We understand that recovery doesn’t look the same for everyone. Some people need round-the-clock care, while others do better with support that fits into their daily lives. That’s where our intensive outpatient program (IOP) comes in—providing structure, guidance, and flexibility so you can heal while still staying connected to your everyday responsibilities.
IOP is a flexible, evidence-based treatment program for people who need structured behavioral health care, but don’t need 24/7 supervision. Whether you’re living with anxiety, depression, trauma, or addiction, IOP offers therapy, community, and support. It also lets you keep up with work, school, or family life while you receive treatment.
Taking the first step toward recovery can seem overwhelming—we are here to help.
What Is an Intensive Outpatient Program?
An intensive outpatient program, or IOP, is a type of behavioral health treatment program that offers multiple therapy sessions per week without requiring you to stay overnight. It’s more structured than traditional outpatient therapy, but less intense than a partial hospitalization program or residential program.
At TruHealing at Rutherford, our IOP is built to support people facing:
- Mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, or PTSD
- Substance use issues, including alcohol and drug misuse
- Co-occurring disorders (when mental health and substance use happen together)
You’ll come to our Maryland treatment center several times per week, attend therapy sessions, participate in group support, and build skills for long-term recovery.
How IOP Fits Into the Continuum of Care
No two recovery journeys look the same. Behavioral health treatment happens in stages, not all at once. IOP is one important level in what’s known as the continuum of care. At TruHealing in Maryland, our full treatment spectrum includes:
- Medical detox: The first step to safely clear substances from the body
- Residential treatment: 24/7 live-in support and care
- Partial hospitalization program (PHP): Daytime treatment with return home at night
- Intensive outpatient program (IOP): Flexible treatment several days per week
- Outpatient Therapy: Weekly counseling sessions for ongoing support
Some people begin their journey with detox and work their way toward IOP as they grow stronger. Others may start with IOP if they don’t need a higher level of care. Wherever you begin, we’ll meet you with compassion and a plan that fits your needs.
How Is IOP Different from Other Outpatient Treatment?
IOP gives you more structure than standard outpatient therapy. Instead of just one session a week, IOP includes several days of treatment each week, with individual therapy, group support, and skill-building sessions. You’ll spend more time focusing on your recovery, but you still get to live at home and keep up with work, school, or family.
IOP is a good option if weekly therapy isn’t enough, but you don’t need full-time care. It’s also a helpful step after a residential or day program, giving you steady support as you return to daily life.
Our IOP offers that in-between level of care: more support than outpatient, more flexibility than inpatient.
What Happens in IOP at TruHealing at Rutherford?
When you join our IOP, you’ll receive a customized treatment plan built just for you. Our team of therapists, counselors, and clinicians will support your goals and help you move forward.
Most IOP plans include:
- Individual therapy to explore thoughts, emotions, and behaviors
- Group therapy to build community and learn from others
- Psychoeducation to teach coping skills, relapse prevention, and wellness habits
- Medication management, if needed
- Family support to strengthen relationships
- Holistic care like mindfulness, yoga, or creative therapies
IOP usually meets 3–5 days per week, for 2–4 hours per day. You’ll receive focused care while still being able to return home afterward.
Who Is a Good Fit for IOP?
Not everyone needs around-the-clock treatment. Our IOP may be a good fit if:
- You want support, but need to stay active in daily life
- You’ve completed detox or residential care and are stepping down
- You’re experiencing a return of symptoms and want to prevent relapse
- You need help managing mental health and substance use at the same time
- You want to build new coping skills in a safe, structured setting
Signs You Might Benefit from IOP
If you’re unsure whether IOP is right for you, ask yourself:
- Am I struggling with anxiety, depression, or addiction?
- Do I feel overwhelmed but still want to keep working or caring for loved ones?
- Have I tried therapy before, but need more support now?
- Am I ready to commit to healing, but need flexibility?
If you answered “yes” to any of these, IOP could be a strong next step.
The Benefits of IOP Treatment
Intensive outpatient care is powerful because it meets you where you are. Here’s what makes it so effective:
- Flexible schedule: Receive care without putting life on hold
- Daily support: Frequent sessions keep you connected and accountable
- Therapeutic community: Group work builds connection and support
- Affordability: IOP is often more cost-effective than residential care
- Step-down option: Eases the transition from higher levels of care
- Whole-person focus: Treats the mind, body, and spirit together
These benefits make it an integral part of the continuum of care for behavioral health treatment.
But there is hope. Asking for help is not a weakness; it’s a brave and powerful step.
We Understand Behavioral Health Needs for Maryland Residents
We believe everyone deserves a second chance—a fresh start not just for yourself, but for your family and the people who matter most. Whether you’re facing challenges with your mental health, substance use, or both, we’re here to walk alongside you and help you find real healing and stability.
With IOP, you don’t have to choose between treatment and your life. You can have both.
Maryland residents can find us at: 7131 Rutherford Road, Windsor Mill, MD 21244
Let us walk beside you.
Reach Out to TruHealing at RutherfordToday
If you’re ready to make a change, our intensive outpatient program in Maryland can help you move forward without stepping away from everything else in your life.
Call our caring team today or reach out online. We’ll listen without judgment, answer your questions, and help you take the next step.