The Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) at Parkridge Valley is a non-medical therapeutic program designed for adults to address emotional, mental health and/or addiction issues. This environment provides a bridge between traditional outpatient models and the structure of a therapeutic community. The IOP allows patients to get the help they need, while continuing their daily life with minimal disruptions. For our patients’ convenience, we offer daytime and nighttime IOPs at our campuses in Chattanooga and Cleveland.

An initial assessment determines the appropriate level of care for each patient, and regular follow-up assessments ensure patients receive the right care at the right time. Treatment consists of a daily educational group and a daily process group. Also included are weekly family education classes, an introduction to support groups outside the facility and a follow-up aftercare group. The program is three hours per day, Monday through Friday, and patients are often involved with treatment for two to three weeks on average. Should additional or more intensive care be needed, the IOP staff can facilitate transfers with minimal disruption to the client.

Program Features

  • Educational groups present patients with information covering a variety of topics, including coping skills, stress management, education about their illness, healthy nutrition habits, and living an addiction–free lifestyle.This helps patients understand their illness and improve their overall quality of life.
  • Registered nurses provide assessments and ongoing medical consultation as needed with each client. The medical staff is available to consult with your family physician at any time during the course of treatment.
  • The program’s supportive group format reduces feelings of isolation and hopelessness as individuals discover that they are not alone in their struggle for emotional wellness and/or a sober lifestyle. The group process assists patients in identifying and resolving psychological and social factors that contribute to mental illness and addiction issues as well as providing a setting for improving communication and conflict resolution skills.
  • Family groups offer support to family members and patients by increasing their understanding of the effects the illness has had on the entire family system. We encourage family members to be committed to the treatment/recovery process.
  • Aftercare group is for patients who are successfully completing the program. It is focused on providing support from others who are still in the first year of the treatment/recovery process. This allows patients to gain knowledge from those who have preceded them and have had success outside of the treatment environment.

Other services include ongoing assessments and referrals as necessary, urine drug screening, and discharge planning. We work closely with referral sources and other treatment providers to ensure continuity of care and comprehensive treatment and discharge planning. Crisis intervention, as well as individual and family counseling is provided as needed.

The IOP treatment team consists of registered nurses, master's level social workers or counselors, registered dieticians, therapeutic recreational staff, and mental health technicians qualified in the assessment and treatment of mental health.

For additional information or questions concerning the Intensive Outpatient Program at Parkridge Valley, call (423) 499-2300.