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Nowadays, many inpatient and outpatient addiction centers have an intensive outpatient program (IOP) available. As the treatment program gains popularity, it can be difficult to discern which one is the best or what the differences between centers are. When choosing a treatment facility, the quality of IOP can be a make-or-break factor.

So, are all intensive outpatient programs the same? No, and here’s why:

Intensive Outpatient Overview

The description for intensive outpatient programs on addiction center websites says the same thing: they’re a flexible and individualized program tailored to those who do not need inpatient treatment but require a higher level of care. Although this is true, some pieces make the programs similar and stand out from one another.

All IOPs, in general, meet certain requirements, but how these requirements are implemented can differ across facilities. These differences can be small, such as the required number of hours or weeks the IOP patients must meet, or bigger, such as the counselors’ experience level or guiding philosophy of the program. All of these are important when considering any facility’s intensive outpatient program.

Similarities to Other IOPs

As mentioned, intensive outpatient programs include specific requirements in structure. Here are some components IOPs have in common with one another:

• Weekly Therapy Commitment: IOPs typically involve required group or individual therapy sessions weekly. The frequency and length of these sessions may vary, but the series as a program requirement is still the same.

• Flexibility: All IOPs are designed specifically to be the more flexible option for patients. Regardless of what is offered, each program is structured to allow for the continuation of outside responsibilities. For instance, at Master Center, we offer morning and evening in-person and virtual IOPs to meet patients’ schedules as best as possible.

• Telehealth Option: Many people may feel skeptical about receiving addiction treatment in a virtual setting; however, IOPs offered via telehealth are proven to be just as effective as in-person therapies. Many IOPs offer this option to ensure the same potential for success for patients across all Virginia regions.

• Custom Treatment Plans: IOPs cater to your goals, situation, and comfort levels, prioritizing an individualized approach to treatment.

• Cheaper Option: IOPs are meant to be a more affordable option for those who cannot afford the cost of inpatient or residential programs, which can usually cost around $10,000-$30,000 (with or without insurance).

Differences to Other IOPs

There are smaller, more technical components that make an intensive outpatient program different, but a major differentiation to keep in mind is the center’s overarching guiding principles in helping a patient achieve long-term sobriety goals.

Technical Differences:

• Medication-Assisted Treatment: Not all intensive outpatient programs—or even all centers—offer medication as a part of treatment. This includes Vivitrol, Suboxone, Naltrexone, and others. At Master Center, we don’t require incorporating pharmacology into the program, but we do provide it as an option for those interested.

• Addressing Co-Occurring Disorders: Many addiction centers focus solely on the disease of addiction while neglecting the surrounding mental illnesses that can come with it, such as PTSD, depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety. Top IOP programs always recognize these co-occurring illnesses as a factor in addiction and incorporate it into each patient’s treatment plan.

Philosophical Differences

• Step-Down Treatment Programming: A center’s guiding principles in intensive outpatient programs can be focused on long-term success. With this, patients receive a soft landing post-IOP through additional services, which can include a variety of different components depending on the facility.

• Supplemental Servicing: Some centers may include additional services in their intensive outpatient programming. This can look like psychiatric care, peer recovery coaching and support, specialty therapies, case management, and more. All these services contribute to a center’s overarching mission of achieving long-term recovery.

Why Choose Intensive Outpatient?

There are numerous benefits to intensive outpatient programs, and it’s moreover a great option for many patients. Top IOP providers are focused on your long-term success and sobriety, such as going the extra mile to include additional services to supplement your treatment. Master Center, for instance, ensures IOP participants meet with a medical provider and a peer recovery coaching team to facilitate long-term recovery and offer additional support.

Although it can be difficult to decipher where you want to go, the most important thing is to choose a program and center that is the right decision for you and your personal goals. To learn more about the intensive outpatient program, read our other article on the benefits of IOP.

Selecting a Top IOP Provider

Here are some questions to keep in mind when choosing between IOP providers:

1. What other services do they offer that you can tap into? Examples at Master Center include addiction medicine, peer recovery coaching, healthcare navigators, and addiction psychiatry. 

2. Can you continue with the same group for step-down care when your IOP is complete? Ask where most patients go following the end of their course of treatment. Master Center offers ongoing treatment, plus a group therapy option only for IOP graduates. 

3. Is there a family component to IOP treatment (if appropriate to your circumstances)? Not all centers include a patient’s support system in treatment. Master Center invites families to participate in group therapy and offers resources and services for adult family members. 

4. Are you able to interact with IOP graduates? Master Center invites IOP graduates to return and share their experience with current participants. Will you be next?

5. When do you offer IOP? Keep in mind that not all centers accommodate virtual or in-person IOP options, so be sure to clarify your preferences. Master Center offers morning and evening in-person and virtual IOP sessions 4 days a week.

About Master Center for Addiction Medicine

Master Center for Addiction Medicine is a groundbreaking addiction treatment program headquartered in Glen Allen, Va. Based on a vision of comprehensive outpatient care, Master Center was launched in 2016 and now includes locations throughout the Commonwealth.

The Master Center offers a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach rarely seen in the outpatient setting, staffed by experienced addiction physicians, psychiatrists, counselors, therapists, and peer recovery coaches. This evidence-based approach, both reliable and flexible, is meant to provide a physician-oriented response to addiction that can work seamlessly in the mainstream system of healthcare.