Virtual Intensive Outpatient Treatment

Two Tracks, Same Expert Care—All Virtual

Guardian Recovery’s Virtual IOP offers specialized treatment tracks to meet your specific needs:

Substance Use Disorder Track

Intensive treatment for alcohol and drug addiction delivered virtually—including group therapy, individual counseling, relapse prevention, 12-Step integration, and medication-assisted treatment support when appropriate.

We treat:

• Alcohol use disorder
• Opioid addiction
• Stimulant use (cocaine, methamphetamine)
• Marijuana dependence
• Benzodiazepine addiction
• Prescription drug misuse
• Polysubstance use

Mental Health Track

Intensive treatment for mental health conditions delivered virtually—including DBT, CBT, trauma therapy, psychiatric care, and comprehensive symptom management.

We treat:

• Depression and Bipolar Disorder
• Anxiety Disorders and Panic Disorder
• PTSD and Trauma
• OCD and related disorders
• Eating Disorders
• Personality Disorders

Dual Diagnosis Track

Integrated treatment for co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders—addressing both conditions simultaneously with expert dual diagnosis care.

All tracks include:

• Daily group therapy led by licensed clinicians
• Individual counseling weekly
• Psychiatric evaluation and medication management
• Case management and care coordination
• Crisis support between sessions
• Evidence-based, proven treatment approaches

No matter which track you need, you receive the same high-quality IOP treatment as our in-person programs—just delivered virtually.

What is Virtual IOP?

Virtual IOP (Intensive Outpatient Program) is structured, intensive treatment delivered entirely online through live, real-time video sessions. This isn’t self-guided apps or pre-recorded videos—this is live therapy with expert clinicians and real peer support, just conducted virtually instead of in-person.

Virtual IOP provides:

• Same structure as in-person IOP: 3 hours daily, 3-5 days per week
• Same clinical team: Licensed therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists
• Same evidence-based therapies: CBT, DBT, motivational interviewing, trauma-informed care, relapse prevention
• Same group dynamics: Small groups (8-12 clients) for meaningful connection
• Same outcomes: Research shows virtual treatment is as effective as in-person care
• Live, real-time interaction: You see and hear your therapist and peers; they see and hear you
• Individual therapy: One-on-one sessions with your primary therapist via telehealth
• Psychiatric services: Medication management and psychiatric care via video appointments

The only difference? You log in from home instead of driving to our facility.

Why Choose Virtual IOP?

Access Expert Care From Anywhere

Location no longer limits your treatment options. Whether you live hours from our facilities, in a rural area with limited resources, or in a different state, Virtual IOP provides access to Guardian Recovery’s expert clinicians and proven treatment programs.

Eliminate Transportation Barriers

No reliable car? No driver’s license? Physical limitations? Busy schedule? Virtual IOP removes these obstacles completely. Attend every session without worrying about how to get there—just log in from wherever you are.

Maintain Your Privacy

Receive treatment discreetly from your own space. No one needs to know you’re in IOP unless you choose to tell them. No explaining where you’re going three evenings a week. Complete confidentiality from the privacy of home.

Balance Treatment with Life Responsibilities

Working full-time? Caring for children or elderly parents? Managing a demanding schedule? Virtual IOP offers maximum flexibility. Attend evening sessions after work or daytime sessions during breaks—all without commute time eating into your day.

Continue Treatment During Life Changes

Relocating for work? Traveling frequently? Going to college? Virtual IOP travels with you. Continue your treatment without interruption regardless of where life takes you—no need to start over with a new program.

Feel More Comfortable at Home

Many people feel more at ease in familiar surroundings. If you experience social anxiety, feel intimidated by treatment facilities, or simply prefer your own space, Virtual IOP allows you to engage in intensive therapy from your comfort zone while still doing the challenging work of recovery.

Save Time and Money

No commuting means more time for recovery, work, family, and self-care. Save money on gas, parking, tolls, and childcare. Virtual IOP provides intensive treatment while reducing the logistical and financial burdens of attending in-person programming.

Is Virtual IOP as Effective as In-Person?

Yes. Extensive research confirms that virtual behavioral health treatment produces the same positive outcomes as in-person care.

Multiple studies show that for both substance use disorders and mental health conditions, virtual therapy is equally effective as face-to-face treatment. In many cases, virtual programs show even higher attendance rates and engagement because barriers to participation are removed.

What makes Virtual IOP effective:

Same Expert Clinicians: Licensed therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists who provide in-person care also facilitate virtual groups and sessions.

Same Evidence-Based Therapies: CBT, DBT, motivational interviewing, trauma-informed care, relapse prevention—all delivered with the same fidelity as in-person.

Real-Time, Live Interaction: Not recordings or chatbots—actual therapeutic relationships with clinicians and peers who see you, hear you, and support you.

Small Group Sizes: Groups of 8-12 clients ensure personal attention, meaningful participation, and deep therapeutic work.

Structured, Intensive Programming: The same rigorous schedule and accountability as in-person IOP.

Individual Therapy and Psychiatric Care: One-on-one support tailored to your needs, delivered via secure telehealth.

The therapeutic relationship—the single most important factor in treatment success—develops just as strongly through a screen as it does face-to-face. Our clients consistently report feeling deeply connected to their virtual groups and therapists.

Who is Virtual IOP Right For?

