Intensive Outpatient Treatment (IOT)

UK’s leading experts in eating disorders and body image difficulties

WHAT IS INTENSIVE OUTPATIENT TREATMENT?

Traditionally outpatient treatment involves a single clinician offering a single therapy session per week. Occasionally therapy might be offered twice per week, or another clinician such as a dietitian may become involved in order to offer further support, but generally in order for outpatient therapy to be successful, a huge amount of work must be done by a client between sessions. This means that clients suitable for outpatient therapy have to be motivated to recover, need to have the skills required in order to be able to make changes, and have to be able to cope with a fair amount of anxiety or distress in isolation. As a team we recognise there is a huge gap between this form of outpatient support, and the next step up to day patient treatment, which may involve up to 5 full days of treatment per week. There are many reasons why people may be reluctant to engage in day patient treatment, including regular work or family commitments, anxiety about or reluctance to engage in group therapies or anxiety about the impact of being around others with eating disorders. Whilst we know that day treatments can be extremely helpful, and at times essential, there can be very valid reasons why a person may prefer not to opt for this level of treatment. That said, for people who are really struggling with change, a single therapy session per week may also not be sufficient to help people make the changes they need to. For this reason we have started to offer a more intensive form of outpatient treatment - an intensive outpatient treatment program, which aims to offer multiple sessions per week including psychological support, dietetic support and occupational therapy support. This can include some supported meal or snack times as well as therapeutic input.

The IOT package will be determined in collaboration with an individual client at the point of assessment. The options for treatment can include any or all of the following treatment components:

  • Individual Psychology or Psychotherapy Sessions

  • Individual Dietetic Sessions

  • Individual Occupational Therapy Support

  • Supported meals or snacks (a maximum of 2 per week)

  • Family Education or Support Sessions.

  • Family Therapy

HOW DOES INTENSIVE OUTPATIENT TREATMENT WORK?

All clients on an intensive outpatient program will also have medical and psychiatric oversight by a consultant psychiatrist specialising in eating disorders.


WHO MIGHT INTENSIVE OUTPATIENT TREATMENT SUIT?

The IOT is generally recommended for people for whom a single therapy session is unlikely to be sufficient to support meaningful change. This may be because of the severity of their illness, the length of time that they have been unwell, or how stuck they feel they are. It is likely that those individuals who may require an intensive form of treatment may be more physically or medically unwell than others, therefore it is a requirement that any individual being supported with multiple sessions per week is under a specialist eating disorder Consultant Psychiatrist prior to starting this form of treatment. Initially an individual interested in intensive outpatient support will have an initial assessment to determine suitability. From there, an individualised treatment program will be developed and agreed on, depending on what support is likely to be needed to promote change. This is not a package of care, it is an individual tailored treatment plan and as such the specific details of the program (which clinicians are involved and how often a client will meet with each clinician) will be tailored to each individual.

Specialist Team

The London Centre comprises specialist health professionals trained in evidence-based treatments for eating disorders. The team include:

  • Psychiatrists

  • Clinical Psychologists

  • Counselling Psychologists

  • Trainee Psychologists

  • Occupational Therapists

  • Dietitians

  • Family/Couple Therapists

Diverse Treatment Options

The clinic's specialist nature and the experience of its team also enable the offering of a wide variety of treatment approaches and therapies. The clinics offer both in-person and remote consultations.

Personalised Care

At the London Centre, we believe it's important to align our patients with both the right clinician and the appropriate treatment. While we ensure the use of evidence-based therapies we also ensure taking the time to listen to client preferences. This approach enables us to find the therapist and approach that best suits your needs.
 

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How it works

Our team conducts a comprehensive evaluation, leveraging the expertise of multiple specialists, to ensure that our treatment is effective and tailored to your personal recovery.

 

Step 1

Contact Us

Before making an appointment you can contact us with any questions you might have via phone, email or by using our online contact form. Your first contact will more than likely be with Kerry, our wonderful PA.

Step 2

Assessment

Before the initial session, clients are requested to complete a brief questionnaire regarding their current circumstances, preferences, and availability for appointments. While not mandatory, this information assists us in matching individuals with the most suitable clinician.

Step 3

First Session

Following the assessment, clients will have a session to discuss their recommended treatment plan. A start date will be agreed upon, and arrangements will be made for an initial session.
 

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FAQs

 

  • The fees do vary depending on, which clinician you see. For a full summary of our fees, what health insurance company policies we accept, and details about making payments please click the link. (https://www.thelondoncentre.co.uk/fees)

  • Our Team PA, Kerry, is available to answer any questions you may have prior to booking an assessment. If you would like to discuss treatment options or have a general conversation prior to booking, you are able to schedule a call with Mini Jones, our Clinic Lead who is always happy to discuss any questions or concerns. For further information, or to request a call back, please click the link provided to get in touch via email, phone, or through our online contact form.(https://www.thelondoncentre.co.uk/book-an-appointment)

  • It is important to note that we do have a 24 hour cancellation policy on all booked appointments. Any cancellations received within 24 hours remain fully charged.

    We request payment for an initial assessment appointment in advance of your appointment, which you can make over the phone using a debit or credit card or via the secure payment link sent to you with your invoice. For any further treatment sessions, and unless covered by private health insurance, we will invoice you sessionally which is payable upon receipt, however, we offer a maximum 30-day period in order to receive payment.

    All appointment reminders will be sent to you via our client management system ‘Cliniko’ - notifications@cliniko.com please do add this email address to your inbox contacts to ensure all communications are received promptly.

  • Therapy is most effective when a series of appointments tailored to your individual requirements can be established. The NICE guidelines are between 20-40 appointments but we are guided by our clients depending on their needs, preference, and motivation to adopt change. We will always remain flexible to accommodate your preferences.