An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is a structured level of substance use treatment that allows you to live at home while receiving focused clinical support several days each week. Classified as ASAM Level 2.1, IOP provides more accountability than standard outpatient counseling—without the full-time commitment of residential care.

It’s ideal for individuals who:

• Are stepping down from residential treatment or PHP
• Have a safe, stable home environment
• Need consistent clinical support and accountability
• Experience mild to moderate withdrawal symptoms
• Have co-occurring mental health conditions

At Southeast Addiction Tennessee, our Nashville IOP blends evidence-based therapy, dual-diagnosis treatment, and individualized care so you can rebuild your life without stepping away from work, school, or family.

Our IOP supports individuals recovering from a wide range of substance use disorders, including alcohol use disorder, opioid addiction, benzodiazepine dependence, prescription drug misuse, and stimulant addiction such as methamphetamine or cocaine. We also work with individuals navigating polysubstance addiction. For clients who need medical stabilization before beginning IOP, our clinical team may recommend medical detox to ensure safety and comfort. Because addiction rarely exists in isolation, our IOP also provides comprehensive treatment for co-occurring mental health disorders.  

Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders

• Anxiety disorders
• Depression
• Bipolar disorder
• PTSD & trauma-related disorders
• Personality disorders (case-by-case)
• ADHD
• Emotional dysregulation, grief, and chronic stress

Our dual-diagnosis model ensures we treat the root causes of addiction, not just symptoms.

Our IOP provides a structured weekly schedule that may include:

Evidence-Based Therapies

Your clinical schedule may include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), DBT skills work, motivational interviewing, trauma-informed therapy, relapse prevention work, and psychoeducation groups.

For deeper trauma work, clients may transition to trauma therapy or EMDR through our clinical team.

Individual Therapy

Private sessions give you space to explore triggers, regulate emotions, address mental health symptoms, and set personal recovery goals.

• Triggers + coping skills
• Emotional regulation
• Mental health symptoms
• Long-term recovery goals
• Relapse-prevention strategies

Group Therapy

Group sessions create opportunities for connection, community, communication practice, and the exchange of shared experiences. Clients often find that group work becomes one of the most meaningful parts of their IOP journey.

Family Therapy

Family involvement can strengthen long-term recovery by improving communication, boundaries, and trust.

Case Management

Our case management team assists with:

• Legal matters
• Work/school coordination
• Aftercare planning
• Community resources
• Relapse-prevention planning

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

When clinically appropriate, treatment may include Suboxone, Naltrexone, Vivitrol, or other FDA-approved medications. To learn more about these options, visit our medication-assisted treatment page.

While IOP is nonresidential, clients may choose to stay in our high-end recovery housing for added consistency and support.

You’ll have access to:

• Luxury townhome living
• Recovery-focused community
• Staff support & accountability
• Safe environment for healing
• Easy access to our Nashville treatment center

This option is especially helpful for individuals traveling from out of town or lacking a safe home environment.

A typical IOP schedule includes three to four days per week, with each session lasting three to five hours. Clients begin the day with a check-in, followed by a rotating schedule of group therapy, DBT or CBT skill-building, trauma-focused groups, and individual therapy. Breaks, grounding exercises, and mindfulness practices are woven throughout the day. You may also participate in case management sessions, medication check-ins, or holistic wellness activities. Each day closes with personalized goal-setting to support ongoing progress.

Lasting recovery happens when the whole person is supported—mind, body, and environment. Holistic options may include:

• Mindfulness and meditation
• Yoga
• Breathwork
• Stress-management tools
• Massage therapy
• Recreational activities

These practices support emotional balance and reduce anxiety throughout treatment.

Many individuals begin using substances to cope with unresolved trauma. Our trauma-informed model ensures clinicians:

• Understand trauma’s impact
• Create a safe, non-triggering environment
• Support you through emotional processing
• Help heal the root causes of addiction

When appropriate, we may recommend deeper trauma modalities such as EMDR or exposure therapy.

Southeast Addiction Tennessee adheres to the highest national and state standards for safety and clinical excellence. Our program is Joint Commission Accredited, licensed by the Tennessee Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services, and staffed by master-level clinicians, licensed addiction counselors, and experienced medical providers. These standards ensure that every client receives ethical, effective, and evidence-driven care.

IOP is significantly more affordable than residential treatment and is covered by most major insurance plans. The cost of care varies depending on your benefits, the length of your program, and the specific services included in your treatment plan.

We simplify the insurance process from the start—verifying your benefits, outlining any out-of-pocket costs, explaining what your plan covers, and helping you choose the most cost-effective recovery path.

Click here for a free, confidential insurance verification.

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, Southeast Addiction Tennessee is here to help. Our Nashville IOP provides structure, accountability, and clinically proven care tailored to your recovery needs.