When you’re ready for more support than weekly therapy—but you don’t need 24/7 inpatient care—an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) can be the next right step. TruHealing Cincinnati offers structured, evidence-based outpatient treatment that helps you build stability, reduce relapse risk, and keep moving forward—while staying connected to work, school, and family.

You don’t have to figure this out alone. Our team can help you choose the safest level of care and get started quickly.

Quick Answers: IOP at a Glance

  • Time commitment: [X–Y] days/week[X–Y] hours/session[X–Y] total hours/week
  • Typical program length: [X–Y weeks] (varies based on needs and progress)
  • Best for: stepping down from higher care OR stepping up from weekly outpatient therapy
  • Includes: group therapy, skills-building, relapse prevention planning, and individualized support
  • Support services available: care coordination, case management, and aftercare planning

Not sure whether IOP, PHP, or outpatient is the best fit? We’ll help you choose the level of care that matches your needs.

What Is an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)?

An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is a structured, non-residential level of treatment where you attend therapy multiple times per week while continuing to live at home. It’s often recommended for people who need more consistency, accountability, and clinical support than once-weekly sessions—but who are stable enough to safely remain in their day-to-day environment.

IOP often fits in the middle of the care continuum:

  • Higher intensity than standard outpatient care
  • More flexible than day-program levels like PHP

Is IOP Right for Me?

IOP may be a fit if you’re dealing with substance use or mental health symptoms that are affecting your life—but you can still maintain safety outside of a 24/7 setting.

IOP may be right for you if you:

  • Need more structure and support than weekly therapy provides
  • Feel at risk of relapse or have trouble staying consistent on your own
  • Are stepping down from a higher level of care (detox, residential, PHP)
  • Want treatment that can work around your job, school, or family responsibilities
  • Need skills for coping with triggers, cravings, stress, or emotional overwhelm
  • Benefit from a consistent routine and peer support
  • Are experiencing co-occurring mental health concerns alongside substance use
  • Want help building a plan for long-term recovery (not just short-term stabilization)

If you’re unsure what level of care you need, we’ll complete a clinical assessment and guide you toward the safest, most appropriate option.

IOP vs PHP vs Outpatient vs Residential: What’s the Difference?

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. The right level of care depends on your substance use history, mental health needs, stability, home environment, and safety considerations.

Residential / Inpatient Treatment
Best for people who need 24/7 structure and support, especially when symptoms are severe, relapse risk is high, or living environment isn’t stable.

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
Best for people who need a high level of structure during the day, with intensive clinical support, while still returning home at night (when appropriate).

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
Best for people who need consistent support multiple times per week, but need flexibility around work, school, or family responsibilities.

Outpatient (OP)
Best for people who are medically stable and want ongoing therapy and support with fewer weekly treatment hours.

What to Expect in TruHealing’s IOP in Cincinnati

IOP at TruHealing is designed to help you build real-life stability—not just “white-knuckle” it through cravings or stress. You’ll work on coping skills, relapse prevention, emotional regulation, and healthier routines while staying connected to your everyday life.

In IOP, you can expect a mix of:

  • Structured group therapy to build skills, process challenges, and reduce isolation
  • Individualized support to help you apply progress to your personal situation
  • Relapse prevention planning built around your triggers, strengths, and goals
  • Care coordination so treatment stays connected and realistic
  • Step-down planning so you leave with a plan—not just hope

A typical IOP session may include:

  • Check-in and goal setting
  • Skills/psychoeducation (coping strategies, triggers, communication, boundaries)
  • Process group and peer support
  • Planning for the week ahead + home practice

IOP Schedule & Flexibility

IOP is designed to provide consistent treatment while allowing you to keep up with real-life responsibilities.

IOP schedule options may include:

  • Daytime track: [Days] • [Time range]
  • Evening track: [Days] • [Time range] (only include if offered)
  • Total weekly hours: [X–Y]

During your assessment, we’ll help confirm the schedule that matches your needs and availability.

Insurance, Cost, and Payment Options

Cost depends on factors like the intensity of services, your insurance benefits, and your specific treatment plan. Our admissions team can help you understand coverage and next steps without pressure.

We can help you:

  • Verify insurance benefits
  • Understand prior authorization requirements (when applicable)
  • Get clarity on potential out-of-pocket costs
  • Schedule an assessment and determine the appropriate level of care

What Your First Appointment Looks Like

Taking the first step should feel clear and supportive. Here’s what getting started typically looks like:

  1. Reach out (call or online form)
  2. Quick phone screening to understand what you’re looking for
  3. Clinical assessment to determine the right level of care
  4. Insurance verification + scheduling
  5. Start IOP with a personalized plan and clear next steps

We treat every conversation with respect and discretion.

Why TruHealing Cincinnati

Choosing a program isn’t just about “services.” It’s about finding a team that treats you like a person, not a problem.

At TruHealing Cincinnati, we focus on:

  • Evidence-based care that’s structured but human
  • Support for real life—work, family, and responsibilities
  • Thoughtful treatment planning (including step-up/step-down recommendations)
  • Long-term recovery support through aftercare planning

FAQs: Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)