Depression
Major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder, and treatment-resistant depression.
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Program
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
A 9-hour-per-week clinical program for adults who need substantially more than weekly therapy but can keep working, studying, or caregiving around treatment.
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Key takeaways
- IOP is 9 hours per week, typically across 3 evenings, while you maintain work or school.
- Most IOP stays run 8–12 weeks before stepping down to aftercare.
- IOP is the most common entry point for adults whose anxiety, depression, or trauma have stopped responding to weekly therapy.
- Most PPO and POS plans cover IOP after deductible.
Who IOP is for
- You've been in weekly therapy and feel you need more — symptoms aren't shifting at the current dose of care.
- You're stepping down from PHP or from inpatient/residential and need continued structure.
- You can manage work, school, or family around treatment but need a real, structured commitment.
- You're dealing with a co-occurring substance use pattern and want integrated treatment.
Schedule
3 evenings per week, 3 hours per session. Most cohorts meet Monday/Wednesday/Friday or Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday. Individual therapy and psychiatry appointments are scheduled outside of group hours, at times that work for your schedule.
Typical session shape:
- Brief check-in
- Skills didactic (CBT or DBT, depending on the night)
- Break
- Process group
- Brief homework / between-session planning
Telehealth option
We also offer the same IOP curriculum via secure telehealth for California residents — see Virtual IOP. Most people mix in-person and virtual depending on the week.
Conditions IOP commonly treats
Insurance
Most PPO and POS plans cover IOP at a high percentage after deductible. We verify benefits free of charge — see insurance details.
Frequently asked questions
How many hours a week is IOP?
About 9 hours, typically across 3 evenings of 3-hour sessions, plus individual therapy and psychiatry appointments scheduled outside of group hours.Can I keep working during IOP?
Yes. IOP is designed to fit around work, school, or caregiving — cohorts usually meet in the evenings so you can maintain your daytime commitments.How long does IOP last?
Most IOP stays run 8–12 weeks before stepping down to aftercare. We re-evaluate every 2 weeks and adjust the plan with you.What is the difference between IOP and PHP?
PHP is a full-day program (about 5–6 hours, 5 days a week) for higher acuity. IOP is about 9 hours a week across 3 evenings. IOP is the level of care between weekly therapy and PHP.Does insurance cover IOP?
Most PPO and POS plans cover IOP at a high percentage after deductible. We verify your benefits free of charge before you commit.Can I do IOP from home?
Yes. The same curriculum is available via secure video as Virtual IOP for California residents.
Related conditions and other levels of care
Anxiety
Generalized anxiety, panic disorder, and social anxiety.
Trauma & PTSD
Acute and complex trauma, PTSD, and trauma-driven substance use.
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar I, II, and cyclothymia — stabilization, medication, and skills.
Co-Occurring (Dual Diagnosis)
Mental health conditions alongside substance use — treated together, not in series.
Substance Use Disorder
Outpatient SUD treatment delivered as part of integrated dual-diagnosis care.
Most intensive
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
Full-day outpatient program, 5 days/week, for high-acuity care without an overnight stay.
CA residents
Virtual IOP
The same IOP curriculum delivered via secure video for California residents.
Aftercare
Continuing care to maintain gains after PHP or IOP.
References
- [1] American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM). "ASAM Criteria, 4th Edition" — Level 2.1 Intensive Outpatient. Source