Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

The Intensive Outpatient Program is a group therapy-style program that teaches the fundamentals of recovery from substance use and mental health disorders. IOP is a structured program requiring 9-15 hours of programming per week. A typical group size can be between 2-12 participants. The core purpose of IOP programming is to provide research-based education and counseling services related to substance use disorders and a variety of mental health disorders to prepare the client for transforming his or her life. Other services offered in conjunction with group therapy are case management services, medication management, and individual counseling sessions.

Depending on the severity of the disorder being treated, IOP can be the sole recommendation of the individual completing the diagnostic evaluation or a step down from inpatient, residential, or partial hospitalization programming. The level of care a professional will recommend is a direct result of a thorough biopsychosocial assessment and completion of an ASAM (The American Society of Addiction Medicine) assessment.

According to ASAM, there are 5 levels of treatment as part of the continuity of care that increase by the severity of each individual’s symptoms:

Level 1 – early intervention services
Level 2 – outpatient services
Level 3 – intensive outpatient; PHP or partial hospitalization services (a slightly higher level 3)
Level 4 – residential/inpatient treatment services
Level 5 – medically managed intensive inpatient treatment services

IOP may be the best treatment option for those who qualify AND:

• Have completed inpatient detoxification (or)
• Have been medically cleared and show minimum or no signs of physical withdrawal
• Do not require around-the-clock medical supervision
• Have work, family, or other responsibilities that require their presence
• Can adhere to structured program requirements
• Have the ability to maintain sobriety or positive mental health between treatment episodes
• Have a stable home environment free of exposure to drugs and alcohol and other high-risk factors that could pose a threat to the recovery process