An interview with a client in Penn Foundation’s “Intensive Outpatient” program:

Question 1: What was your daily routine while in the Intensive Outpatient Program?

My routine was different from anyone else’s, because I was in evening Intensive Outpatient designed for my specific needs. Basically, I was at PFRC at night, rather than the usual 9AM-3PM. My usual schedule went like this: check into Penn Foundation at 6PM on weekday evenings, and then attend all night activities/groups/meetings with the inpatient clients. I had a bed and roommates just like if I were an inpatient. I slept at PFRC, and participated in morning activities through small group, which normally ended around 10:45AM. Then I went home. I returned to PFRC at 6PM and did it all over again! Weekends were different because I got to spend most of it at home which included one overnight stay at my place. I checked back into the Recovery Center at 5PM on Sundays to eat dinner with the inpatient clients and start my week with them.

Question 2: What part of the program helped you the most?

That’s an easy one… REALLY being part of the inpatient community. Every night when I walked through the PFRC doors, I was greeted by several clients yelling, ‘Hey, Liz is home everybody! Welcome back!!!’ For the first time in my life I had evidence that I belonged on this earth - that I wasn’t a mistake. People related to me and missed me when I wasn’t around, even when it was only for 7 hours. Having that wonderful sense of belonging on a daily basis helped my self-esteem in ways nothing else ever could..

Question 3: Who was your primary therapist?

Sajeda Bhallo

Question 4: How available was she to you?

We had weekly sessions which was adequate, but if I needed to talk to staff at night (because of my weird hours) the evening tech staff was who I sought for support.

Question 5: What would you change?

The check-in protocol. Because my evening program was not done before, the rules about how to check in were a bit fuzzy. I’d like to see a standard operating procedure put into place for that so that all staff is on the same page with bag checks, body searches, drug/alcohol testing, etc.

Question 6: Are you sober today? For how long?

Yes! I’m coming up on two months.

Question 7: What does a newcomer to Intensive Outpatient need to know?

The rules! Especially if you WERE an inpatient and completed that course of your treatment and then you roll into your out patient program. Some of the rules change since you are in a different program, so it’s good to know what they are so you don’t break them!

Question 8: Anything else?

Yes. I LOVED my evening Intensive Outpatient program. It worked for me, and I’m grateful to Penn Foundation for offering a program that fit my unique needs. -Liz K.