---
title: "Eating Disorder IOP"
date: 2025-08-06
author: "Chris Willson"
---
# Eating Disorder IOP
## 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.
## What’s a typical day in IOP treatment look like?
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 4 days per week, 3 hours per day. We offer both adolescent and adult tracks, with LGBTQ+ affirming and inclusive care at every step.
## 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 take the next step toward recovery?
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.
[Get Started](https://newcircle.com/about/#contact)
[Learn More](https://newcircle.com/admissions/)
Get Started
Learn More
## 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 treatment?
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.
[LEARN MORE](https://newcircle.com/about/#contact)
### NewCircle Reviews
*“After my whole life of never being sure I could get help, this place blew me out of the water. I have fully graduated out of the program and my life is forever changed. All of the staff are amazing individuals who are there to really change lives. The facility is beautiful and has so many amazing qualities that it would take me pages to describe them. If you need help, I HIGHLY recommend here!”*
##### – Residential Alumni, NewCircle
###### *Date: 1/6/2026*
*“New Circle really did change my life for the better. I completed two months of Res and a month of PHP. The RC’s (especially Timmy) are fantastic and wonderful. Larry is the best intake coordinator in the WORLD (so kind and communicative!). The clinicians helped me work through so many struggles and to build a support system at home. This treatment program is SO individualized; it is able to meet the needs of so many individuals. There are so many things I could say, so I will leave it on this note…. If you are considering coming to New Circle, yes. Come, without a doubt. I am in a larger body, and that did not negatively impact my treatment whatsoever. I felt very accepted by staff. After struggling with my eating disorder from early childhood into adulthood, I’m finally able to see a life for myself without bulimia.”*
##### – Residential & PHP Alumni, NewCircle
###### *Date: 3/10/2026*
*“I would suggest this program to anybody struggling with an eating disorder. This program is so supportive and positive the people who work here really care about their jobs and the effect they have on others. From therapists all the way to nursing, everyone here is amazing!! If you’re struggling in any way, please call NewCircle.”*
##### – Program Alumni, NewCircle
###### *Date: 2/20/2026*
Frequently asked questions
### [How long is the eating disorder IOP program?](#432fe4d27875bfdf4)
Most people participate for at least 6 weeks, but the length of the program can vary depending on clinical recommendations and insurance coverage.
### [Do I have to complete residential treatment first before starting IOP?](#7a72a2f2fda851f1e)
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.
### [What does a typical eating disorder IOP day look like?](#61a42cc74bfa4c7d0)
Each day includes 3–4 hours of programming, which may include group sessions, individual therapy, skill-building, and one supported meal.
### [Is the intensive outpatient program available for teens and adults?](#c2bd5db6ff67bb0fe)
Yes. We offer separate, age-appropriate IOP tracks for adolescents (ages 13–17) and adults.
### [Do you treat co-occurring mental health conditions?](#2a99b26097c9664e2)
Yes. Our IOP includes support for anxiety, depression, OCD, and other co-occurring conditions as part of our integrated care model.
### [Is NewCircle's Intensive Outpatient Program LGBTQ+ affirming?](#df1ac067deb57d726)
Absolutely. NewCircle is committed to providing inclusive, trauma-informed care for all individuals, regardless of their identity. Our staff is trained in [LGBTQ+](/programs/lgbtqia/) mental health and [cultural](/programs/bipoc/) humility, with many of us being members of these communities ourselves.
### [Is IOP for eating disorders covered by insurance?](#06fefe187ceb80409)
Many insurance plans cover IOP. Our team will work with you to verify benefits and provide support through the process.