An intensive outpatient program (IOP) provides at least nine hours of addiction and mental health therapy each week while you live at home. At The Recovery Village Columbus in Groveport, IOP is often the step down after residential treatment or a partial hospitalization program (PHP), and many people complete it in about two to six weeks. It can also be a starting point for people who need more support than weekly therapy but don’t need 24-hour care.
Our IOP meets on weekdays during the day, typically between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., for at least nine hours of treatment a week. You can attend in person at our Groveport campus or, when your care team agrees it’s a good fit, through telehealth from home. Telehealth IOP delivers group and individual therapy by secure video, so you can keep your treatment going even when getting to campus is hard.
Intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization programs are both structured, step-down levels of care. The main difference is how much time you spend in treatment each week.
| Partial hospitalization (PHP) | Intensive outpatient (IOP) | |
|---|---|---|
| Time in treatment | About 18 to 20 hours a week, most days | At least 9 hours a week, on weekdays |
| Best for | People stepping down from detox or residential care who still need daily structure | People ready to practice recovery skills at home, work or school with regular support |
| Where | On site at our Groveport campus | On site or through telehealth |
Many people move from PHP to IOP as they progress. For more detail, read our guide to PHP vs. IOP.
Before you finish IOP, your therapist helps you build an aftercare plan. It may include outpatient therapy close to home, psychiatric follow-up and peer support such as 12-step meetings or SMART Recovery. Staying connected after IOP is one of the most reliable ways to protect your progress. Learn more about relapse prevention.
If these apply to you, attending our IOP for addiction treatment could be the next step.
Recovery usually takes more than one level of care. IOP gives you structured therapy several days a week so you can practice recovery skills at home, at work and with family, with clinical support close by.
IOP patients take part in at least nine hours of therapy each week. A typical week includes:
Sessions are held on weekdays during the day, typically between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. You can attend in person at our Groveport campus or, when it’s clinically appropriate, through telehealth. Transportation is not provided.
Individual and group therapy
Expert medical care
Treatment for co-occurring disorders
Medication management
The Recovery Village Columbus is in network with many major insurance plans, including Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, Medical Mutual of Ohio and UBH/Optum. We can verify your coverage for IOP, explain copays and deductibles, or discuss private payment options.
It varies with your needs and progress, but most patients complete intensive outpatient treatment in about two to six weeks. Many then continue with standard outpatient therapy and community support.
Medical detox is not part of IOP. If you need detox, you can complete medical detox at our Groveport campus first and then step into IOP or another level of care.
Research supports IOP as an effective level of care. A 2014 review in Psychiatric Services found that intensive outpatient programs produced substance use outcomes comparable to inpatient or residential treatment for many people who don’t need 24-hour care. Results vary by person, and IOP works best when you attend consistently and keep up with support after it ends.
Transportation is not provided. Finding transportation to get to and from your IOP rehab appointments is your responsibility.
Insurance may cover some or all IOP costs, although copays and deductibles may apply. Verify your insurance online, or ask about options if you don’t have insurance.
Several federal laws can help. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) may give eligible employees unpaid, job-protected leave for treatment, and the Americans with Disabilities Act protects many people in recovery from discrimination. Ask our team how the IOP schedule can work with your job. Learn more about rehab and your job.
IOP runs on weekdays during the day, typically between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Your exact schedule is set with your care team when you start.
Yes. IOP is available in person at our Groveport campus or through telehealth when your care team agrees it’s clinically appropriate. For virtual sessions, you’ll need a private space and a reliable internet connection.
Sometimes. IOP can be a starting point for people who need more support than weekly therapy but don’t need medical detox or 24-hour care. An admissions assessment determines the right level of care for you. Learn about our admissions process.
Questions? We are available 24/7. Call (614) 362-1686 Now.
Sources: McCarty D, et al., “Substance Abuse Intensive Outpatient Programs: Assessing the Evidence,” Psychiatric Services, 2014; National Institute on Drug Abuse, “Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment (Third Edition),” 2012; U.S. Department of Labor, “Family and Medical Leave Act.” Accessed September 26, 2026.
Whether you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, a mental health disorder or both, we can help. Give us a call today to take the first step.
If you have questions about insurance, treatment options, or next steps, our admissions team can answer in minutes.
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