What is IOP? Understanding Intensive Outpatient Programs
If you’re searching for support but don’t need 24/7 inpatient care, an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) could be the right fit.
IOP treatment offers a structured and supportive path toward recovery, without requiring you to step away from your job, family, or daily responsibilities.
At The Raleigh House, our IOP is designed for individuals managing substance use, mental health conditions, or both. With evidence-based therapies, small group sizes, and holistic support, we help you build lasting tools for recovery on your terms.
To learn if IOP is right for you or your loved one, contact our team today or keep reading to discover how intensive outpatient programs work.
First, What is IOP?
An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is a step-down level of care that provides consistent therapeutic support without requiring overnight stays.
IOP clients typically attend therapy three to five times per week while living at home or in a sober living environment.
It’s ideal for those who need more support than weekly therapy but don’t require full-time inpatient residential care.
IOP vs. PHP vs . Inpatient: Key Differences
Understanding the levels of care can help you choose the right program for your needs.
Here’s how IOP compares to other treatment options like inpatient rehab and partial hospitalization programs (PHP):
- Inpatient (Residential) Treatment: 24/7 support and on-site living for intensive stabilization.
- Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): 5+ hours of therapy per day, typically 5–7 days/week.
- Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): Approximately 9–12 hours of treatment per week, with flexible scheduling and home living.
IOP allows you to keep working, care for your family, and stay involved in your community, all while prioritizing your healing.
What Happens in an Intensive Outpatient Program?
IOP at The Raleigh House is built around evidence-based treatment, peer connection, and individualized care.
Your First Day of IOP: What to Expect
You’ll start with a warm welcome and orientation, including:
- An introduction to our philosophy and therapeutic approach.
- Meeting your clinical team and peers.
- Receiving materials and an IOP binder with worksheets and session info.
A Typical Week in Our Intensive Outpatient Program
Wondering what your weekly schedule will look like in IOP? While every journey is unique, here’s what you can typically expect each week at The Raleigh House:
- Group Therapy: Three 3-hour sessions per week in groups of about eight.
- Individual Therapy: At least one 1-on-1 session per week with your primary clinician.
- Family Involvement: Optional Saturday family workshops and family therapy sessions as clinically appropriate.
Each session explores recovery topics, skills development, and trauma-informed healing in a supportive environment.
IOP Program Structure, Duration, and Key Components
Our Intensive Outpatient Program is designed to provide consistent, high-quality care while allowing you to maintain daily routines and responsibilities.
Key components of our IOP include:
- Duration: Most IOP clients participate in the program for approximately 8–12 weeks, depending on clinical needs and progress.
- Frequency: Three group sessions per week, each lasting about three hours.
- Individual therapy: At least one private session per week with your primary clinician.
- Family involvement: Optional family workshops every Saturday and additional sessions as clinically recommended.
- Holistic care: Integrated wellness, medical, and psychiatric support throughout the program.
This structure ensures you receive personalized care, peer support, and evidence-based therapies in a manageable, real-life schedule.
IOP Therapies Offered
At The Raleigh House, our IOP includes a range of evidence-based therapies designed to treat the whole person.
Group, Individual, and Family Therapy
Our program blends multiple therapy formats to ensure you get personalized and community-based support. You’ll participate in:
- Group therapy to build peer connections and learn from shared experiences.
- Individual therapy for one-on-one time with your primary clinician to address personal challenges.
- Family therapy to repair trust, improve communication, and foster long-term support at home.
Trauma‑Informed & Dual‑Diagnosis Care
We recognize that many individuals struggle with both mental health disorders and substance use. Our team offers:
- Dual-diagnosis treatment that addresses both conditions simultaneously.
- Trauma-informed care rooted in safety, empathy, and empowerment, helping clients unpack and heal from past trauma without judgment.
Health & Wellness Services
Sustainable recovery includes caring for your body as much as your mind. We help you strengthen your wellness routine with:
- Nutrition education and pro-recovery meal planning.
- Guidance on hydration, sleep hygiene, and gut health.
- Mindfulness training to regulate stress and emotions.
Medical & Psychiatric Support
Our IOP clients receive access to clinical support as needed to stabilize mental and physical health. Services may include:
- Medication management and psychiatric evaluation.
- Drug and alcohol monitoring.
- Genetic and neurotransmitter testing to guide personalized care.
Benefits of IOP Treatment
Choosing an IOP offers a unique balance of structure and flexibility. Key benefits include:
- Maintaining your daily responsibilities like work, school, or caregiving while still receiving care.
