind of have this feeling it’s coming from a place where they want me to have available all the help I feel I need. I mean they did say it’s an optional thing for me, it’s not like I’m being committed. But I guess I’ll find out.

Thanks for everything! You’re advice is helpful.

MarcusAurelius