Spring Mountain Sahara’s Intensive Outpatient Program offers comprehensive treatment for adults and seniors who do not require inpatient care.

As America gets older, many understand the physical process of aging and medical concerns that accompany aging, but few are aware of the mental health challenges that many seniors confront on a daily basis.

Seniors face many challenges; They can no longer live alone. They are unable to drive a car to get to the store or to visit family. They've probably seen their best friends and even their spouse’s die. They have ongoing medical problems including strokes, heart attacks, arthritis and frequent injury. And no matter how independent they might once have been, they are now dependent on others for help. In response to all of these changes, many senior adults become depressed, anxious and frustrated.

The Intensive Outpatient Program is more intensive than traditional outpatient and is designed to achieve short-term stabilization and resolution of immediate problem areas. The patient and family are offered services by a team of professionals. The patient is enrolled with other patients working on similar issues. The intensive outpatient program is designed specifically for adult and geriatric patients who are experiencing behavioral or emotional difficulties, but who do not require (or no longer require) the intense level of psychiatric care provided by inpatient or partial hospitalization programs.

Located in a comfortable and relaxed setting, the intensive outpatient program provides intensive treatment among a therapeutic community of peers. The program is offered 3 days per week beginning in the morning and early afternoon hours. Clients attend two to three days per week initially, gradually decreasing attendance over weeks according to their individualized treatment plan. Participants attend therapy in a group setting during the day and return home each afternoon. Lunch is provided and transportation is available on a case by case basis.

WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM THIS SERVICE?
The Intensive Outpatient Program is designed to help those who have been experiencing persistent symptoms of depression, anxiety or other emotional problems which significantly impact their ability to carry out their usual activities. Common symptoms include:

1. Difficulty concentrating, making routine decisions, remembering details.

2. Lack of interest or pleasure in life, staying home more, wanting to be left alone.

3. Changes in appetite or sleep patterns, with decreased energy level.

4. Feeling irritable, depressed, anxious or overwhelmed.

5. Feeling hopeless, useless, sometimes with suicidal thoughts of ending it all.

6. Feeling helpless, often with more physical pain, and more help from others.

The Intensive Outpatient Program is staffed by a multi-disciplinary team that includes psychiatrists, social workers, and psychiatric nurses. The Intensive Outpatient Program provides consultations with our psychiatrist and clinical staff resulting in an assessment and treatment based on the individual needs. Through individual, group and family therapy, clients gain skills necessary to enhance their quality of life and maximize their ability to function independently. The program provides a supportive environment where clients can gain the skills and resources that will foster independence, self-confidence and self-reliance. With the help of our highly qualified staff, the crucial goals of restoring a sense of self worth and returning to an optimal level of productivity can be reached.

Clients attend regularly scheduled groups focusing on topics such as grief work, coping skills, anxiety and depression education, cognitive therapy, stress management, anger management, communication, socialization and relaxation skills. Also, available are recommendations for discharge plans and community resources.

• Group Psychotherapy - focusing on interpersonal communication and expression of feelings

• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy - focusing on changes needed in thought and behavior patterns

• Mental Health Management - focusing on health and wellness, goal setting and coping/stress management strategies

• Expressive Therapy - focusing on self-expression and self awareness using alternative forms of expressive media, such as movement, art and music.
   

All calls are confidential.
Staff are available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.
702-873-2400