Intensive Outpatient Rehab Program for Drugs & Alcohol

As the name suggests, an intensive outpatient program (IOP) is a relatively intensive level of outpatient care, providing several hours a week of structured addiction treatment for individuals struggling with substance use disorder (SUD), while allowing them to live at home throughout the treatment duration. Like their inpatient/residential treatment counterpart programs, IOPs may combine individual and group therapy, psychoeducation about addiction and coping strategies, and sometimes medication management and family therapy.¹ Unlike inpatient programs, IOPs may make it easier for some to attend scheduled therapy sessions and group meetings while continuing their work or education outside of treatment hours. ¹

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for Addiction

IOPs can provide a comprehensive range of treatment interventions to address the psychological, emotional, behavioral, and social aspects of addiction.¹ Some IOPs may also be tailored to offer treatment for those also struggling with co-occurring mental health issues.² 

In the outpatient setting, IOP provides participants more flexibility and autonomy, potentially allowing them to maintain daily responsibilities while also receiving structured treatment. What sets IOPs apart from some other treatment options is their intensive yet flexible nature while engaging in addiction treatment. This approach empowers people to recover from an SUD without being removed from their everyday lives and routines. ² 

What to Expect in an IOP

IOP treatment may include a range of scheduled treatment services—including one-on-one counseling, group therapy, psychoeducation, and case management—for at least 9 hours a week. Sessions are often conducted across several days per week, though the exact number of hours and days per week may vary depending on patient needs.³

For some people, intensive outpatient programs represent step-down SUD treatment after prior inpatient, residential, and/or withdrawal management efforts. In other cases, IOPs serve as a step-up level of care from more standard, and less intensive individual or group outpatient treatment.^3,4

Patients can expect IOPs to offer them somewhat more flexibility in when and where they receive treatment while still providing structured and comprehensive addiction treatment care.³ Furthermore, IOPs will allow real-time application of recently learned recovery skills, as people are able to interact with family, friends, and in other real-life situations outside of treatment hours.³ 

As with other levels of care, intensive outpatient programs may combine medications, counseling, and a variety of behavioral therapies, depending on the patient’s needs.

Some behavioral therapeutic approaches that may be employed during an IOP include:⁴ 

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): Helps people identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors related to substance use.
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): Teaches mindfulness, emotion regulation, and interpersonal skills to manage cravings and cope with stress.
• Motivational interviewing: A client-centered approach that helps people explore and resolve their ambivalence about change, enhancing motivation for recovery.
• Family therapy: Involves family members in the treatment process to improve communication, address dysfunctional patterns, and provide recovery support.

Does Health Insurance Cover Intensive Outpatient Programs for Addiction?

The Affordable Care Act mandates that all health insurance plans provide some degree of coverage for the medically necessary treatment of mental and behavioral health disorders, like addiction.⁵

Treatment coverage may vary depending on a person’s insurance policy, so it is essential to contact your insurance company to determine costs before committing to treatment. Many treatment programs will help you verify benefits prior to admission.

Many rehab programs offer payment plans or alternative financing options for those without insurance or whose individual plans do not provide enough benefits for the duration of treatment.

Find Intensive Outpatient Programs Near You

Finding the right addiction treatment program is crucial for achieving long-term recovery. An effective option to help you locate intensive outpatient programs is the treatment directory on recovery.org. This online resource allows you to explore IOP treatment options in addition to other levels of care nationwide by location, type of treatment, and one’s individual needs. The directory provides detailed information about each program, including services offered, treatment approaches, and contact details.

Additionally, the American Addiction Centers (AAC) addiction helpline offers personalized assistance from compassionate admissions navigators who can help you find appropriate rehab programs, including those that offer intensive outpatient for addiction treatment. Information will be provided to walk callers through the addiction treatment process, answer any questions about your treatment options, help verify insurance benefits, and support making informed decisions about you or your loved one’s recovery journey.

Take the first step to a healthier life and call to find the right program. It can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone.