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Optum Behavioral Care
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Intensive outpatient program (IOP)

If you or someone you care about is struggling with a serious mental health or substance use disorder, an intensive outpatient program (IOP) may help. An IOP gives you regular treatment while allowing you to live at home.


A doctor or therapist may recommend an IOP if you need more support but do not need to stay in a hospital 24 hours a day. IOPs are often used to help people recover from substance use disorders or get support after a mental health crisis, such as severe depression, psychosis or suicidal thoughts.


In an IOP, you may attend therapy several times a week, often in groups. After each session, you return home and need to be able to stay safe outside of treatment hours. Many programs may use treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and skills from dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).

What to expect during IOP

Most IOPs meet several days a week for several hours at a time. The number of days and hours can vary by program. Sessions may include therapy, skills training and education. You may attend individual or group therapy, where you talk about your feelings, learn coping skills and practice ways to manage symptoms. Many programs also offer classes that teach you about your condition and how it affects your daily life.


You may also meet with a psychiatrist, doctor or nurse practitioner who can prescribe or manage medication.


Family members or other loved ones may be invited to certain sessions when helpful. These sessions can teach them how to support you and help you strengthen relationships.


Most programs last several weeks or longer. The length depends on your needs, the program and your goals for treatment.


How IOP can help

Intensive outpatient programs may help people with mental health concerns that are serious enough to need more support than weekly therapy, including:

  • Anxiety disorders
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Eating disorders
  • Major depressive disorder
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Substance use disorders

An IOP may also help some people experiencing suicidal thoughts who can stay safe outside of treatment and do not need inpatient care.


Benefits of IOP

An intensive outpatient program may help you:

  • Get more frequent support than weekly therapy, often through several sessions each week
  • Get support after a crisis and help keep symptoms from getting worse
  • Learn skills to manage symptoms
  • Build healthier habits and relationships
  • Recognize triggers and learn how to cope with them
  • Change unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors
  • Connect with others who have similar experiences
  • Build structure and routine in your daily life
  • Learn how to use a safety plan if symptoms return
  • Plan next steps, such as returning to school, work or weekly therapy

IOPs are usually short-term programs. As symptoms improve, you may move to less intensive care, such as regular outpatient therapy.

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Sources

Johns Hopkins Medicine, Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for Adults. Accessed June 22, 2026.

McLean Hospital, Adult Outpatient Services. Accessed June 22, 2026.

SAMSHA, Treatment Types for Mental Health, Drugs and Alcohol. April 24, 2026.