Intensive outpatient treatment, or "IOP", is a form of rehabilitation for a substance abuse problem that is substantially more involved and comprehensive than a standard outpatient program. Intensive outpatient treatment is a vital activity for recovering individuals in Saul who have recently completed inpatient or residential rehab, and still need moderate support and intervention while they progress to a sober and productive way of living. IOP's involve therapy which occurs much more often than normal outpatient, where the person will participate in treatment services and activities usually once or twice a week unless otherwise determined.
Intensive outpatient treatment normally involves individual and group counseling and therapy sessions to continue to treat the person'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 recovery. In intensive outpatient treatment, clients work on refining relapse prevention abilities, managing every day stresses and vulnerabilities, and how to manage any discomforts and cravings. Some intensive outpatient rehab programs offer family and couples/marriage counseling into the recovery process, which may be beneficial for clients who must repair their lives with their loved ones and family members.