What is an intensive outpatient program?
Short answer: An intensive outpatient program (IOP) is a structured addiction treatment program you attend several days a week while living at home. Liberty’s IOP in Utah typically runs 9 or more hours a week across multiple sessions, so you can keep working or caring for family while getting real treatment. Utah Medicaid accepted. Call (801) 997-9183.
- IOP is a step between residential treatment and standard outpatient care
- You attend treatment several days a week and go home at the end of each day
- Most people attend at least 9 hours a week, often in 3-hour sessions
- It works for people stepping down from residential care and for people starting here directly
- Liberty’s IOP is at our West Jordan outpatient center
- Utah Medicaid accepted, one of the few Utah programs that does
-
This is the place to come heal, the staff is amazing shain(peer support) is the first person in my life to believe in me I will continue to look up... read more
andrew sanders
My experience was something I can not put into words. I am grateful for this opportunity to be sober and a new possibility for life.
Martin Stevens
Liberty saved my life. The peer support team that they have is phenomenal especially Shain. Miranda, Oaklee, and Whitney are the best case managers. They are superstars always putting the... read more
Kevin Gandy
-
I had a great experience at Liberty. The staff was genuinely helpful and engaging. I recommend this program to anyone seeing recovery for the first time or coming... read more
Sarah
I really enjoyed the staff here they helped me tremendously. I recommend it to anyone.Bryce, Miranda,Oaklee, Whitney Thanks for the opportunity and encouragement.
Andrew Baker
The 'Bryce Assignments' truly changed my life. The peer support staff went above and beyond, and the empathy I received from Shayne humbled me and changed my way of thinking.... read more
Jennie Sisneros
-
I've been to residential 22 times and Liberty helped me in ways that no other program ever could. Shain (peer support) saved my life on my first day when I... read more
Ariel Mecham
Liberty is a great place to find recovery. I just completed their residential treatment and have only fantastic things to say. They helped me to understand and find the person... read more
Jeremy Donaldson
Bryce Miranda and Oakley are my favorite!
KnowinAC Zimmerpost
-
Had a great experience! They really care for there clients highly recommended going here
Zach Richardson
I was hesitant about doing residential treatment until I found liberty and it was such a great experience and learned a lot about myself and how to overcome my shame... read more
Matt Thompson
My experience with Liberty was Amazing! I learned to love myself & now feel as though I have self worth. The house & the staff are so great and on... read more
Julie Gammon
-
The program and the staff have been just what I needed to heal from my alcoholism. The staff is engaged and truly care. The program has been unique... read more
Christine Axtell
The best IOP EVER !!!! BETTER THEN VALLEY BEHAVIOR HEALTH
Eric Kenyon
Excellent staff and counselors, mcall is my favorite and George is the best at making you feel at home and loved
Chandler Burgess
-
Macall is the best this place wouldn't run without her really she does more then anyone
Calvin Richards
Was very nice to me they took me in under their wing like if I was a bird of a feather and so this experience has been the best experience... read more
Sober Kayden
I came to Liberty from Wasatch Crest and I was truly amazed when I came here. I came in with a chronic bad attitude, and I was cold, but the... read more
Neve Glasser
-
I had the best experience while at liberty. Liberty helped change my life for the better. I can't explain how loving and caring the staff and clinicians are. When people... read more
Gabrielle Garcia
Best treatment center I've been too. All the staff are super nice. Its a center that is passionate about what they do. The clinicians are invested for the care... read more
Angii 2iisNOe Campbell
Professional staff and they go beyond and over, definitely it’s a calling for them. Would definitely recommend it.
Mike Mwingirwa
-
This is an absolutely amazing rehab I recommend it
Chrystal Farrar
নিজে থেকে নেশামুক্ত জীবন গড়়ার লক্ষ্য নিয়ে NA program করতে হবে, তবেই সুস্থ্য থাকা সম্ভব।
S K Ranjan Dolan (দোলন)
This place is truly amazing! I have gained structure, changed my destructive, toxic thoughts, beliefs and habits into positive healthy ones, and now have such a supportive and loving new... read more
Brittany
-
I didn’t think I needed treatment until I came through this program. It helped me learn that it wasn’t just my addiction I needed to work on. I learned the... read more
Suzanne Hopkins
I want to thank Liberty for providing me the space and support to begin my process of recovery and healing. This was my first time in treatment, and for those... read more
Nick Wright
Liberty is by far the best treatment facility I've been to. I've been to 3 counting them. They just care... like really care. It's feels like a home. Unfortunately... read more
FuhQ_69
-
I was able to come here and get the treatment I needed for starting my recovery in a safe place. The staff helped me along with the owners to help... read more
Joseph Renwick
When I first came to liberty I was so depressed and lost. I was more lost then I realized and didn't know how to fix the damage I caused from... read more
Austin Nicholas
I cannot be more grateful for Liberty Addiction. I just graduated their Residential program and it is absolutely serene the changes I have gone through and the confidence I have... read more
Alyssa Moore
What Is an IOP Treatment Program?
What Is an IOP Treatment Program?An intensive outpatient program is addiction treatment that gives you structure and support without a residential stay. You come in for scheduled sessions several days a week, then go home, back to work, or back to your family afterward.
The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) places IOP at Level 2.1 in its continuum of care. That means it sits above standard outpatient therapy but below residential treatment. According to SAMHSA’s clinical guidelines, IOP is designed for people who need more than a weekly therapy session but do not need 24-hour supervision.
Most IOPs, including Liberty’s, build treatment around a mix of group therapy, individual counseling, family sessions, and education about addiction and relapse. The goal is to help you understand what drives your substance use and build the skills to stay in recovery once treatment ends.
