Intensive outpatient treatment, also known as "IOP", is a form of recovery from a substance abuse problem that is considerably more comprehensive and involved than a normal outpatient program. Intensive outpatient treatment is an essential action for individuals in Yale who have recently completed residential or inpatient rehabilitation, and still require adequate support and intervention while they transition to a drug free and productive lifestyle. IOP's involve therapy which takes place much more often than normal outpatient, where the person will take part in the treatment usually once or twice a week unless otherwise determined.
Intensive outpatient treatment typically consists of group and sometimes individualized counseling meetings to continue to treat the individual's addiction. Individual sessions will occur at least once a week, and group sessions can provide the peer support that is often crucial for long term sobriety. While in intensive outpatient treatment, focus is placed on refining relapse prevention skills, the management of every day challenges and vulnerabilities, and how to manage any lingering withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Some intensive outpatient treatment centers incorporate family and couples/marriage counseling into the treatment process, which can be essential for individuals who must rebuild their lives with their families and loved ones.