Recovery Support
You’re committed to recovery, but you also have a life to manage—work, school, family, responsibilities. Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) offers structured, powerful treatment that works around your daily commitments, not against them.
At Guardian Recovery, our IOP provides evidence-based therapy, clinical support, and accountability through structured sessions typically 3 hours per day, 3-5 days per week. You’ll receive the intensive care you need to build and maintain sobriety while living at home, continuing work or school, and practicing recovery skills in real-world settings. We offer our substance use disorder IOP program both in-person and online.
This is where recovery meets real life. You’re not isolated from the world—you’re learning to navigate it sober, with expert support guiding you every step of the way.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is a structured treatment approach for substance use disorder that provides significant clinical support without requiring you to live at a facility. You attend scheduled therapy sessions during designated times—typically evenings or flexible daytime hours—then return home to practice what you’ve learned.
Think of IOP as intensive support with real-world practice. You’re building recovery skills during treatment sessions and immediately applying them in your daily life—with your treatment team there to help you navigate challenges as they arise.
Guardian Recovery’s Intensive Outpatient Program serves individuals at various points in their recovery journey.
When you contact us, our admissions team will:
We’ll make sure IOP is the right fit before you commit.
Many clients feel nervous joining a group—that’s normal. Our facilitators create a welcoming environment, and you’ll quickly realize everyone is there for the same reason: to get better.
Each 3-hour session is structured and purposeful, designed to maximize your learning and growth.
Break time is included for restroom, refreshments, and informal peer connection.
Group therapy is the primary treatment modality in IOP, and for good reason—it works.
Process Groups: Share your experiences in a safe, supportive environment. Receive feedback from peers who understand. Learn you’re not alone. Practice healthy communication and relationship skills.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Groups: Identify negative thought patterns that drive substance use. Learn to challenge and reframe distorted thinking. Develop healthier cognitive habits that support sobriety. Practice applying CBT skills to real-life situations.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Groups: Master skills for managing intense emotions without substances. Learn distress tolerance for getting through cravings and difficult moments. Improve interpersonal effectiveness and communication. Practice mindfulness for staying present.
Relapse Prevention Groups: Identify your personal triggers and high-risk situations. Develop detailed relapse prevention plans with specific action steps. Learn to recognize early warning signs before relapse occurs. Build resilience and confidence in maintaining sobriety.
Trauma-Focused Groups: Understand the connection between past trauma and current substance use. Begin healing old wounds in a safe, supportive group setting. Learn trauma-informed coping skills. Process difficult experiences with professional guidance.
12-Step Integration and Recovery Fellowships: Explore the principles of AA, NA, and other recovery fellowships. Work through the steps with guidance and support. Connect with recovery community resources. Build a support network beyond treatment.
Psychoeducation Groups: Learn the neuroscience of addiction and how substances affect your brain. Understand the recovery process and what to expect. Gain knowledge about mental health, medication, and wellness. Empower yourself through understanding.
Life Skills and Wellness Groups: Develop practical skills for independent, healthy living. Learn stress management without substances. Practice communication, boundary-setting, and relationship skills. Build employment readiness and financial management skills. Focus on nutrition, sleep, exercise, and self-care.
While group therapy is primary in IOP, individual counseling provides personalized support.
Frequency: Typically 1 session per week, 45-60 minutes
Your individual therapist is your advocate—the person who knows your complete story and helps you navigate your unique path to recovery.
IOP includes comprehensive psychiatric care for co-occurring mental health conditions.
Frequency: Initial evaluation, then typically monthly or as needed
This is true dual diagnosis treatment—we don’t separate mental health from substance use. We treat the whole person.
Your case manager helps ensure all aspects of your life support your recovery.
Think of your case manager as the person who helps you navigate everything outside of therapy sessions.
When appropriate and desired, IOP includes family participation.
Recovery happens in relationship. Involving family, when healthy to do so, improves outcomes.
Recovery skills must be practiced outside of sessions to become automatic.
The work you do between sessions is as important as the work you do in sessions. IOP isn’t just about showing up—it’s about actively applying what you learn.
IOP duration varies based on individual needs and progress.
Most clients participate in IOP for 8-12 weeks, though length may vary based on:
Your treatment team assesses your progress regularly and makes recommendations based on your individual journey—not an arbitrary timeline. Some clients need longer; others are ready to step down sooner.
IOP isn’t the end of your recovery journey—it’s a crucial middle phase. Research shows that ongoing support after intensive treatment dramatically improves long-term outcomes.
Guardian Recovery offers ongoing alumni support:
Recovery is lifelong, and so is our support.
Guardian Recovery helps you connect with these resources so you have support beyond formal treatment.
Understanding where IOP fits in the continuum helps you appreciate its role.
PHP: 5-6 hours daily, 5-7 days/week, hospital-level intensity, less independence IOP: 3 hours daily, 3-5 days/week, structured but less intensive, more real-world practice
IOP has more flexibility but requires more self-management between sessions.
Residential: 24/7 immersive care, live at facility, complete focus on recovery, maximum structure IOP: Part-time treatment, live at home, balance recovery with responsibilities, moderate structure
IOP allows you to maintain your life while receiving significant clinical support.
