The intensive outpatient program at Casa Palmera is designed for those who need minimal structure, and who are able to remain independent within their families and communities as they get help for their mental health and/or substance use disorder. This enables our patients to continue, as much as possible, with jobs, family connections and responsibilities.
Casa Palmera, located in San Diego, provides comprehensive outpatient services for those patients who are able to participate successfully in regularly scheduled outpatient visits, and are not at medical risk. The vision of Casa Palmera’s intensive outpatient program, or IOP, is to provide treatment that empowers patients to function more independently and responsibly, while preparing them for family and community with the skills and abilities to lead successful lives.
PROGRAM TRACKS
- Substance use disorder/chemical dependency
- Mental health disorders (get to know the Casa Palmera Neurocenter)
WHAT TO EXPECT
At the beginning of the IOP program, patients meet with the Treatment Coordinator. This staff member serves as an initial contact, orients patients to the program, and assists by answering any questions that arise.
Clinical Assessment and Treatment Planning
Outpatients begin their treatment experience with an individual assessment to determine appropriateness for treatment. This assessment is conducted by a clinician in the admissions department. Once treatment begins, the patient is assigned a therapist who will complete a psycho-social assessment. This allows the PCC to formulate an individualized Treatment Plan, and develop goals with the patient. Honest, open communication in the goal-setting process is the key to success for our patients.
Psychiatric and Medical Assessment
After our patients meet their therapist, complete the psycho-social assessment and formulate their treatment plan with goals/objective, they meet with their assigned psychiatrist for the initial psychiatric evaluation. After the initial evaluation, patients are seen by their psychiatrist approximately one time per month for medication.
GROUP OFFERINGS
Group Therapy
- Develops Explicit Treatment Goals
- Identifies Problems
- Engages patients in the Therapeutic Process
- Focuses on Current Problems, Strengths, and Solutions
Relapse Prevention
- Learn Coping Skills
- Identify and Manage Warning Signs
- Develop Cognitive Skills
Medication Management
- Facilitated by a Registered Nurse
- Address Medication Regiment Concerns
- Ask Health Related Questions
- Discuss Medical Issues
- May Be Referred to an MD for Follow Up Care
Skill Building Process Group
- Introduces Various Modalities
- Equips Patients with Skills to Identify and Self-Manage
- Mood and Behavior Disorders Resolution
Co-Dependency Group
- Teaches Patients to Identify and Self-Manage Co-Dependency
Multi-Family Education Group
- This group includes friends and family members as part of a systems-based approach to wellness and recovery. This group is a multi-family, process-style group and meets on Mondays only
ACT & Stress Management Group
- ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) utilizes acceptance and mindfulness strategies
- Designed to help in discovering new tools to manage the major stresses
ACT & Stress Management Group
The participation of family and loved ones is an important part of recovery. With the patient’s permission, family or loved ones are strongly encouraged to participate in the treatment. The Primary Care Coordinator will discuss any concerns or questions that family or loved ones may have about treatment.
Families are encouraged to participate during any phase of treatment, including assessment, family therapy or educational sessions, discharge planning, and continuing care.
Casa Palmera invites family members or close friends to join us on Monday evenings.
Our sessions on Wednesday and Thursday are exclusive to Casa Palmera patients only. Advanced notification is required.
CONTINUING CARE
As part of your after-care plan, you are strongly encouraged to attend our weekly Continuing Care Group on Tuesdays from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM. The cost of Continuing Care is included in your treatment cost for up to one year post-discharge.
OUTSIDE MEETINGS & SPONSORS
Casa Palmera asks that patients attend a minimum of two outside meetings, (AA, NA, etc. or equivalent) per week. We also ask PHP patients make an effort to obtain a sponsor by the second week of participation in our program, unless they already have one.
