Intensive Outpatient Programs in Texas: Finding IOPs in Texas

What is an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)?

Addiction treatment looks different for everyone, and what works for one person may not work for another.¹ That’s why there are different to treat addiction, including IOPs. Individuals receiving treatment in an IOP may be at different places in their recovery journey. Some may be in an IOP as their primary treatment, others may have come from a residential setting or a traditional outpatient program.²

While no two programs are the same, all IOPs provide similar care to inpatient rehab, including individual and group counseling, behavioral therapy, family psychoeducation, and case management in an outpatient environment.²

The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) developed the ASAM Criteria, a set of comprehensive guidelines that healthcare professionals use to inform the appropriate level of care for an individual seeking treatment for substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders.³ IOPs fall between standard outpatient care and residential rehab.³  They don’t provide 24-hour medical supervision that a residential facility does but do offer more support than a standard outpatient program.

Where IOPs may differ is in the services, schedules, hours, and lengths of care they offer.² IOP treatment requirements vary across health plans but generally involve a minimum of 9 hours of treatment at the facility each week, usually delivered in 3, 3-hour sessions.² However, some programs require up to 20 hours of treatment each week and others provide 6 hours of on-site services per week.⁴

It’s best to seek the advice of your primary care physician, other healthcare professional, or addiction treatment specialist before deciding which level of care might be best for you. However, IOPs may be recommended for individuals with mild to moderate substance use disorders; who have job, school, or home responsibilities they need to fulfill; don’t require 24/7 medical supervision or detox; have a supportive network of family and friends; come from a stable and healthy home environment; and have reliable transportation.⁵

What Does a Day in IOP Look Like?

A typical day in an IOP might include participating in different therapeutic interventions and counseling techniques, including:²

• Individual counseling: IOPs commonly involve one-on-one therapy to address issues that need additional attention or those that you might be reluctant to bring up in a group setting.
• Group counseling: IOPs tend to use group counseling and activities as the primary treatment modality using psychoeducation, skill sessions, and process groups to help you learn recovery skills, relapse prevention, and more.
• Family psychoeducation: Family counseling and psychoeducation offer a space where you and your loved ones can learn about addiction and rebuild your relationships.

The cost of an IOP in Texas varies depending on several factors, including the services you need, the duration of your treatment, whether you use insurance to pay as well as the coverage specifics detailed in your policy, and whether your insurance provider is in-network with the Texas facility.

Does Insurance Cover the Cost of an IOP in Texas?

Yes, federal law requires most health insurance providers to cover at least part of the cost of addiction treatment, which may include an IOP.⁶ However, the extent of your coverage depends on your specific insurance plan. Additionally, some plans require preauthorization before you can begin treatment for a substance use disorder.

For individuals without insurance, or who don’t want to use their insurance to pay for treatment, there are other ways to pay. Some facilities offer sliding-scale payment plans based on your income. Others offer payment plans. Also, some local, state, and federal organizations provide scholarships and grants for individuals seeking treatment.

What Do IOPs in Texas Treat?

An IOP in Texas can accommodate people struggling with various alcohol and drug use disorders. Additionally some IOPs offer access to psychiatric services and specific programming to address co-occurring mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), for instance. Some may also serve specific populations, like those receiving medications for opioid use disorder, pregnant people, or Veterans.²

Where to Find an Intensive Outpatient Program in Texas

You can find IOPs throughout Texas through health clinics, hospitals, residential programs with outpatient clinics, and more. In fact, there are 237 facilities providing IOPs for substance use in the state. You will likely want to find one that’s close to your home if that’s where you will go at the end of each day. Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) has a treatment locator tool that allows you to search for addiction treatment in Texas by level of care and proximity.

Beyond proximity, do your research and read reviews from past program participants.

Intensive Outpatient Programs at American Addiction Centers (AAC) in Texas

American Addiction Centers’ (AAC) Greenhouse Treatment Center near Dallas-Fort Worth utilizes evidence-based therapies shown to be effective in addiction treatment. And for individuals with co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders, Greenhouse Treatment Center provides an integrated treatment model to address both conditions simultaneously, a practice that can result in improved care and better treatment outcomes.⁴

Additionally, Greenhouse offers a variety of specialized programs that take into account the unique challenges that some individuals face. These specialized programs include addiction treatment for members of the LGTQ+ community, a program for Christians, and the Salute to Recovery program for Veterans and first responders.

If you or your loved one is ready to get treatment, AAC can help. Contact us at to speak to one of our compassionate and knowledgeable admissions navigators, who can answer your questions, explain the IOP in detail, and get you started on your path to recovery.