In an intensive outpatient program (IOP), you’ll receive clinical services, therapy, and recovery support while you manage life in the real world. An IOP helps you focus on your recovery without taking time away from your work or loved ones.

IS IOP RIGHT FOR ME?

An intensive outpatient program provides a high level of care but still offers flexibility to continue living at home. An IOP might be right for you if:

You finished medical detox and are transitioning to a lower level of care.
You have responsibilities at home or work that you can’t leave behind – An IOP allows you to continue living at home and working if needed. This makes IOPs especially attractive to people who are the primary caretakers of their families or who can’t take time off work.
You don’t need 24/7 care – If you suffer from co-occurring medical or mental health conditions, you may need round-the-clock care, particularly in the early stages of treatment. If that’s the case, an inpatient program may be better for you at this time.
You can commit to the requirements of the program – You’ll have support from your treatment team, and they’ll teach you how to maximize your time in the program.

In an IOP, your treatment will be tailored to your needs. All aspects of your care can work to get you closer to stability in sobriety.

WHAT IS IOP LIKE?

IOP scheduling tends to be flexible. You can attend programming in either the daytime or evening. This flexibility is beneficial for people with strict work or school schedules. Most IOP services occur within a single treatment facility. You may live at home or in a sober living house.

IOPs are staffed with:

Physicians
Psychiatrists
Therapists
Other clinicians
Support staff

You can expect to work with all these professionals throughout your program. Typical IOP programming consists of several components:

Individual Therapy

Individual therapy offers a safe and supportive environment for exploring your thoughts and feelings. Your therapist will help you with the issues that matter most to you and your recovery journey. Those could include:

Trauma support
Family dynamics
Self-esteem
Co-occurring mental illnesses

Group Therapy

Group therapy combines education with peer support. You’ll be surrounded by clients experiencing the same stressors and feelings as you. This camaraderie can be invaluable in helping you cope with the early stages of recovery. Groups cover topics like:

Psychoeducation
Social skills training
Expressive therapy (art, music, tai chi, yoga, comedy)
Vocational rehabilitation
Experiential activities
Nutritional counseling
Self-esteem and wellness
Relapse prevention

Family Therapy

Addiction is a family disease. Often, loved ones need their education and support in setting boundaries. Family therapy helps families improve their communication and strengthen their respect for one another. If you’re in a relationship, your therapist may also recommend couples or marital counseling.

Case Management

Case managers help coordinate client care. Your case manager will meet with you to review your ongoing struggles and needs. They often help clients by providing various resources, including:

Legal assistance (including talking with lawyers and probation officers)
Medical support
Housing
Financial relief

Drug Testing

Drug testing may consist of simple urine or saliva test. It’s a fundamental part of any successful treatment. Testing keeps you and other clients safe. In IOP, our trained staff will randomly screen all clients for drug and alcohol use.

Aftercare Clubs (at Select Locations)

Aftercare is a crucial part of recovery because it keeps you anchored in the support and motivation of your built-in treatment. Aftercare can include many things. Usually, it entails alumni support and ongoing sober fun and recreation.

TYPES OF THERAPIES IN AN IOP

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) outlines the many therapies you may encounter in an IOP, depending on the program. Individual, family, and group therapies are common, but the therapy methods may vary.

Your therapist could use any combination of the following therapies in both individual and group sessions:

The Matrix Model – This approach includes education, support, and assistance through self-help programs. The goal is to abstain from substances and live a productive, drug-free life. Your therapist will help guide you in finding solutions. You can expect homework with this method of treatment.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) – CBT believes you can change your learning patterns and unlearn the behaviors that cause you to abuse substances. You’ll work with a therapist to identify problematic thinking patterns and change them. In doing so, you can gradually change your destructive behaviors.

HOW IS IOP DIFFERENT FROM OTHER PROGRAMS?

IOP is less intensive and more flexible than residential or inpatient treatment programs. You don’t have care 24/7, and you don’t live in a treatment facility. You’re free to be in the world while also being accountable for your recovery.

Some clients “step down” into IOP after completing a higher level of outpatient care, like a partial hospitalization program, which requires up to 30 hours of treatment per week. With this plan, you integrate freedom—and responsibilities—slowly, in calculated steps. If you’re dealing with a more mild substance use disorder, you may start recovery directly in an IOP.

HOW LONG DO I NEED TO BE IN IOP?

IOP doesn’t have a set length of time. Instead, your team will decide the best course of treatment for you. The timeline may vary based on:

The severity of your addiction
Previous history of treatment episodes
Your participation in and willingness to participate in the program
Co-occurring mental health issues, like depression or anxiety
Stressors and triggers that could increase the likelihood of relapse after completing treatment

There are many benefits associated with completing long-term treatment. First, you’ll have ongoing support from staff and other clients, who relate to you and are rooting for you! You’ll be associating with other people who value recovery. Moreover, accountability and consistency represent some of the core components of sustained change.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER IOP?

Many people transition to basic outpatient care after IOP. Outpatient is the lowest level of care. Once you’re there, you’ll typically receive services for about three to six hours per week.

Aftercare remains essential. Many successful clients continue engaging in long-term therapy and support groups years after completing treatment. At Generational Wellness, we have an awesome support team.

DOES INSURANCE COVER IOP?

Insurance may cover some or all of your IOP treatment. Inpatient or residential treatment options are usually covered for one to six weeks, depending on your plan. After a certain amount of time, you may be expected to transfer to an outpatient program, which can include an IOP. Some plans may cover partial hospitalization programs, which means you attend a rigorous program about five days a week.

Insurance plans generally expect outpatient care to include:

Peer group meetings or 12-step program attendance
Therapy (family, individual, or group)
Education on the effects of substance or alcohol abuse
Medical care

An admissions counselor can review your insurance policy, deductible, and co-pay. Click here to verify your insurance with Generational Wellness.

If your insurance doesn’t cover the services you need, don’t worry; you have options. You can finance your treatment with a loan, or you can use a flexible private pay option. Contact our admissions staff at Generational Wellness, and we’ll work with you!

IOP can be an integral part of your healing process. You’ll gain useful skills for managing your addiction, and you’ll learn how to sustain your recovery while managing your daily routine.

Are you ready to get help for your addiction? At Generational Wellness, we have a comprehensive intensive outpatient program, and we’re here to support you! Contact us today to learn more.

PROGRAM DETAILS:

3 to 5 days per week, 3 hours per day
Evening and day schedules
Individual therapy
Group therapy
Family therapy
Case management
Aftercare clubs (select locations)

PROGRAM-SPECIFIC GROUPS:

Psychoeducation
Didactic lectures
Process-based programming
Specialized and culturally specific programming
Mutual self-help programming
Skills training
Expressive therapy (yoga, tai chi, art, music, comedy)
Vocational rehabilitation
Community support
Experiential programming
Nutritional counseling and other wellness initiatives
Recreational programming

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

Mental Health in Peoria, Arizona