Intensive outpatient treatment, also known as "IOP", is a form of recovery from an addiction problem that is substantially more comprehensive and involved than a normal outpatient program. Intensive outpatient treatment is a vital aspect of recovery for people in Rice who have recently finished inpatient or residential rehabilitation, and still require moderate support and encouragement while they progress to a clean and sober and productive lifestyle. IOP's consist of therapy which takes place more frequently than normal outpatient, where clients will participate in treatment services and activities on a part time basis unless otherwise determined.
Intensive outpatient treatment usually involves individual and group counseling and therapy meetings to continue to help address the person's addiction. Individual sessions often take place at least once a week, and group sessions will add the peer support that is essential for long term recovery. In intensive outpatient treatment, clients work on refining relapse prevention abilities, managing every day challenges and vulnerabilities, and how to manage any lingering withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Some intensive outpatient treatment centers offer family and couples/marriage counseling into the recovery process, which may be beneficial for clients who must rebuild their relationships with their families and loved ones.