Intensive Outpatient Program

What is an IOP?

An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is a supportive, structured program that offers a higher level of care than traditional weekly therapy while allowing clients to maintain their daily lives. Designed for individuals navigating substance use, addiction recovery, or mental health therapy, IOP provides a balance between structure and independence.

While many people find that seeing a therapist once a week offers enough support for everyday challenges, others may need a more immersive experience when facing deeper emotional pain, overwhelming stress, or persistent patterns that feel hard to change. An IOP offers that bridge—providing professional guidance, peer connection, and meaningful tools for growth.

Unlike residential treatment, an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) meets as a group three days a week for three hours each session and includes one individual therapy appointment per week. Each session integrates educational topics, coping skill development, and open group discussion, all facilitated by a social worker or clinical mental health counselor. Alongside group time, clients meet individually with their therapist to explore personal goals, strengthen emotional awareness, and build sustainable habits for healing and a case manager to work on non-therapeutic goals such as applying for jobs, finding stable housing, creating a budget, and whatever else the client needs.

This structure gives participants the opportunity to receive powerful support without stepping away from their families, homes, or careers.

What to Expect in Intensive Outpatient Program

At Red Willow Counseling and Recovery, we believe that healing happens when you feel safe, supported, and understood. Our mental health therapy and substance use Intensive Outpatient Programs are designed to meet you where you are—with compassion and respect.

When you join our IOP, you’ll start with a personalized assessment to identify your needs and create a treatment plan tailored to your goals. You’ll participate in small group sessions that focus on emotional regulation, relapse prevention, communication skills, and mindfulness practices.

Each IOP session includes:

• Educational components that help you understand the emotional, mental, and physiological aspects of addiction recovery or healing from emotional pain and suicidality.
• Skills training for managing stress, setting boundaries, and navigating complex emotions.
• Group processing that encourages open, judgment-free conversations with others walking similar paths.

Our groups are facilitated by experienced clinicians who create a nonjudgmental environment where honesty, vulnerability, and growth are celebrated. Whether you’re beginning your journey toward recovery from addiction or working through mental health therapy goals, you’ll find a space where you’re not alone—and where real change is possible.

Benefits of IOP

An IOP can be a life-changing experience for people who want to build stability, process trauma, and strengthen their recovery foundation. Some key benefits include:

• Flexibility: Continue working, caring for your family, and maintaining your routine while engaging in meaningful treatment.
• Affordability: IOP is often covered by insurance and typically costs far less than residential or inpatient care.
• Community Connection: Healing alongside others can reduce isolation and provide powerful peer support.
• Comprehensive Care: Combines group therapy, individual therapy, and psychoeducation to address both symptoms and root causes.
• Relapse Prevention: Learn skills for managing triggers and sustaining long-term addiction recovery.
• Emotional Growth: Build awareness, resilience, and the ability to handle shame and guilt in a healthier way.

Research shows that people who complete IOPs often maintain better outcomes and feel more confident in their ability to manage life’s challenges. By integrating the structure of mental health therapy with the insight and accountability of group support, clients gain tools for lasting healing.

Who Is IOP For?

Our IOP is ideal for individuals who need more support than weekly therapy provides but do not
require 24-hour supervision. You might benefit from IOP if you’re:

• Recovering from substance use or alcohol dependence
• Transitioning from inpatient or residential treatment
• Struggling with depression, anxiety, mood instability, or suicidal ideation
• Processing trauma or complex emotions that feel overwhelming
• Facing challenges in relationships or family dynamics
• Seeking continued care and structure during early recovery from addiction

Our program is not appropriate for individuals experiencing active psychosis, severe suicidal thoughts, or those unable to maintain safety outside a controlled setting. In those cases, we can assist in finding higher levels of care that fit your needs.

A Holistic Approach to Healing

At Red Willow Counseling and Recovery, we understand that emotional healing is not only about addressing symptoms—it’s about rebuilding trust with yourself and creating a life aligned with your values. Our IOP combines evidence-based therapies with compassionate support to help you thrive in every area of life.

We integrate techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based approaches, and trauma-informed care to address the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of recovery. Many participants also work with their therapist to explore emotional regulation, self-compassion, and the connection between thoughts, feelings, and actions.

We know that recovery is not linear. There will be moments of clarity and moments of challenge—and both are part of the process. In IOP, you’ll learn how to navigate those moments with self-awareness and confidence.

Life After An Intensive Outpatient Program

As you progress through IOP, your therapist will help you transition toward continued support. This may include ongoing individual therapy, family therapy, or slowly scaffolding down from IOP. Many clients continue seeing their therapist weekly after completing IOP to maintain accountability and nurture long-term growth.

You’ll leave the program with a deeper understanding of yourself, a stronger support system, and a personalized plan for continued mental health therapy or addiction recovery work. Most importantly, you’ll have tools to face life’s stressors with clarity and resilience.

Why Choose Red Willow Counseling and Recovery?

Choosing where to begin—or continue—your recovery journey is a deeply personal decision. At Red Willow, we are committed to creating a space where you feel seen, heard, and valued. Our IOP is designed with flexibility in mind, offering daytime and evening groups to fit your schedule.

Our team of compassionate professionals brings expertise in mental health therapy, substance use, and trauma recovery, ensuring that your care is individualized and comprehensive. We view each client as a whole person—not a diagnosis—and we honor your courage in taking this step toward healing.

Take the Next Step

If you’re uncertain whether am Intensive Outpatient Program is the right fit for you, we invite you to schedule a consultation. We’ll take time to understand your story, assess your needs, and explore your options. Whether you begin IOP or another form of therapy, our goal is to help you find the path that best supports your healing and growth.

You deserve support that meets you where you are and helps you move toward where you want to be. Reach out to Red Willow Counseling and Recovery today to learn more about our Intensive Outpatient Program, or fill out the form below to get started.

Healing happens in connection—and your journey begins here.

 

At Red Willow, we have a daytime and evening Substance Abuse IOP and daytime Mental Health IOP.

If you would like more information about our Intensive Outpatient Programs in Salt Lake City please use this form to Contact Us or Call us at (385) 485-8641.

If you would like us to check your benefits please include your insurance information.