How Many Hours a Week Is an IOP?
Most intensive outpatient programs run at least 9 hours a week. That time is usually split into three sessions of about three hours each, though some programs go up to 15 hours a week depending on need.
Per ASAM’s Level 2.1 standard, adult IOP provides 9 or more hours of structured treatment per week. The schedule is built to fit around work and family, which is the whole point. Sessions are often offered in the morning or evening so you do not have to choose between treatment and your job.
| Feature | Typical IOP |
|---|---|
| Hours per week | 9 to 15 hours |
| Days per week | 3 to 5 days |
| Session length | About 3 hours |
| Where you live | At home |
| ASAM level | Level 2.1 |
What Can I Expect While Attending an IOP?
You can expect a consistent weekly schedule built around group and individual work. Group therapy is the core of most IOPs, supported by one-on-one counseling, family involvement when it helps, and education about how addiction works and how to prevent relapse.
Here is what a typical week in Liberty’s IOP includes:
- Group therapy: The main part of treatment. You work alongside peers who understand what you are going through.
- Individual counseling: One-on-one sessions with a licensed therapist to work through personal triggers, trauma, and goals.
- Family sessions: When it makes sense, family work helps rebuild trust and create a supportive home.
- Education: Learning how substances affect the brain, how to handle cravings, and how to build coping skills.
- Relapse prevention: Practical planning so you know what to do when stress or triggers show up in real life.
Because you practice these skills at home between sessions, you get to apply what you learn in the situations where it actually matters. That is one reason IOP works so well as a step-down from residential care or as a starting point for people with a strong support system at home.
Who Is an IOP Right For?
An IOP is a good fit if you have a mild to moderate substance use disorder, a stable and safe place to live, and responsibilities like work or family that make a residential stay hard. It is also a common next step after residential treatment.
IOP works in a few different situations:
- After residential treatment. Many people step down to IOP after inpatient rehab to keep their structure and support while returning to daily life.
- After detox. Some people start IOP right after medical detox if they have strong support at home.
- When standard outpatient is not enough. If weekly therapy alone is not holding, IOP adds more structure and more frequent support.
If you are not sure whether IOP or a higher level of care is right, that is a normal question. Our team can help you figure it out. You may want to start with inpatient drug rehab first, or step up to a partial hospitalization program if you need more hours than IOP provides.
Does IOP Actually Work?
Yes. Research shows intensive outpatient programs are as effective as inpatient treatment for many people with substance use disorder. The National Institute on Drug Abuse has described IOPs as an essential part of modern addiction treatment.
The key is matching the level of care to the person. For someone with a stable home and a mild to moderate addiction, IOP delivers real treatment without pulling them out of their life. For someone leaving residential care, it provides the bridge that keeps early recovery from falling apart. Both paths have strong evidence behind them.
IOP at Liberty’s West Jordan Center
Liberty Addiction Recovery Centers offers intensive outpatient treatment at our outpatient facility at 6671 S Redwood Rd, Suite 201, in West Jordan. The location makes it accessible for people across Salt Lake County who need treatment that fits around work and family.
Our approach is trauma-informed and evidence-based. We use therapies with a proven track record, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), alongside group and individual work. Liberty also holds a Primary Mental Health facility designation, which means we can treat co-occurring mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD alongside addiction. Learn more about our dual diagnosis treatment program.
Does Medicaid Cover IOP in Utah?
Yes. Liberty accepts Utah Medicaid as an in-network provider, which is uncommon among Utah treatment centers. Medicaid typically covers medically necessary addiction treatment, including IOP.
Not sure what your plan covers? Use our insurance verification tool to check your benefits in a few minutes. For other carriers, call our admissions team at (801) 997-9183 and we will walk through your specific coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours a week is an intensive outpatient program?
Most IOPs run at least 9 hours a week, usually split into three sessions of about three hours each. Some programs go up to 15 hours a week depending on the person’s needs. This follows the ASAM Level 2.1 standard for intensive outpatient care.
What is the difference between IOP and PHP?
Both let you live at home, but a partial hospitalization program (PHP) is more intensive. PHP usually runs 6 or more hours a day, five days a week (around 30 hours), while IOP runs about 9 to 15 hours a week. PHP is a step above IOP for people who need more structure. Read more on our PHP page.
Can I work while attending an IOP?
Yes. That is one of the main reasons IOP exists. Sessions are scheduled in the morning or evening so you can keep your job, attend school, or care for your family while getting treatment. You go home at the end of each session.
Can I start with IOP instead of residential treatment?
For some people, yes. If you have a mild to moderate addiction, a safe and stable home, and a strong support system, starting with IOP can work well. Others do better stepping down to IOP after detox or residential care. Our team can help you decide which path fits your situation.
Does Liberty’s IOP treat mental health conditions too?
Yes. Liberty holds a Primary Mental Health facility designation, so we treat co-occurring conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD alongside substance use in the same program. Treating both at once gives people a better shot at lasting recovery.
Does Medicaid cover IOP at Liberty?
Yes. Liberty accepts Utah Medicaid as an in-network provider. Medicaid typically covers medically necessary IOP treatment. Use our insurance check tool to verify your specific benefits.
Ready to learn if IOP is right for you?
Call Liberty Addiction Recovery Centers to talk with our admissions team, or verify your insurance online in minutes. No pressure. Just answers.
Outpatient: 6671 S Redwood Rd, Suite 201, West Jordan, UT 84084 | Residential: 1088 E 390 S, American Fork, UT 84003
