The Nuts and Bolts of Intensive Outpatient Programs

What is Evening IOP and What Can It Do for Me?

For people in early recovery, going home after treatment can be a stressful and emotional time. Re-acclimating to life at home and work, navigating social interactions with old friends, and trying to develop new relationships that support recovery are not easy. IOP or Intensive Outpatient Programs provide outpatient therapy services to help with maintaining recovery after leaving the cocoon of residential treatment.

What is Evening IOP?
IOP is a “stepped-down” level of care from full-time, residential treatment that allows the newly recovered individual to live at home, go to work, and carry on with the daily responsibilities of life while continuing substance abuse treatment in an outpatient setting.

Who can participate?
At Fellowship Hall, Evening IOP is for an individual who has recently been discharged from a residential treatment program. For those that are not quite ready or unable to go home, Fellowship Hall also offers transitional housing in a clean and sober living environment.

What’s the focus of the program?
Moving from the controlled environment of residential treatment back to “normal life” can be incredibly stressful. There are many triggers— some anticipated and some not— that can impact sustained recovery. At Fellowship Hall, IOP focuses on relapse prevention and relationship management. Through facilitated group counseling, IOP participants address a variety of topics and issues that are affecting their recovery.

How long does the program last?
At Fellowship Hall, Evening IOP extends over 4-6 weeks with 4 sessions per week.

What happens after Evening IOP?
Taking part in the Early Recovery Group. ERG is the next step and continues to reinforce and bolster healthy behaviors. To learn more about ERG, click here.

How is Evening IOP different from other outpatient services?
The main difference between Evening IOP and traditional outpatient services is that IOP is intended for those who have completed a residential program, whether it be at Fellowship Hall or another treatment facility. Outpatient services, on the other hand, are available to anyone, regardless of whether or not they have completed a residential treatment program. Outpatient services include one-on-one, family and group counseling for varying lengths of time.

How much is Evening IOP and is it covered by insurance?
In many cases IOP is covered by insurance, but varies by provider. Before enrolling in any Intensive Outpatient Program, confirm benefits directly with a health insurance provider.