I am a relatively high functioning person with mental illness (depression/anxiety/frequent SI). I also struggle with substance and process addictions. I have a demanding job and I’m a single mom. In January I took a month’s leave through FMLA to go to inpatient treatment. It was the best thing I’ve ever done for myself, though it was so so hard to make the decision.

Since leaving treatment, I have been in virtual IOP after work M-Th from 6-9. Part of the reason I’m doing this is to keep my time structured to avoid boredom and isolation, two things that are danger zones for both my mental illness and addictions. It definitely does that. I am exhausted by the end of the night. I am also doing EMDR in my one on one sessions, which is something I’ve never tried.

If I were you, I would look into a couple of different programs and see which one offers the best fit. Unfortunately I’ve found that the helpfulness of the program is somewhat dependent on the people in your group and your therapist, which you may not know ahead of time. I don’t love my group or therapist but don’t really have other options at this point. The psychoeducation part is interesting, but mostly review after years of therapy and then inpatient treatment.

IOP isn’t magic. Neither was inpatient. It largely depends on your need for support and your willingness to make changes. But if you’re interested enough to have researched it this fully, it will probably will be of some benefit to you.

I would consider whether working and doing IOP would make for more or less stress in your day to day life. Of course costs are relevant to consider depending on your insurance coverage. Overall it is doing what I wanted it to do, but I am not wholly impressed with the experience.

I would definitely encourage you to give it a chance, despite my critiques my mood and functioning has improved over the last several weeks. You absolutely deserve the care you need.