An intensive outpatient program is more time-intensive than most standard outpatient programs. It is similar to a regular outpatient program in which patients visit a treatment center several days a week for a few hours at a time without being required to live at the facility.
Intensive outpatient programs typically meet on weekdays in the morning or evening. Programs primarily consist of group therapy though they may offer other services such as individual counseling and employment assistance.
Most programs last about ninety days and include drug testing. Sometimes intensive outpatient programs can be used in conjunction with inpatient programs as a way of helping clients to more smoothly and seamlessly adapt back into their families and communities.
They are designed to establish support mechanisms, help with relapse management, and provide coping strategies.