Traditional Outpatient: 1-2 hours weekly, minimal structure, mostly individual therapy IOP: 9-15 hours weekly, highly structured, primarily group-based with individual support
IOP provides much more intensity and accountability than traditional outpatient therapy.
The right level of care depends on your individual needs. Your treatment team will help determine what’s appropriate for you.
Most people with substance use disorders also struggle with mental health conditions, and treating both simultaneously is essential for lasting recovery.
Guardian Recovery’s IOP provides true integrated dual diagnosis treatment:
Example: If you’re in IOP for alcohol use disorder and also have PTSD, your treatment plan includes trauma-informed therapy, coping skills for PTSD symptoms without alcohol, processing traumatic memories safely, and medication for PTSD if appropriate—all within your IOP programming.
You’re treated as a whole person, not a collection of diagnoses.
Recovery is possible. We know because we’ve walked this path with thousands of people just like you.
Your journey toward freedom from substance use can start today—while you keep your job, stay with your family, and maintain your responsibilities.
Don’t wait for things to get worse. Don’t convince yourself you should be able to do this alone. Don’t let fear stop you from getting help.
The life you want—free from substance use, full of purpose and peace—is possible. We help people build that life every single day.
IOP at Guardian Recovery: Intensive support. Real-world recovery. Lasting results.
Your recovery starts with a single call. Let’s take that step together—right now.
Clear, straightforward answers to help you understand what to expect, how the process works, and how we support you every step of the way.
Yes, many clients work full-time. We offer evening and flexible schedule options specifically for working adults. However, recovery must remain a priority—if work demands interfere with treatment attendance or sobriety, adjustments are needed.
Tell your treatment team immediately. We’ll assess what happened, ensure you’re safe, adjust your treatment plan, and determine if IOP is still the appropriate level of care or if you need to step up to PHP or residential. Honesty about relapse is always better than hiding it.
Generally, no. IOP requires consistent attendance for effectiveness. Occasional single-session absences for truly unavoidable reasons may be accommodated, but extended absences disrupt your treatment. Recovery is the priority during your IOP phase.
Not unless you tell them. We cannot release information without your written authorization. Many clients tell employers they have evening commitments or medical appointments. Some are open about treatment—that’s your choice.
Your treatment team assesses readiness based on: consistent sobriety, mastery of recovery skills, stable mental health, strong support network, demonstrated ability to manage triggers, completion of treatment goals, and confidence in maintaining recovery with less intensive support. This is a collaborative decision—you’ll know when you’re ready, and so will your team.
Licensed therapists, addiction counselors, psychiatric providers, and case managers specializing in substance use and co-occurring disorders.
Group therapy, individual counseling, psychiatric care, case management, drug testing, and family support—all in one program.
We use proven therapies—CBT, DBT, trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, relapse prevention—backed by research showing they work.
Seamless transitions from detox through residential, PHP, IOP, outpatient, and alumni support—all within Guardian Recovery.
Mental health and addiction treated together, simultaneously, by specialists in co-occurring disorders.
You practice skills in your actual life, with support to navigate real challenges as they arise.
Evening and daytime options to accommodate work, school, and family responsibilities.
We help you build connections with 12-Step fellowships and other recovery resources for long-term support.
Your program is designed for YOUR specific needs, history, strengths, and goals—not a one-size-fits-all approach.
We work with most major insurance providers and help maximize your benefits.
Small groups (typically 8-12 clients) led by experienced facilitators create safe, supportive environments for deep work.
Our evidence-based, comprehensive approach gives you the tools and support for lasting recovery.
Our team provides 24/7 care to help ease withdrawal symptoms and keep you safe and supported during early recovery.
Round-the-clock care in a structured, supportive setting helps you focus fully on building a foundation for lasting change.
Offering intensive outpatient support online for those needing ongoing care or unable to attend in-person treatment.
Guardian Recovery offers a full continuum of care between our facilities; including PHP, IOP, and Aftercare programs.
Hoboken, NJ
New Brunswick, NJ
Saddle Brook, NJ
Towaco, NJ
Denver, CO
Plano, TX
Delray Beach, FL
Boynton Beach, FL
Bayonne, NJ
Paramus, NJ
Pine Brook, NJ
Portland, ME
Monmouth Junction, NJ
Plymouth, NH
Lawrenceville, NJ
Westbrook, ME
Tampa, FL
Medical Disclaimer:
The information provided on this website is intended solely for educational and informational purposes. Guardian Recovery aims to improve the quality of life for individuals struggling with substance use or mental health disorders by offering fact-based content about behavioral health conditions, treatment options, and related outcomes. However, this information should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Important Notes:
The content on this site is believed to be current and accurate at the time of posting, but medical information is constantly evolving.
Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider regarding any questions or concerns about your health or medical condition.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
Guardian Recovery does not provide free medical advice. For personalized treatment recommendations, please consult with a licensed healthcare professional.
By using this website, you acknowledge that you have read and understand this disclaimer. Guardian Recovery and its affiliates disclaim any liability for the use or interpretation of information contained herein. SEE TERMS AND CONDITIONS
