The Critical Role of Continuing Care After IOP and PHP in Preventing Relapse at River’s Bend

July 07, 2025 at 11:01 AM EDT

River’s Bend PC urges providers to prioritize continuing care after IOP and PHP to reduce relapse risk. Services include therapy, groups, evaluations, and peer support.

(PRUnderground) July 7th, 2025

River’s Bend PC, a community-based leader in outpatient behavioral health, is raising awareness among healthcare providers and legal professionals about the essential role of continuing care after IOP (Intensive Outpatient Programs) and PHP (Partial Hospitalization Programs) in sustaining long-term recovery and reducing relapse risk.

“Discharge planning isn’t the finish line—it’s the foundation for what comes next,” says Jessica Hillen, LMSW, and Clinical Director at River’s Bend. The practice collaborates closely with physicians, therapists, attorneys, and crisis intervention teams to facilitate a seamless transition from structured treatment to personalized, ongoing care.

According to leading research, the weeks immediately following discharge are when individuals are most vulnerable. External stressors return, motivation wanes, and accountability systems drop off, leaving even highly motivated clients without the structure they need.

“Clients are most at risk not during intensive care, but after,” said Hillen. “To address this gap, River’s Bend provides a full continuum of post-treatment support, designed to reinforce the gains made during residential treatment, IOP, or PHP, and help clients safely navigate real-world stressors.”

Evidence-Based Continued Care Services for Substance Use Disorder Include:

Individual Therapy
Confidential, one-on-one sessions to help clients process challenges, set goals, and maintain therapeutic momentum.

Early Recovery Groups (ERG)
Structured, peer-supported therapy groups for clients in early sobriety, focused on accountability, coping skills, and relapse prevention.

Driver’s Evaluations
Comprehensive cognitive, emotional, and behavioral assessments for individuals seeking court- or DMV-mandated driving clearance after substance use concerns.

Lawyers & Judges Assistance Program (LJAP)
Discreet, profession-specific care for legal professionals managing stress, substance use, or compliance with court or licensing boards.

Health Professional Recovery Program (HPRP)
River’s Bend is an approved HPRP provider, offering therapy, evaluations, and psychiatric services for licensed medical professionals returning to practice.

Psychiatric Services
Medication management and clinical evaluations for conditions including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, trauma, and ADHD.

Community & Peer Support Integration
River’s Bend helps clients build connections and accountability by linking them with mutual support groups, alumni programs, and community-based resources.

A Trusted Partner in Recovery Support

River’s Bend emphasizes the importance of coordinated care for professional partners supporting individuals through the treatment continuum.

“By working closely with referral partners, we help ensure that clients don’t fall through the cracks,” says Cheryl Narduzzi, Business Development Liaison at River’s Bend. “From discharge planning to long-term recovery strategy, we’re here to help professionals confidently support their clients’ next steps.”

About River’s Bend P.C.

River’s Bend is a nationally accredited, privately owned outpatient behavioral health clinic located in Troy and West Bloomfield, MI. Specializing in Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP), Partial Hospitalization (PHP), and trauma-informed care, River’s Bend offers personalized treatment for mental health and substance use disorders in a compassionate, community-first setting.

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