Intensive Outpatient Program

An intensive outpatient program (IOP) is a structured, non-residential treatment program for mental health and substance use disorders: 

Goal

• To help people manage their mental health issues and achieve lasting recovery while still being able to maintain their daily lives 

  Treatment

  IOPs typically offer 9–19 hours of treatment per week, including group and individual therapy, family counseling, educational groups, and other strategies 

  Schedule

  IOPs are more structured and intensive than traditional outpatient therapy, which usually involves seeing a therapist once or twice a week 

  Benefits

  IOPs can help prevent costly inpatient admissions and can be a transitional step from inpatient care 

  Who benefits

  IOPs are for people who don't require medical detoxification or 24-hour supervision, but who need more treatment and support than traditional outpatient services can provide