Many people struggle with substance abuse. They may require more support than outpatient therapy can provide. IOPs can offer the structure and support they need to overcome their addiction. They also can provide the skills and tools they need to maintain recovery outside of treatment. However, they can be expensive.

To help make these programs more affordable, a new service offers IOP treatment online. BetterHelp allows users to access professional therapy from anywhere in the world using a smartphone or computer. The program is free, confidential and anonymous.

IOPs originated in the 1980s as a treatment option for working professionals.1 People with cocaine addiction often did not want to take time off work, and IOPs allowed them to continue earning a living while receiving treatment. Today, these programs are widely used and have broadened in scope to include people with mental health issues.

Intensive iop near me programs often involve several hours of group treatment each week. They can meet during the day or evening, depending on a person’s needs. The types of groups vary, but they typically include skills development, refusal training, psychoeducational and relapse prevention groups. Some are even specialized, such as those for women or men, veterans or LGBTQ individuals.

The main difference between IOP and inpatient care is that the latter provides a higher level of care by having people live at the facility during their stay. However, IOP programs can be a great step down from inpatient care and help people transition back into their lives at home or at work.