You May Benefit from Virtual Substance Use IOP If:

You’re in Recovery and Need Intensive Support:

• You’re stepping down from residential treatment or PHP
• You completed medical detox and need immediate continuing care
• You’re new to recovery and need structured support to build sobriety
• You relapsed after previous treatment and need to get back on track

You Face Access Barriers:

• You live far from treatment facilities
• You lack reliable transportation
• Your work schedule makes in-person attendance difficult
• You have childcare or eldercare responsibilities

You Need Flexibility:

• You need to continue working full-time during treatment
• You travel frequently for work
• You have other life commitments that make in-person IOP challenging
• You want intensive treatment without disrupting your entire routine

You Have Appropriate Resources:

• You have a device (computer, tablet, smartphone) with camera/microphone
• You have reliable internet connection
• You have a private space to participate in sessions
• You’re comfortable using basic technology

You’re Managing Co-Occurring Conditions:

• You have both substance use and mental health disorders
• You need dual diagnosis expertise
• Your mental health affects your substance use and vice versa

You May Benefit from Virtual Mental Health IOP If:

You Need Intensive Mental Health Support:

• You’re stepping down from inpatient psychiatric care or PHP
• Your symptoms interfere with daily functioning
• Weekly therapy isn’t providing enough support
• You’re at risk of hospitalization without increased intervention

You’re Struggling with:

• Depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder
• PTSD or trauma-related symptoms
• OCD or panic disorder
• Eating disorders
• Personality disorders affecting your life
• Co-occurring substance use

You Face Similar Access or Logistical Barriers:

• Distance, transportation, scheduling conflicts, privacy needs, or life responsibilities that make in-person treatment challenging

You’re Clinically Appropriate:

• You’re not in acute crisis requiring hospitalization
• You can keep yourself safe between sessions using safety plans
• You have adequate support and resources at home
• You can manage several days between sessions

What to Expect: Virtual IOP Experience

Before You Start

Admissions Process:

• Call our admissions team for a confidential phone or video assessment
• Discuss your substance use, mental health symptoms, treatment history, and needs
• Determine which track (substance use, mental health, or dual diagnosis) fits your needs
• Verify insurance coverage and discuss costs
• Schedule your technology orientation

Technology Orientation:

• Test your device, internet connection, and audio/video
• Practice joining a virtual session on our secure platform
• Learn how to use features like breakout rooms, screen sharing, and chat
• Meet your intake coordinator virtually
• Get comfortable with the technology before your first therapeutic session

First Session Preparation:

• Find a private, quiet space in your home where you won’t be interrupted
• Ensure good lighting so others can see you clearly
• Have headphones ready (optional but can improve audio quality and privacy)
• Test your technology 15 minutes before your first session
• Have water, tissues, and a notebook nearby

Treatment Components: Same Clinical Quality, Virtual Delivery

Virtual Group Therapy

Small therapeutic groups of 8-12 clients provide the core of intensive outpatient treatment—whether virtual or in-person.

What makes virtual groups effective:

You See Everyone: All participants appear on your screen—you can see facial expressions, body language, and emotional reactions. Eye contact and nonverbal communication still happen.

Active Facilitation: Expert therapists lead sessions with intention, ensuring everyone participates, feels heard, and stays engaged.

Interactive Features: Chat functions, breakout rooms for smaller discussions, screen sharing for worksheets and materials, digital whiteboards for exercises.

Confidentiality Maintained: No recording allowed. HIPAA-compliant platform. What’s shared in group stays in group.

Same Therapeutic Benefit: Research shows virtual groups create the same sense of connection, support, and accountability as in-person groups.

Virtual Individual Therapy

One-on-one sessions with your primary therapist via secure video telehealth.

Frequency: 1 session per week, 45-60 minutes

Individual therapy provides:

• Personalized attention to your specific challenges and goals
• Processing issues too private for group
• Trauma work, grief work, or deep emotional processing
• Individualized relapse prevention planning
• Family or relationship issues
• Progress assessment and treatment plan adjustments

Many clients find virtual individual therapy even more comfortable—the familiar setting of home can make it easier to open up about difficult topics.

Virtual Psychiatric Services

Board-certified psychiatrists provide comprehensive medication management via telehealth.

Psychiatric care includes:

• Initial psychiatric evaluation and diagnosis
• Medication recommendations and prescriptions
• Ongoing medication monitoring and adjustment
• Education about psychiatric medications and their effects
• Integration with your therapy for comprehensive care

Frequency: Initial evaluation, then monthly or as needed

Prescriptions sent directly to your pharmacy—no in-person visit needed.

Family Involvement

When appropriate, virtual IOP includes family participation.

Family programming via video:

• Family education about addiction or mental health conditions
• Family therapy sessions to improve communication and heal relationships
• Support for family members affected by your challenges
• Guidance on supporting without enabling

Recovery and wellness happen in relationship—involving family improves long-term outcomes.

Therapeutic Homework

Practice between sessions is essential.

Homework includes:

• Journaling about triggers, cravings, thoughts, emotions
• Practicing coping skills when distressed
• Attending recovery meetings (virtual or in-person)
• Completing CBT or DBT worksheets
• Using mindfulness or relaxation techniques
• Tracking sobriety, mood, symptoms, or behaviors
• Reading assigned recovery or mental health materials
• Reaching out to sponsors or supports

Digital delivery makes homework easy—receive assignments via email, complete them electronically, discuss in your next session.

Technology Made Simple

Worried you’re not tech-savvy enough? Don’t be. Our platform is user-friendly, and we provide complete support.

What You Need

✓ Device: Computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone with camera and microphone (computer or tablet recommended for best experience)

✓ Internet: Reliable high-speed internet (minimum 3 Mbps download speed recommended)

✓ Browser: Updated web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge)

✓ Space: Private, quiet location where you can speak openly without being overheard

✓ Optional: Headphones for better audio quality and additional privacy

That’s all you need. No special equipment or technical expertise required.