Chesapeake Counseling Associates, PC, in Gloucester recently partnered with the Farley Center to offer an Intensive Outpatient Therapy Program for those struggling with substance abuse disorders. The program fills a gap for those who may not necessarily need in-patient treatment, but need something more than regular one-on-one counseling.
Stephen Simmers, the program coordinator for the Gloucester IOP, said patients meet for 12 hours of group therapy per week. The meetings occur four evenings a week for three hours each. 
“Patients are still able to work, take care of their families and their other responsibilities and obligations, while receiving a higher level of care,” Simmers said. A patient typically stays in the program for a period of six weeks and sometimes continues one-on-one therapy thereafter.
The program is done in a group therapy setting. According to Simmers, patients’ families are encouraged to participate to help aid in the healing process. &ldqu...