The intensive outpatient program (IOP) is the treatment level that the partial hospitalization program builds upon. Participants attend three days per week for five hours per day. The amount of time spent in therapy sessions is reduced, but individual support is still available if needed.
IOPs typically involve a combination of individual therapy, group therapy, and other evidence-based treatments, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).
IOPs usually require individuals to attend treatment sessions at a mental health facility for several hours per day, several days per week, for a period of several weeks to several months. This level of intensity allows for more support and treatment than traditional outpatient therapy, while still allowing individuals to maintain their daily routines and responsibilities.
IOPs are typically recommended for individuals who are experiencing moderate to severe mental health symptoms but do not require 24-hour care in a hospital setting. IOPs can be a helpful treatment option for a variety of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders, among others.