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What is an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)?

NewCircle’s Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) provides a lower level of care for teens and adults seeking long-term recovery. Unlike residential or partial hospitalization programs, IOP does not require overnight stays or full-day attendance. Instead, it provides structured, therapeutic support several days a week, giving you the freedom to return to work, school, or home life while continuing your healing journey.

IOP is often recommended for individuals who are stepping down from a more intensive level of care, such as residential treatment or PHP, but still need ongoing support. Our program includes multiple hours of group and individual therapy each week, typically spread across 3–5 days, with sessions lasting between 3–4 hours a day. It’s held in the same warm, community-centered space as our residential care, providing continuity, peer support, and connection.

A Day in IOP

While every treatment plan is personalized, a typical IOP day includes:

  • Individual therapy with your primary clinician
  • Group sessions focused on skill-building, body image, and emotion regulation
  • Meal or snack support with nutrition education
  • Creative or movement-based group activities
  • Check-ins with the care team and ongoing progress planning

Most clients attend IOP 3–5 days per week, 3 hours per day. We offer both adolescent and adult tracks, with LGBTQ+ affirming and inclusive care at every step.

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Benefits of IOP Treatment

Flexible Scheduling

Our IOP is designed to fit into real life, with options that allow you to continue attending work, school, or family commitments.

Step-Down or Standalone Support

Whether you’re transitioning from a higher level of care or beginning your path with structured outpatient therapy, IOP meets you where you are.

Consistent, Evidence-Based Therapy

Engage in both group and individual therapy sessions grounded in proven approaches that support lasting healing.

Supportive Community Environment

IOP takes place in a welcoming, therapeutic environment where connection, compassion, and peer support are integral to the healing process.

Nutritional Guidance

Our team provides support to help you strengthen your relationship with food and build trust around nourishment.

Real-World Application of Skills

Apply the tools you’re learning to your daily life, then return to a supportive space to reflect, regroup, and reinforce your progress.

Ready to Keep Healing While
Living Your Life?

You’ve come this far, and you don’t have to pause your world to keep going. Our IOP meets you where you are, offering continued support, structure, and connection as you rebuild life on your terms.

How It Works

Admissions & Assessment

We begin with a comprehensive clinical assessment and intake to understand your history, needs, and current schedule. Based on this, we develop a personalized IOP plan tailored to your needs.

Treatment Engagement

You’ll attend 3–4 hour sessions, 3 to 5 days per week, for a minimum of 9 hours weekly. Treatment includes group and individual therapy, supported meals/snacks, and experiential groups.

Transition & Aftercare

When clinically appropriate, we help you step down to traditional outpatient care. Discharge planning begins early, so your next chapter feels grounded, supported, and clear.

What Happens After IOP?

Recovery doesn’t end when IOP ends. Many clients transition to weekly outpatient therapy, continue working with an outpatient dietitian, or participate in alumni groups. From the beginning of your time in IOP, we focus on helping you build a sustainable plan for what comes next.

That might include finding a local therapist, returning to school or work, or simply strengthening your support network. Our team walks alongside you through discharge planning, relapse prevention, and alumni support, so you don’t have to do it all on your own.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Most people participate for at least 6 weeks, but the length of stay can vary depending on clinical recommendations and insurance coverage.

No. While many IOP clients are stepping down from residential or PHP, others begin their recovery journey in IOP. We’ll help you determine what’s best for your needs.

Each day includes 3–4 hours of programming, which may include group sessions, individual therapy, skill-building, and one supported meal.

Yes. We offer separate, age-appropriate IOP tracks for adolescents (ages 13–17) and adults.

Yes. Our IOP includes support for anxiety, depression, OCD, and other co-occurring conditions as part of our integrated care model.

Absolutely. NewCircle is committed to providing inclusive, trauma-informed care for all individuals, regardless of their identity. Our staff is trained in LGBTQ+ mental health and cultural humility, with many of us being members of these communities ourselves.

Many insurance plans cover IOP. Our team will work with you to verify benefits and provide support through the process.