Intensive Outpatient Programs in Rhode Island: Finding IOP in RI

What is an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)?

An intensive outpatient program is a structured form of outpatient treatment, which means patients live at home while attending treatment in settings such as community mental health centers, clinics, counselors’ offices, hospitals, and outpatient offices within residential programs.¹

The American Society of Addiction Medicine has outlined the various levels of care available for drug and alcohol treatment using a scale of .5 to 4. According to the ASAM criteria, IOPs comprise level 2.1. As such, they offer a higher level of care than traditional outpatient programs and a lower level of care than partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) and inpatient services.² Thus, IOPs provide similar care to that of inpatient programs, such as behavioral therapies, peer support, and psychoeducation, just at a lower intensity.³

While the intensity levels and participation requirements vary among IOPs, many IOPs in Rhode Island require 6 to 30 hours per week of treatment and last for 90 days.^3,4 Once someone completes an IOP, they often transition into traditional outpatient care and/or aftercare.³

Treatment isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, so it’s important to work with a professional to match your needs to the appropriate level of care. However, professionals often recommend IOPs for those with mild to moderate substance misuse issues who don’t require (or have already completed) detox and who don’t need 24/7 care.⁴ Thus, IOPs are often helpful for those who need some form of ongoing, structured treatment and accountability but also have home or work responsibilities to maintain.

Additionally, those best suited to an IOP will likely have the continued desire to complete the program as well as reliable transportation to and from sessions, sober living conditions, and a supportive home environment.^1,5

Where Can You Find an IOP in Rhode Island?

You can find IOPs throughout Rhode Island, but many are located near metropolitan areas such as Providence, Warwick, Cranston, Pawtucket, and Woonsocket. All told, Rhode Island is home to 54 substance use treatment centers, of which 17 provide IOPs.

If visiting a physical location is inconvenient, some IOPs offer at least some services via telehealth. That is, you may be able to participate in various therapies with counselors, healthcare providers, peers, etc. via phone and online. According to FindTreatment.gov, which is offered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 40 treatment facilities in Rhode Island offer telehealth rehab services, and all 17 of the state’s IOP providers indicate that they offer telehealth options.⁶

Several IOP options in Rhode Island are available through American Addiction Centers. Its AdCare Detox Rhode Island facilities—located in Warwick, Greenville, and South Kingstown—offer a host of outpatient options, including IOP services. Additionally, the nearby AdCare in North Kingstown, RI, and AdCare Treatment Hospital in Worcester, MA, include inpatient programs as well as some forms of outpatient care.

What Substances Do IOPs in Rhode Island Treat?

Most IOPs in Rhode Island treat various drug and alcohol addictions, which means help is available regardless of your substance of choice. IOPs typically treat disorders related to the following substances and more:

• Alcohol.
• Benzodiazepines.
• Cocaine.
• Fentanyl.
• Hallucinogens.
• Heroin.
• Opioids.
• Methamphetamine.
• Prescription drugs.

Additionally, some facilities cater to those who participate in polysubstance use. This is when someone intentionally or unintentionally uses more than one substance within a short period of time. A prime example is when alcohol is mixed with opioids, which can be extremely dangerous. And along with drug and alcohol care, 11 of the 17 IOPs in Rhode Island offer treatment for co-occurring disorders and polysubstance use, including AAC’s rehabs.

Also note that many outpatient rehab programs in Rhode Island treat both substance use disorders as well as co-occurring mental conditions, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and personality disorders.^6,7 Research suggests that treating both disorders concurrently is more effective at promoting long-term recovery than treating them independently.⁵

How Much Does an Intensive Outpatient Program in Rhode Island Cost?

The cost of an IOP in Rhode Island can vary widely depending on several factors, such as the facility you choose, the services you need, the length of care, and how you pay for treatment. Each treatment center varies in price, and those with upscale amenities or specialized treatment will typically cost more.

If you have insurance, plan variables (including deductibles, co-pays, etc.) can affect how much you pay out-of-pocket for treatment. To figure out just how much you’ll pay for treatment with your insurance plan, reach out to AAC at , and an admissions navigator can assist you with this process.

If you don’t have insurance, don’t worry. There are other ways to pay for IOPs as described below.

Does Insurance Cover IOPs in Rhode Island?

Although levels of coverage vary, two key regulations ensure you receive assistance for substance use disorder treatment. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires that all health insurance companies provide addiction treatment. That means at least a portion of the costs for all essential health benefits, including mental health and addiction care, are covered under the ACA.⁸

The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) also ensures you’ll receive benefits for mental health and addiction treatment services that are on par with other benefits, such as medical or surgical care. Under this act, health insurance companies can’t impose unfavorable benefit limitations on mental health and addiction care.⁹ 

Beyond private health insurance, other insurance programs such as Medicare, HealthSource RI (i.e., the state’s version of Medicaid), and Tricare (for military personnel, veterans, and their families) fully or partially cover IOP treatment. Currently, 10 IOPs in Rhode Island accept Medicare, 16 accept Medicaid, and 10 accept Tricare.⁶ Like private insurance, your level of coverage differs based on your plan.

Even if you don’t have insurance, there several other ways to pay for treatment, including:

• Grants and scholarships. Many community, state, and government programs provide financial assistance for people seeking SUD treatment. For example, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers block grants for those struggling with addiction. Five Rhode Island IOPs indicate that they accept SAMHSA Block Grant funding.¹⁰
• Payment plans and sliding fee scales. Some treatment centers provide flexible financing options and/or sliding fee scales, where the amount you pay is adjusted based on your income. For example, data on FindTreatment.gov indicates that 2 IOPs in the state offer payment plans and/or sliding fee scales.⁶
• Loans and credit. Private loans from companies specializing in addiction-treatment lending, a bank, or a loved one may also be available. Another option is health and wellness financing credit cards, such as CareCredit. Often, these healthcare financing options charge no interest for 6 to 24 months. However, you may need to pay off the entire balance within the allotted time period or risk being hit with significant interest charges.
• Indian Health Service (IHS)/Tribal/Urban—ITU Funds. Two IOPs in Rhode Island accept ITU funds, which are available through the Indian healthcare system.⁶

Also keep in mind that free rehab and/or state-funded programs, as well as programs and funding for special populations such as women, adolescents, Veterans, members of the LGBTQ+ community, etc., may be available for those who qualify.

Rhode Island offers myriad treatment options, including IOPs, to suit each individual’s unique needs. With facilities scattered throughout the country, including some in Rhode Island and nearby Massachusetts, American Addiction Centers offers services at all levels of care. Contact AAC at to learn more about IOPs in Rhode Island, explore payment options, and take the first steps toward recovery today.