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:
What IOP is (and isn’t):
IOP is designed to provide structured treatment while you live at home. It isn’t inpatient/residential care, and it’s typically more intensive than once-weekly outpatient therapy.
IOP is designed for people who need real structure—but also need to keep moving forward with work, school, family, or other responsibilities.
IOP may be right if you…
You may need a higher level of care first if you…
Not sure where you fit? A confidential assessment can help determine the safest level of care.
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.
Our dual-diagnosis model ensures we treat the root causes of addiction, not just symptoms.
Your care plan is individualized, but IOP commonly includes a weekly rhythm of therapy, skills-building, and practical recovery planning.
At-a-Glance
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.
Private sessions give you space to explore triggers, regulate emotions, address mental health symptoms, and set personal recovery goals.
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 involvement can strengthen long-term recovery by improving communication, boundaries, and trust.
Our case management team assists with:
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.
A typical IOP schedule includes three to four days per week, with each session lasting three to five hours. Your day may include a check-in, group therapy, CBT/DBT skills work, trauma-informed groups, individual therapy, grounding practices, and goal-setting.
Mon/Wed/Fri: Core groups + relapse prevention + skills practice
Optional add-ons: Individual sessions, case management, medication check-ins, wellness activities
(Your actual schedule may vary based on clinical needs and the treatment plan.)
IOP is non-residential, but some clients choose recovery housing for added consistency, accountability, and community. Our optional recovery housing offers a recovery-focused environment with staff support and access to our Nashville treatment center.
This option can be especially helpful if you’re traveling from out of town or don’t currently have a safe, stable home environment.
Lasting recovery happens when the whole person is supported—mind, body, and environment. Holistic options may include:
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:
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 often covered by major insurance plans. Coverage varies by provider, benefits, and authorization requirements—so the fastest way to understand cost is to verify benefits.
What we help with
Medicare Part B covers intensive outpatient program (IOP) services for mental health care, and cost-sharing may apply depending on setting and coverage details.
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.
Evidence reviews have found that substance use IOPs can be effective, with studies showing reductions in alcohol and drug use and outcomes comparable to inpatient/residential care for many individuals.
Outcomes tend to improve when treatment includes consistent attendance, practical coping skills, co-occurring mental health support, and a clear aftercare plan—so recovery has structure after program hours, not just during them.
1. Reach out confidentially (call or online form)
2. Complete a clinical assessment to understand safety needs, symptoms, and history
3. Verify insurance and explain coverage before you start
4. Confirm the right level of care (IOP, PHP, detox, or another option)
5. Choose a start date and weekly schedule
6. Build your aftercare plan early (support network, therapy, housing options if needed)
Typically 6–12 weeks, depending on progress.
A typical schedule includes three to four days per week.
Sessions often last three to five hours.
We can assist on a case-by-case basis.
PHP is usually more intensive (often 5–6 hours daily), while IOP is typically 3–5 hours several days per week.
Many clients begin with IOP; others step down from detox or residential.
Yes—when clinically appropriate.
Yes—co-occurring conditions like anxiety, depression, trauma, bipolar disorder, and more.
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, you don’t have to wait for things to get worse. Our Nashville IOP provides structure, accountability, and evidence-based care—built around real life.
