Levels of Care – IOP
Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) for Integrated Care
Flexible, Evidence-Based Addiction Treatment and Support
Life cannot be paused while you focus on recovering from addiction. That is why, for many people, the right treatment is one that provides them with consistent and intense clinical support, but doesn’t require them to step away from work, school, or family completely. Meridian Recovery's intensive outpatient program (IOP) is designed to offer exactly the right balance, providing structured, evidence-based addiction treatment that fits into your life while giving you the clinical attention your recovery requires.
Located in Sewell, New Jersey, our IOP serves clients from throughout South Jersey who are committed to recovering from addiction and are ready to do what it takes to achieve their recovery goals in a supportive clinical environment.
What Is an Intensive Outpatient Program?
An intensive outpatient program, commonly referred to as IOP, is a structured level of outpatient care that offers more clinical support than the typical outpatient level of care, without requiring full-day attendance.[1] Clients typically attend IOP three to five mornings or evenings per week at a minimum of three hours each day. This allows them to receive the necessary therapy needed for recovery while continuing to meet their daily commitments for work, school, family, and other responsibilities.
Before entrance to Meridian Recovery’s IOP, each client will have an in-depth clinical assessment conducted, and a personalized treatment plan will be developed based on each individual’s specific history, treatment needs, and individual goals. All clients will have different experiences related to alcohol and drug use, so treatment plans will vary to meet their individual needs.
Who Is IOP Right For?
IOP is an appropriate level of care for many types of people, especially those who:
- Need more clinical support than what is received through weekly outpatient services, but do not need to attend a full-day program.
- Wish to maintain their daily responsibilities in a stable home environment while participating in structured treatment.
- Are ready to use their newly acquired coping and recovery skills to successfully navigate real-life, non-clinical situations.
- Have the desire to be an active participant in their recovery and build on their previously established foundation of recovery.
At Meridian Recovery, we take the time during the assessment process to ensure that each client receives the appropriate level of care. If an IOP is not the appropriate program for you, you will be advised of this during your assessment and assisted in locating the appropriate level of care.
Efficacy of Intensive Outpatient Programs
Research has shown that outcomes for individuals in IOP is comparable to those in inpatient or residential treatment for those with stable living environments and strong support systems.[2] The combination of group therapy, individual counseling, and skill-building sessions helps individuals address substance use while also working through underlying mental health challenges. This makes IOP especially beneficial for those with dual diagnosis, as both conditions can be treated simultaneously.[3]
Another key advantage of IOP is the opportunity to apply recovery strategies in real time. Individuals can navigate daily stressors and triggers, then return to treatment sessions to process those experiences and refine their coping skills. This ongoing connection between real-life situations and clinical support helps reinforce long-term behavior change. For many, IOP serves as a vital step in maintaining progress and building lasting recovery.
What to Expect in Our Intensive Outpatient Program
You may feel anxious about starting an intensive outpatient program (IOP), even if you know that it is the right thing to do. We strive to make every client’s experience at Meridian Recovery warm, welcoming, and supportive from day one. When you begin at our IOP, you will first undergo a thorough clinical evaluation. This evaluation will help guide the development of an individualized treatment plan specific to you.
Our IOP incorporates numerous evidence-based treatments and therapies led by licensed professionals who genuinely care about each individual’s long-term recovery journey. Sessions are intentionally structured with a consistent schedule, allowing clients to develop stability through routine and acquire the skills and self-awareness necessary for successful sobriety once they finish treatment. The clinical foundation of our IOP focuses on using the most effective, evidence-based methodologies supported by research. In addition to structured therapy, IOP provides more holistic support services and resources to meet each client’s total treatment needs.
Throughout your time in the program, your treatment team will communicate regularly with you to monitor your progress and make changes to your treatment plan as needed. Our Sewell location provides you with a peaceful, comfortable space to focus on your recovery and an opportunity to build relationships with your treatment team.
Dual Diagnosis Care
Substance use disorder and mental health disorders often co-occur.[4]
When only one of the two conditions is treated, critical gaps in the client’s care can undo the progress they’ve made. That is why we provide integrated dual diagnosis care for all individuals who have both substance use disorders and co-occurring conditions like anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Coordinated psychiatric care, evidence-based therapy, group therapy, and medication management are utilized together in an integrated treatment plan for the client’s issues related to substance use and underlying mental health issues.
It is important to note that Meridian Recovery does not provide standalone mental health treatment. All mental health services are provided as a part of a dual diagnosis treatment plan.
Contact Us
Take the Next Step Toward Recovery
If you or a loved one is currently searching for an intensive outpatient program in New Jersey, we can help. Our highly skilled clinical team, evidence-based treatment methods, and commitment to providing you with individualized care make us a trusted resource for those ready to start their road to recovery.
Reach out to our admissions team today. We will answer your questions, verify your insurance, and help you take the next step.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Intensive Outpatient Program
What are the signs that someone needs an intensive outpatient program?
If your substance use is having a significant impact on your daily functioning, relationships, or health, but you do not require 24 hours of inpatient care, you may be a good candidate for intensive outpatient treatment. Other signs include difficulty remaining sober without an ongoing support structure, a history of relapse, co-occurring mental health disorders that require ongoing treatment, and an inability to maintain your recovery without structure. The best way to determine if an IOP is appropriate for you is to complete a clinical assessment.
How long is an intensive outpatient program usually?
The duration of an intensive outpatient program varies according to the individual clinical needs of each client. Most IOPs are 6-12 weeks in length. There are individual clients that will benefit from participating in an IOP for an extended duration. At Meridian Recovery, the length of your stay is not predetermined. Your treatment team will regularly monitor your progress and ensure that you are receiving treatment for the appropriate amount of time based upon your clinical needs.
Will my insurance cover intensive outpatient treatment?
Most insurance companies will cover intensive outpatient treatment as it is a recognized and evidence-based treatment paradigm. Meridian Recovery works with most major insurance companies. Our admission department will verify your benefits prior to your program start, so you will have a clear understanding of your coverage prior to receiving any services.
Is intensive outpatient treatment worth it?
If you require structure and ongoing clinical support but cannot commit to a full-day program, IOP can provide you with the foundation for building a strong recovery. Research shows that IOP is successful for individuals in achieving their long-term recovery goals.[5] All of our programs are based upon the principles of individualized treatment, evidence-based therapies, and strong aftercare support.
Sources
[1] Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2015). Clinical issues in intensive outpatient treatment. (Treatment Improvement Protocol Series, No. 47). National Center for Biotechnology Information. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK64094/
[2][5] McCarty, D., Braude, L., Lyman, D. R., Dougherty, R. H., Daniels, A. S., Ghose, S. S., & Delphin-Rittmon, M. E. (2014). Substance Abuse Intensive Outpatient Programs: Assessing the evidence. Psychiatric Services, 65(6), 718–726. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ps.201300249
[3] Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2020d). Substance Use Disorder Treatment for People with Co-Occurring Disorders. https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/pep20-06-04-006.pdf
[4] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020). Common comorbidities with substance use disorders research report. National Institutes of Health. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK571451/
