Larry D. is a man of deep conviction, patriotism and a lifelong sense of duty to his country. When he was 18, he didn’t wait to be drafted. Larry joined the Marine Corps to fight in Vietnam, determined to stand in line with his forefathers and defend the nation he loved.
Unfortunately, like so many others who have seen combat, Larry returned from the war changed—haunted by the things he’d seen and the friends he’d lost.
In spite of the trauma he suffered in combat, Larry had always been skeptical of psychiatry and mental health care. “I’ve always considered psychiatry as not helpful,” he admits. Over the years, he found ways to keep his life in order, even if that meant suppressing his emotions and rolling up his sleeves to “fix” everything on his own. But as time passed, he found it more challenging to maintain that control. The weight of his experiences became too much to bear alone.
Taking the first step toward help
Larry’s turning point came when he realized he was no longer as strong mentally as he once was. He even considered suicide, but his deep faith and concern for his family held him back. “It’s not in the playbook,” he says.
That’s when Larry turned to Family Care Center and began working with a therapist, Kelli, in weekly sessions. “I told her things I’ve never told anyone,” Larry shares. “I felt safe and secure with her.” It was Kelli who introduced Larry to the mental health Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) at Family Care Center. After interviewing the IOP team, Larry was convinced. “I have a good read on people,” he says. “I looked the IOP leader in the eye and knew this was right.”
Life-changing support through the IOP
Larry found the structure and intensity of mental health IOP to be exactly what he needed. The program offered group therapy sessions that took place Monday through Thursday for three hours each day. For Larry, the key to the program’s success was commitment. “You can’t just dip your foot in,” he says. “If you’re close to desperation, you’re in the right place. Listen and use the tools, and you’ll see remarkable results.”
Group therapy quickly became a life-altering experience. “You come in as strangers, but in a short six weeks, you’re family,” Larry explains. He emphasizes the importance of being honest with yourself and others. “It’s the fastest way you’re going to be healed,” he adds.
For Larry, the sense of community that developed in group therapy was transformative. “You don’t get that in one-on-one therapy. You help each other through shared tools and experiences,” he says. He saw others in the group—people who started out withdrawn, with their heads down—begin to open up, smile and share their darkest struggles. “It’s a process,” Larry says. “You start by crawling, then you stand, walk, and before you know it, you’re running. It’s exhilarating.”
A call for nationwide expansion
Larry is now a firm believer in the power of the IOP. He credits it with changing—and quite possibly saving—his life. “This program fixes lives and saves lives physically. I want to see it nationwide,” he says passionately.
His message to others considering an Intensive Outpatient Program is simple: “Come in and be open. You will find yourself if you’re willing to do the work.” Larry hopes his story will inspire others to seek help when needed, just as he did.
For Larry, the journey continues. He knows he can’t fix everything and learned that asking for help is not a sign of weakness but strength. “It’s a community,” he says of the IOP. “And we heal together.”
About Family Care Center’s IOP
Family Care Center’s Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) offers a comprehensive treatment approach, providing more intensive care than routine appointments without the constraints of inpatient care.
Our compassionate IOP team is committed to guiding you toward better mental health, equipping you with the tools to manage challenges and empowering you to live your life to the fullest.
