What is an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)?
NewCircle’s eating disorder 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 eating disorder treatment
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.
