IOP treatment

IOP Treatment usually stands for Intensive Outpatient Program and is used primarily for chemical dependency treatment that does not require either detoxification, residential or partial day services typically offered by the larger, more comprehensive chemical dependency facility.

The typical IOP program offers group and individual services of 10-12 hours a week. IOP treatment can be very effective, as the individual can go to work or participate in their daily affairs and have an appropriate, supportive treatment venue to participate in at the end of the day. The typical IOP program encourages active 12 step participation (sponsorship and Home Group) in addition to the IOP participation. IOP is far more effective than individual therapy for chemical dependency, which has been found to be ineffective in most situations.

IOP is also used by some HMOs as transitional treatment for patients just released from treatment in a psychiatric ward.