When you’re facing mental health, addiction, or dual diagnosis challenges, choosing the right level of care can feel overwhelming. One highly effective treatment option is an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)—a structured yet flexible level of care that supports both recovery and daily life.
At Core Recovery, we offer customized IOP treatment for both adults and adolescents, backed by over a decade of experience serving individuals across Arizona. With locations in Phoenix, Surprise, and Ahwatukee, we meet people where they are—literally and clinically.
What Is an Intensive Outpatient Program?
An IOP is a structured treatment program that includes several hours of therapy per week—without requiring clients to live at the treatment center. It’s often used as a step-down from inpatient or Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) care, or as a step-up from weekly outpatient therapy when more support is needed.
At Core Recovery, our IOP includes:
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Family systems therapy
- EMDR for trauma
- Creative expression therapy
- Medication management
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for appropriate cases
We take an integrated, trauma-informed approach that supports whole-person healing—mentally, emotionally, and neurologically.
Who Is IOP Designed For?
IOP is ideal for individuals who:
- Are struggling with depression, anxiety, PTSD, or addiction
- Need more structure than traditional outpatient therapy
- Are transitioning from inpatient or PHP care
- Want to stay engaged in school, work, or family life while receiving intensive treatment
We offer two distinct IOP tracks:
- Adult IOP: For adults 18+ experiencing mood disorders, trauma, substance use, or co-occurring conditions.
- Teen IOP: For adolescents and young adults ages 12–17 facing academic, emotional, or behavioral difficulties.
What Does an IOP Schedule Look Like?
Our IOP schedule is designed to be flexible. Clients typically attend:
- 3 to 5 days per week
- 3 hours per session
- Morning or evening groups to accommodate work, school, and family obligations
Each session may include therapy, coping skills development, trauma recovery work, or creative therapies like art and music. Adolescent IOP also integrates family support and academic coordination as needed.
What Types of Therapy Are Included?
IOP at Core Recovery uses evidence-based therapies such as:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) for trauma
- Motivational Interviewing (MI)
- Family Systems Therapy
- Creative and expressive modalities like art, music, and movement
This multidisciplinary approach ensures that clients can process trauma, develop coping strategies, improve relationships, and create sustainable change.
How Is IOP Different from PHP or Inpatient Care?
| Level of Care | Treatment Intensity | Living Requirements | Typical Duration |
| Inpatient/Residential | 24/7 care | Onsite housing | 30–90 days |
| PHP (Partial Hospitalization) | 5–6 hours/day | Live at home | 2–4 weeks |
| IOP | 3 hours/day | Live at home | 6–12 weeks |
| Weekly Therapy | 1 hour/week | Live at home | Ongoing |
IOP provides a powerful middle ground—more intensive than standard outpatient care, but more flexible than inpatient treatment.
The Benefits of IOP at Core Recovery
- Structured Flexibility
Receive daily support while continuing with your life responsibilities. - Personalized, Trauma-Informed Care
We treat root causes, not just surface symptoms. - Whole-Person Healing
We address mental health, emotional regulation, trauma, and family systems. - Expert Multidisciplinary Team
Therapists, psychiatrists, and case managers collaborate on your care. - Continuity of Care
IOP can be a step-down from PHP or a foundation for long-term outpatient treatment.
Integrating IOP with TMS Treatment
Some clients benefit even more when IOP is combined with Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)—a non-invasive, FDA-approved treatment for depression and OCD that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate underactive parts of the brain.
Why Combine TMS with IOP?
- Enhanced engagement: TMS may improve symptoms faster, helping clients participate more actively in therapy.
- Dual approach: TMS supports neurological healing; IOP supports behavioral and emotional recovery.
- Coordinated care: Our clinical and psychiatry teams work together to integrate treatment plans.
Sample Schedule
- Morning TMS sessions (20–40 minutes, 5x/week)
- Evening IOP therapy (3 hours/day, 3–5x/week)
This combination gives clients a comprehensive treatment plan while maintaining flexibility.
What Happens After IOP?
Recovery doesn’t end when IOP does. We help clients transition into ongoing care with:
- Weekly outpatient therapy
- TMS follow-up or psychiatric medication management
- Relapse prevention planning
- Alumni and support group referrals
- Optional case management for community resources
Our team creates a personalized aftercare plan for each client, supporting long-term stability and growth.
How Do We Measure Success?
We look at clinical outcomes, but also real-life impact:
- Improved mood, sleep, and emotional regulation
- Increased school/work attendance and performance
- Reduced substance use or self-harm behaviors
- Strengthened family and peer relationships
- Client satisfaction with care
Our clinicians track progress using assessments and ongoing feedback.
Frequently Asked Questions
A: Most clients stay for 6–12 weeks, depending on their needs.
A: Yes! We are in-network with many major plans. Click here to verify coverage.
A: Absolutely. We work with schools to support academic participation.
A: Yes, our IOP is designed for clients with both mental health and substance use issues.
A: Yes. Our psychiatrists provide evaluations and ongoing medication support.
Ready to Start Healing?
IOP can be the turning point in your recovery journey. Whether you’re stepping down from inpatient care or stepping up from weekly therapy, Core Recovery is here to support you.
📍 Serving Phoenix, Surprise, and Ahwatukee
📞 Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation.
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