The virtual Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) at Laurel Oaks Behavioral Health Center is a structured outpatient treatment program designed for adolescents ages 12-18 with serious emotion disturbances. It is for patients whose functioning has become impaired by moderate-severe symptoms of a mental health condition and whose treatment cannot be adequately managed at a lower level of care. The program complies with all applicable Alabama Department of Public Health (DPH) and Department of Mental Health (DMH) licensure and resulting requirements.

The program is virtual and removes any transportation barriers, which helps ensure teens across Alabama can access high-quality care from the comfort of home. Patients who prefer in-person services will be referred to local providers. The outpatient program is affiliated with the Laurel Oaks Behavioral Health Center and has access to 24-hour psychiatric evaluation and hospital admission.

Scope of the program

The scope of the program includes:

• Person-centered bio-psychosocial evaluation
• Case and family consultation
• Evidence-based use of Suicide Risk Assessment tool and the development and/or updating of crisis prevention plan, and/or safety plan as part of crisis planning
• Discharge planning/case management
• Individual therapy
• Individually customized, time limited, comprehensive and coordinated multidisciplinary treatment plans that include multiple services and modalities delivered in an outpatient setting
• Interactive psychoeducation and process group therapy sessions focused on learning practical coping strategies, emotional regulation skills and healthy decision making to increase the patient’s ability to function in the community

The program provides patients with sessions three evenings a week for a total of nine hours. The program meets virtually on Mondays, Wednesday and Thursday from 5 to 8 pm. The average participation is 8-12 weeks.

Our IOP follows formal procedures for credentialing, periodic re-credentialing, supervision, orientation and training. Laurel Oaks Behavioral Health Center offers ongoing training to best serve the population including, but not limited to, trauma-informed care, verbal de-escalation and best practices with vulnerable populations.

The program does not dispense medication. However, medication monitoring through coordination of care with medication providers is an integral part of the program.

The provider will develop referrals to aftercare providers or state agencies that help ensure a smooth transition from the outpatient program to other services. If a patient is discharged on medication, then at least one psychiatric after-care appointment will be scheduled.

When the prospective patient is referred, a qualified medical professional requests and reviews pertinent clinical documentation generated by the referring treatment team. When the prospective patient presents directly from the community, clinical information is gathered from the patient and caregiver, including the presenting problem and precipitating event along with any medical problems. When possible, collateral information from the referral source/community provider will be sought. Patients must have an admission order by a physician.

All patients in Laurel Oak’s IOP have an initial physician/medical assessment within the first 24 hours of their admission, and this interview is regarding their physical healthcare practices and is conducted by a contracted physician or CRNP. All medical issues are assessed and referred to an appropriate caregiver with the patient’s consent. If a patient is participating off-site this can occur via secure tele-video technology.

Through Laurel Oaks Behavioral Health Center, patients have access to 24 hour on-call psychiatric services 7 days a week by contacting Laurel Oaks Behavioral Health Center at 334-794-7373. All assessments and recommendations are documented and stored in a chart.

Admission criteria

At least one of the following criteria must be met to be admitted into the program:

1. The patient’s psychosocial functioning has become impaired by moderate-to-severe symptoms of a mental health condition, and treatment cannot be adequately managed at a lower level of care.
2. The patient’s mood, affect or cognition has deteriorated to the extent that a higher level of care will likely be needed if intensive outpatient treatment is not provided.
3. The patient has completed inpatient, residential treatment or a partial hospital/day treatment program, and requires the structure and monitoring available in an intensive outpatient program.
4. The patient has a non-supportive living situation creating an environment in which the patient’s mental health condition is likely to worsen without the structure and support of the intensive outpatient program.

All the following criteria must be met:

• The patient is not at imminent risk of serious harm to self or others
• Co-occurring medical conditions, if present, can be safely managed in an outpatient setting
• Co-occurring substance use disorders, if present, can be treated in a dual diagnosis program, or can be safely managed at this level of care
• The patient is not at risk for severe withdrawal or delirium tremens
• The patient and/or their support system understands and can comply with the requirements of the outpatient program, or the patient is likely to participate in treatment with the structure and supervision afforded by an intensive outpatient program

Discharge planning

Discharge planning begins at the time of admission. The initial assessments reflect identified discharge planning needs, anticipated disposition and/or preliminary discharge plan. Comprehensive discharge planning will be provided throughout the patient’s engagement in the program. The individualized treatment plan includes documentation of discharge plans and a projected discharge date.

The discharge criteria includes:

• Treatment plan goals appropriate to the current level of care have been met
• The patient’s condition has improved to the point where treatment can be provided safely and effectively at a lower level of care
• The patient is not making progress toward treatment goals at the current level or a higher level of care is needed

Laurel Oaks Behavioral Health Center in Dothan, Alabama schedules no-cost, confidential assessments 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If a child or teen you know may be in need of treatment at a psychiatric hospital and residential treatment center, please call us today at 334-794-7373.