Intensive Outpatient Program — or IOP — is one of the most commonly recommended levels of addiction treatment. But for many people, it’s also one of the least understood. What does a typical week look like? Who is it designed for? And how do you know if it’s the right fit?
What Is IOP?
IOP stands for Intensive Outpatient Program. It’s a structured treatment program that provides significant clinical support — multiple sessions per week — while allowing you to continue living at home and managing your daily life.
At Lionheart, IOP corresponds to ASAM Level 2.1, which means it sits between standard outpatient care (OP/1.0) and day treatment (PHP/2.5) in terms of intensity. It’s often described as the “sweet spot” — enough structure to create real change, flexible enough to fit into real life.
What Does a Typical Week Look Like?
In Lionheart’s IOP, clients typically attend group therapy sessions multiple days per week. Sessions include:
- Group therapy — structured skill-building and peer support facilitated by a licensed counselor
- Individual counseling — one-on-one sessions to work through personal goals, trauma, and co-occurring concerns
- Psychoeducation — learning about the science of addiction, relapse prevention, and recovery tools
- Case management — connecting to community resources, housing support, legal navigation, and more
- Peer Recovery Support — access to a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) who has lived experience in recovery
Morning and evening options available. Lionheart offers both morning and evening IOP groups — because recovery shouldn’t require you to choose between treatment and work, school, or family.
Who Is IOP Designed For?
IOP works well for people who:
- Have a stable, supportive living situation at home
- Do not require 24-hour supervision or medical detox
- Are motivated to engage in treatment and ready to make changes
- Need more than weekly therapy but don’t require daily programming
- Are stepping down from a higher level of care (residential or PHP)
- Are managing work, school, or family responsibilities alongside treatment
IOP is also commonly used for people with co-occurring mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, or PTSD — because substance use and mental health rarely travel alone.
What If My Home Situation Isn’t Stable?
This is one of the most common barriers to starting IOP — and one that Lionheart takes seriously. If housing instability is a concern, our IOP with Lodging program may be an option. It combines IOP treatment with safe, sober housing, peer recovery support, and provided transportation — all in one coordinated program. Most clients qualify for Housing Support (formerly GRH) to cover the cost of housing.
Telehealth is available. Through Lionheart Connect, IOP sessions are available via secure video — from home, from work, or from wherever you are. If you don’t have a device or reliable internet, we provide tablets to qualifying clients at no cost.
How Long Does IOP Last?
IOP length varies based on your individual progress and clinical needs — not a fixed calendar. Most clients participate for several weeks to a few months, with the frequency of sessions decreasing as goals are met. Your treatment team monitors your progress regularly and adjusts your plan accordingly. The goal is always to get you to the least restrictive level of care that still supports your recovery.
Is IOP Covered by Insurance?
Yes. IOP is covered by Medical Assistance (MA), MinnesotaCare, most commercial insurance plans, and county funding. Coverage is based on medical necessity, which our clinical team establishes through the intake assessment. We can help you verify your benefits before your first appointment.
How Do I Get Started?
Starting is simpler than most people expect. Call us at 651-456-8411, fill out our online contact form, or ask a provider to submit a referral inquiry. Our team will schedule a clinical intake — a conversation, not an interrogation — to determine the right level of care and get you started as quickly as possible.
You don’t have to have it all figured out to call. Most people who contact us aren’t sure what level of care they need — that’s exactly what the intake process is for. We’ll figure it out together.