Program Description

The Heartwood Integrative Mental Health Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) at Widening Circles, PC delivers a holistic and diverse treatment strategy aimed at tackling a range of mental health issues, particularly those influenced by or originating from traumatic events. With a focus on promoting mental wellness, enhancing coping skills, and fostering sustainable recovery, our IOP supports individuals grappling with various mental health conditions. This program is tailored to offer concentrated and organized mental health support for individuals needing more extensive care than standard outpatient therapy but not requiring the intensity of inpatient treatment.

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Our program seamlessly integrates psychiatry, functional medicine, psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, individual and group psychotherapy, family involvement, case management, and WRAP planning, offering individuals a comprehensive and evidence-based journey towards healing and recovery. 

 

IOP services shall include a structured program consisting of, but not limited to, the following service components:

 

• Comprehensive Clinical Assessment: Upon admission, patients undergo a thorough assessment with a licensed psychotherapist to evaluate trauma history, co-occurring disorders, physical health, and other factors to inform a personalized treatment plan.

 

• Psychiatry Assessment and Medication Management: A board-certified psychiatrist assesses patients’ mental health, prescribes medications if appropriate, and provides ongoing medication management throughout the duration of the program. Collaboration with the therapy team ensures a comprehensive treatment plan.

 

• Functional Medicine: Integrating functional medicine principles, our program addresses the interplay between physical health and mental wellbeing, offering nutritional guidance, lifestyle adjustments, and complementary therapies.
   

• Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy: Under the guidance of trained professionals, patients have the option to participate in evidence-based psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy sessions, such as ketamine-assisted psychotherapy for treatment resistant depression, when clinically indicated and legally permissible. 
   

• Individual Psychotherapy: Licensed psychotherapists offer individual sessions to delve deeper into personal trauma narratives, explore underlying issues, and develop coping strategies. Therapists collaborate with the multidisciplinary team to ensure a holistic approach. This occurs at least twice per month. 
   

• Group Psychotherapy: Structured group sessions provide a supportive environment for patients to connect, share experiences, and learn from one another under the guidance of skilled therapists. Our diversity of groups fosters a nurturing and collaborative environment, allowing participants to engage in self-discovery, connect with peers, and develop valuable coping strategies. At our IOP, we believe that an integrative approach to group therapy provides the tools and insights needed for individuals to embark on a journey of healing, resilience, and lasting transformation.

 

• Case Management Support: Case managers meet with participants to address practical concerns, connect them with resources, and assist in setting achievable goals related to housing, employment, education, and social support.
   

• Psychoeducation: Patients and their families receive education about mental health conditions, treatment options, medication management, and strategies for fostering a supportive, recovery-oriented environment. 
   

• Family Education and Support: Family members or support persons are encouraged to participate in therapy sessions to foster understanding, open communication, and a stronger support network for the service recipient.
   

• Mindfulness and Wellness Practices: Mindfulness, meditation, and relaxation techniques are integrated into the program to promote emotional regulation and self-awareness.

 

Program Goals and Objectives 

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• Stabilization: The primary goal of our IOP is to help patients achieve stability in their mental health by addressing acute symptoms, managing crises, and developing effective coping strategies.
   

• Functional Improvement: Through evidence-based interventions, psychoeducation, and skill-building activities, our program aims to enhance patients' functional abilities and resilience in daily life.
   

• Patient Empowerment: We aim to empower patients to actively participate in their treatment journey, make informed decisions, and develop skills to manage their mental health effectively.
   

• Holistic Approach: Our IOP focuses on enhancing overall wellness by integrating holistic practices such as mindfulness, nutrition, physical activity, and creative expression into the treatment process.
   

• Trauma Resolution: Our primary goal is to support patients in addressing and resolving trauma-related symptoms, fostering emotional regulation, and promoting psychological well-being.
   

• Transition to Lower Levels of Care: As patients progress in their recovery, the IOP will prepare them for successful transition to lower levels of care, such as standard outpatient therapy, by empowering them with the skills needed to maintain their well-being.

 

• Collaborative Care: We promote collaboration among our interdisciplinary team, patients, and their support networks to ensure a unified approach to care that aligns with CARF guidelines.

 

• Sustainable Recovery: Through education, skill-building, and ongoing support, our program assists patients in building resilience and maintaining lasting recovery beyond their time in the IOP.​