- Access to expert-led therapies without a full-time residential commitment.
- Lower cost compared to inpatient or residential programs.
- Peer and community support to help reduce isolation and foster accountability.
- Continued connection to family and loved ones, which can enhance long-term success.
Your Support System Is Essential to IOP Success
Recovery is not something you have to do alone. A strong support system can make a significant difference in your progress during and after IOP.
Family Involvement & Peer Support
Loved ones and peers play a vital role in long-term healing. Our IOP includes:
- Weekly family workshops every Saturday to encourage healthy communication and education.
- Optional family therapy sessions with your primary clinician when clinically appropriate.
- Small group sizes (about eight clients per group) to promote connection, peer support, and vulnerability in a safe space.
Ongoing Community, Alumni, and Accountability Resources
Healing doesn’t stop when IOP ends. We help you stay connected by offering:
- Alumni programming and events for continued peer connection and motivation.
- On-site recovery meetings that support accountability and engagement.
- Community referrals to help you access additional resources in Denver and beyond.
Is IOP Right for Me?
Not sure if IOP is the best fit? We’re here to help you understand if this level of care aligns with your needs and goals.
Who Should Consider an Intensive Outpatient Program?
You may benefit from IOP if you:
- Are stepping down from residential or PHP care.
- Need more support than traditional therapy provides.
- Want to maintain work, school, or caregiving duties while in treatment.
- Are motivated to engage in structured, evidence-based recovery.
Mental Health and Addiction Recovery Criteria
IOP is ideal for individuals managing:
- Substance use disorders that don’t require 24/7 supervision.
- Mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, or PTSD.
- Co-occurring disorders that benefit from dual-diagnosis care.
We’ll work with you to determine the right level of support based on your clinical assessment and personal goals.
What to Expect When Paying for IOP
At The Raleigh House, we work with most major insurance plans to make mental health and substance abuse treatment accessible. We strive to make treatment accessible and transparent.
In addition to insurance, our payment options include:
- Out-of-network insurance (we provide documentation for reimbursement).
- Private pay/self-pay plans tailored to your needs.
- Financing options to ease the burden of upfront costs.
Our admissions team will walk you through every step of the payment process so you can focus on healing, not paperwork.
Start Healing With The Raleigh House Today
If you’re ready to take the next step toward recovery, on your terms, we’re here for you. The Raleigh House offers IOP at both of our supportive locations:
- The Ranch at The Raleigh House: Nestled in the peaceful Colorado countryside, The Ranch offers a serene space for those looking to recover from trauma, mental health conditions, and addiction. With nature-inspired therapies and a nurturing community, the ranch is an ideal place to find peace and heal.
- The Center for Integrative Behavioral Health: Located in the Denver Tech Center, our newest facility offers the same clinical excellence and unique healing experiences for trauma, mental health, and addiction. It’s an excellent setting as well for those individuals needing physical accessibility support in a beautiful and nurturing environment.
Whether you’re beginning your journey or transitioning from a higher level of care, we’ll meet you where you are. Contact us now to learn more. Healing is possible, and it can start today.
Frequently Asked Questions About IOP
Starting an Intensive Outpatient Program can come with a lot of questions, and that’s normal. Here are some of the most common things people want to know before enrolling in IOP at The Raleigh House.
How is IOP different from just going to therapy once a week?
IOP offers a more structured, intensive format than traditional weekly therapy. You’ll attend multiple sessions each week that combine individual care, group therapy, and skill-building, all designed to support sustainable recovery.
Will I have to stop working or taking care of my family during IOP?
Not at all. One of the core benefits of IOP is its flexibility. You can continue to meet personal and professional obligations while receiving treatment.
What kind of support is available after I complete the program?
We offer alumni groups, community resource connections, and optional continued outpatient therapy to help you stay connected and accountable post-treatment.
Do I need a formal diagnosis before starting IOP?
No. Our clinical team will conduct a thorough assessment during the intake process to determine whether IOP is the right fit for your needs—even if you haven’t been officially diagnosed before.
Can I participate in IOP if I’ve already completed inpatient or residential treatment?
Yes. IOP is a common step-down level of care after inpatient treatment. It helps you continue building recovery skills while adjusting to everyday life.
Is IOP confidential?
Yes. Like all mental health and substance use treatment services, IOP sessions are entirely confidential and protected by privacy laws.
How soon can I start IOP at The Raleigh House?
Yes. Like all mental health and substance use treatment services, IOP sessions are entirely confidential and protected by privacy laws.