Intensive Outpatient (IOP) San Diego
Intensive Outpatient Program in San Diego — 9 to 15 hours of structured clinical care per week across 3 to 5 days, with morning or evening tracks designed to fit work and family obligations.
What IOP provides
Intensive Outpatient (IOP) is structured addiction treatment that lets you maintain work, school, or family responsibilities while attending therapy several times per week. It is the most common step-down level after residential or PHP, and the most common starting level for clients who do not require 24/7 supervision.
What is included
- Group therapy sessions multiple times per week
- Weekly individual therapy with a master’s-level clinician
- Family therapy and educational programming
- Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) when appropriate
- Dual-diagnosis support for co-occurring mental health conditions
- Drug testing and structured accountability
Who IOP is for
IOP is the right fit when you have completed residential or PHP and need step-down care, when you live in a stable sober home environment, when you need to maintain work or school responsibilities during treatment, or when your clinical situation requires more than weekly outpatient therapy.
Typical IOP schedule
Most clients attend three to five 3-hour group sessions per week, plus a weekly individual therapy session. We offer morning and evening tracks so you can choose what fits your schedule. Most clients spend 8 to 12 weeks in IOP before transitioning to standard outpatient care.
Common questions about IOP
Can I work full-time while in IOP?
Yes, that is the design. IOP is structured around 9 to 15 hours of weekly programming with morning and evening track options.
Is IOP enough on its own?
It depends on your clinical situation. IOP works well for clients with stable home environments and lower clinical acuity. Clients in active withdrawal or destabilizing environments typically need residential or PHP first.
Does insurance cover IOP?
In most cases, yes. IOP is a covered level of care under most insurance plans.
How long is IOP?
Most clients spend 8 to 12 weeks in IOP. Length is individualized based on clinical progress. Many transition into standard outpatient for an additional 6 to 12 months of support.
IOP admissions, 24/7
Confidential intake. We will help you understand if IOP is the right starting point or if a higher level of care is recommended first.
