Intensive Outpatient (IOP): What to Expect, Who It's For & How It Works
IOP gives you structure and support while letting you keep up with work, school, or family life. You'll typically attend 3-4 sessions per week, 3-4 hours each—usually in the morning or evening. Sessions include group therapy, individual counseling, and education about recovery. It's more than regular therapy but less than PHP, making it a practical choice for people who need consistent support without full-day programming. This page provides comprehensive information about intensive outpatient program, including who this level of care is appropriate for, what to expect during treatment, typical duration, and how insurance typically covers this type of program.
Understanding Intensive Outpatient Program in the United States
Understanding your treatment options
Intensive Outpatient Program(IOP)
Outpatient ProgramIOP gives you structure and support while letting you keep up with work, school, or family life. You'll typically attend 3-4 sessions per week, 3-4 hours each—usually in the morning or evening. Sessions include group therapy, individual counseling, and education about recovery. It's more than regular therapy but less than PHP, making it a practical choice for people who need consistent support without full-day programming.
6-12 weeks
9-15 hours
- People stepping down from PHP or residential treatment
- Those who need more than weekly therapy but can manage daily life
- Individuals who can't leave work or family for full-time treatment
- People with strong support at home who are committed to recovery
Who decides what level of care is right?
When you call a treatment facility, they'll do an assessment to understand your situation— things like what substances you're using, how long, medical history, mental health, and your support system. Based on that, they'll recommend a level of care. Your insurance company also has a say—they use clinical criteria (like ASAM for substance use) to decide what they'll cover. Sometimes there's back-and-forth between the facility and insurance to find the right fit.
What to Expect from IOP Treatment
Program Structure
- •Duration: 6-12 weeks
- •Intensity: 9-15 hours
- •Setting: Return home between sessions
What Treatment Usually Includes
- •Individual therapy (often 2-3 times per week)
- •Group therapy and peer support sessions
- •Psychiatric evaluation and medication management if needed
- •Aftercare planning before you leave
Does Insurance Cover IOP?
Most insurance plans cover intensive outpatient program when it's deemed medically necessary—but what "medically necessary" means varies by insurer. Your coverage depends on your specific plan: your deductible, copays, and whether the facility is in-network. The facility's admissions team can usually help you verify benefits before you commit.
Find IOP Programs by Insurance
Find IOP Programs by State
What to Ask When Contacting a Program
Be prepared with the right questions
That first phone call to a treatment facility can feel intimidating. Here's the thing: the people answering are usually experienced at helping nervous callers navigate this process. You don't need to have all the answers—just your insurance card and a basic idea of what's going on. But it helps to know what questions to ask them:
- 1Are you currently in-network with my specific insurance plan? (Give them your insurance ID and group number)
- 2Can you verify my benefits and tell me roughly what my out-of-pocket costs would be?
- 3Do you handle the prior authorization process, or do I need to call my insurance first?
- 4Do you have availability right now? How long is the wait for admission?
- 5What does a typical day look like in your program?
- 6What credentials do your therapists and counselors have?
- 7Do you offer medication-assisted treatment (like Suboxone or Vivitrol) if that's appropriate for me?
- 8What happens after I complete your program? Do you help with aftercare planning?
- 9Can my family be involved in my treatment?
- 10What happens if my insurance stops approving coverage before I'm clinically ready to leave?
- 11Do you treat people with both addiction and mental health issues at the same time?
- 12How do you customize treatment plans for each person?
Before You Call
- Have your insurance card ready
- Know your policy number and group number
- Be ready to briefly describe the situation
- Have pen and paper for notes
What Intake May Ask You
- What substances or symptoms are involved
- History of prior treatment attempts
- Current medications
- Timeline for when help is needed
Here's something important to remember: calling a facility doesn't commit you to anything. You can (and should) call multiple places to compare options. The intake team is there to help you figure out if their program is right for your situation. If it's not the right fit, a good facility will tell you honestly and may even suggest alternatives.
"The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be."