Blog · Levels of care · Phoenixville · Center City Philadelphia · Avondale
An intensive outpatient program (IOP) is structured treatment for addiction or mental health — usually 9 to 15 hours a week of group and individual therapy — while you live at home and keep working, studying or parenting.
Here's what the hours actually look like, what it costs, and how to tell whether IOP or a higher level of care fits you.
Instant check runs in about 15 seconds. No forms, no waiting on hold.
Clinically reviewed by Andrea Kiotis, MA, LPC, CAADC — Clinical Director.
Last updated:
IOP sits between weekly therapy and day treatment. You come in several days a week for a few hours at a time, then go home. ASAM, the standard used across the field, describes it as a level of care for people who need more than an hour a week but do not need round-the-clock supervision.[1]
At our offices, IOP groups run small — 5 to 7 people. That's deliberate. In a group of 30 you can hide for a month; in a group of 6 you get asked a direct question on day one.
The instant check looks at pending admissions, therapist caseloads and open group spots in Phoenixville, Center City Philadelphia, Avondale and virtual IOP — day and evening tracks.
Not sure which one you need? Take the free level-of-care quiz — eight questions, no phone number required.
Most people pay a copay or coinsurance rather than the full rate. Federal parity law requires most plans to cover substance use and mental health treatment comparably to medical care, and IOP is a standard covered benefit.[2]
We verify your benefits before you start and tell you the real number — what's covered, what your deductible does, and what you'd owe. No surprise bills three weeks in.
Reviews of the research find intensive outpatient programs produce substantial reductions in substance use and outcomes comparable to inpatient care for many people.[3] The variables that matter most are showing up consistently, group size, and whether the trauma and mental health underneath the use get treated.
Our own numbers: 53% program completion, and average BARC-10 recovery capital scores up 9 points, with PHQ-9 and GAD-7 down nearly 6 points.
Choose the right schedule
Start with the support you need now, then step down as recovery becomes more stable.
About 6 hours a day · 5 days a week
Our most structured outpatient level of care, with a full clinical day at our Phoenixville, Philadelphia or Avondale office while you continue living at home.
Explore our PHP program →9–15 hours a week · Day or evening
A flexible in-person schedule for people who need substantial addiction treatment while balancing work, school, family or a step down from PHP.
Explore our IOP program →Secure online care · Statewide access
Clinically appropriate Pennsylvania residents can join structured groups and therapy from home without traveling to one of our three offices.
Explore our statewide virtual IOP →2215 Kimberton Road, Phoenixville, PA 19460
Serving Phoenixville, Kimberton, Royersford, Collegeville, Spring City, Pottstown, King of Prussia, Norristown, Malvern, Exton, Downingtown and West Chester.
Learn about our Phoenixville office →1026 Winter Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Serving Center City, Chinatown, Washington Square West, Rittenhouse, South Philadelphia, Fishtown, Northern Liberties, University City and the Main Line.
Learn about our Philadelphia office →1284 Gap Newport Pike, Avondale, PA 19311
Serving Avondale, Kennett Square, West Grove, Oxford, Landenberg, Coatesville and the Route 41 corridor of southern Chester County.
Learn about our Avondale office →Virtual IOP is available to residents anywhere in Pennsylvania. Call (610) 233-4342 to ask which option fits your schedule.
Insurance accepted
Don't see your plan? Call (610) 233-4342 — we'll check your benefits.
Need detox or inpatient first?
If you need medical detox or a residential stay before outpatient care, call us — we'll help coordinate placement with trusted partners and plan your step-down into our PHP or IOP when you're ready.
Usually 9 to 15 hours across three to five days. We run day and evening tracks so it fits around work, plus virtual IOP statewide.
Yes — that's the main reason IOP exists. Evening groups and virtual IOP are built for people holding down a job. See rehab after work.
Most people are in IOP 8–12 weeks, often stepping down from PHP and then into aftercare and alumni support.
For many people, yes — and it removes the commute that ends a lot of treatment early. Some people do better in a room. We'll talk it through honestly on the first call.
The 2007 overdose, the comeback, and what long-term opioid recovery actually takes.
Read article →Intervention 365's Jim Reidy, Chris Therien's family support services, and the plan after they say yes.
Read article →Rock bottom, willpower, 28-day rehab, MAT and insurance — ten myths that keep people waiting.
Read article →What AA does that therapy can't, what therapy adds, and how we combine them.
Read article →This article is educational and is not medical advice. If someone is in danger, call 911.
One honest call. We'll check your benefits, recommend a level of care and tell you what's open — even if that means pointing you elsewhere.