IOP FOR SUBSTANCE USE

Personalized intensive support, for faster recovery

Our IOP for substance use offers individual and group therapy so you can achieve sobriety—all from home.

Want to speak with someone right now?

Call 866.614.9828

Accredited for quality, safety, and privacy

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Online care

Fast availability

Easy insurance check

Secure & confidential

ONLINE IOP AT BRIGHTSIDE

A structured treatment program, built around you

Our online Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) includes a tailored treatment plan with personal and peer support to help you recover, faster.

Your therapy group is led by an expert group therapist. You'll meet 3 times a week for 3 hours to get community support and guidance on recovery strategies, emotions, and behavior change.

You and your individual therapist will meet for weekly 45-minute sessions to talk through challenges and goals. Get personal support for anything on your mind.

All IOP members receive a medication consult. If you and your psychiatric provider determine medication is part of your treatment, you'll connect as needed for any changes or refills.

In IOP, you'll complete lessons at your own pace—and then discuss them with your therapist in weekly sessions. Topics include Breaking the Cycle, Staying on Track, Maintaining Recovery, Sober Support.

Your dedicated care coordinator is there every step of the way, helping you stay on track with the program.

Clinical treatment

Our program supports treatment for both substance use and mental health—because they're deeply connected for recovery.

Convenient schedule

Flexible options that fit your life. Save on commuting, join sessions from home, & get support without disrupting your routine.

Supportive community

You don't have to go through anything alone. Your therapy group is a built-in community that offers peer support and shared learning.

Your path to recovery starts here.

START your FREE ASSESSMENT

Need help? Call 866.614.9828

BENEFITS OF IOP

Is an Intensive Outpatient Program right for me?

You deserve to live a fulfilling life, and the right support can help you get there. IOP is a short-term program that offers many benefits.

Structure to help you reach your goals

Help with alcohol use, substance use, & mental health

Tools to manage cravings and risk of relapse

Hope and motivation for the future

Healthier relationships and communication

Options for less intensive aftercare once ready

The Joint Commission approval logo

Accredited by The Joint Commission

Brightside Health is accredited by The Joint Commission—an independent organization that reviews healthcare providers across the country. This accreditation is a trusted symbol of quality and reflects our commitment to providing safe, effective care.

Peer Support

Learn, grow, & lean on your community.

We all go through challenges, and we all belong here. Your therapy group is a safe space to connect, process, & work through the tough stuff.

  • Led by a licensed group therapist
  • Focused on recovery strategies
  • Flexible group schedules to fit your life
  • Meets 3 times per week for consistent support
Peer support group members in virtual therapy

clinical support

Get expert care & guidance from licensed providers.

Our providers specialize in substance use and mental health treatment—and can help you achieve lasting change, no matter what you're going through.

  • Recent crisis, detox, or hospitalization
  • Past treatment didn't last
  • Encouragement from family, work, or the legal system

90%

have first appointment within 2 days1

87%

report improved quality of life1

91%

maintain sobriety for ≥30 days2

BEGIN CARE IMMEDIATELY

Take the first step, and we'll lead the way.

Get started with your recovery program as soon as tomorrow.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Getting started is easy

We're here to help you recover from the comfort of home.

Assessment
Take a free assessment

Answer a few quick questions to help us understand your needs and determine if IOP is right for you.

Match
Match with your care team

Book an initial consultation with your 1:1 therapist, choose your therapy group, and find a time for your medication consult.

Consultation
Attend initial consultation

Meet with your 1:1 therapist to ask questions, learn about the program, and confirm if it's a good fit for your needs.

Support
Start getting support

Begin your IOP with group therapy, 1:1 therapy, and psychiatry if needed. Then, continue to less intensive care once ready.

Appointments as soon as tomorrow.

START your FREE ASSESSMENT

"This is 'it'. Tried everything. The team was caring and it was 100% more effective than anything else. An absolute life-changing experience."

Michael, IOP MEMBER

Read More Reviews

GET STARTED WITH CARE

We're ready to help you achieve sobriety.

Get the extra support you need with a structured program that includes therapy, group therapy, and psychiatry.

  • Available in select states
  • As effective as in-person IOP treatment
  • Convenient schedule options

IOP for Substance Use

Extra Support

Individual Therapy

Structure to help you reach your goals.

Group Therapy

Shared learning, support, and community.

Psychiatry

Careful prescriptions, if appropriate.

4.5 star rating

Members rate providers 4.9/5

Over 1M

Appointments completed

75%

Achieve remission in 12 weeks1

Accreditation logos

Accredited for quality care

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What's on your mind?

If your question isn't answered below, view our full list of FAQs here.

An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) provides the structured, frequent support you need to recover—all while living at home and maintaining your daily routine.

IOP is designed for people who need more than weekly therapy but don't require 24/7 care. It includes:

  • Group therapy: 3 times a week, 3-hour sessions with your therapy group.
  • 1:1 therapy: Weekly 45-minute sessions with your individual therapist.
  • Psychiatry for medication: Initial 30-minute consult, then sessions as needed.
  • Interactive lessons: Independent learning, with guidance from your individual therapist.

Depending on your individual needs, the length of your IOP may vary. Your therapist will work with you to ensure the right fit. We have other less intensive care options too once you're ready.

IOP for substance use (Intensive Outpatient Program), AA (Alcoholics Anonymous), and rehab (inpatient/residential treatment) can all support recovery—but they differ in structure, setting, intensity, and clinical approach.

IOP
IOP is a structured, clinical treatment program that offers support several times a week. It allows people to live at home and continue daily routines, while receiving care through therapy, group sessions, and medication management if needed.

AA
AA is a peer-led support group based on a 12-step recovery model. It offers community and accountability, but is not clinical treatment—there's no therapy, medication, or licensed providers involved.

Rehab
Rehab is a term commonly used to refer to residential treatment, which often includes detox, therapy, and medical supervision. Residential treatment is best for those who need intensive support in a structured, live-in environment. Rehab stands for rehabilitation, which is something IOP can help with.

Yes! During sign-up, we'll check your insurance and you'll see an estimate of the cost for your first initial consultation with your therapist. They'll walk through the program and ensure it's a good fit for you.

Then, our care coordinators will be in contact with you to provide a full cost estimate—so you can understand your insurance coverage and personal cost responsibility.

Our expert providers are handpicked for their ability to provide best-in-class mental health care. They have years of experience and active licenses in your state.

All of our therapists have:

  • A master's or doctorate degree in clinical psychology, clinical social work, or counseling from an accredited program
  • Experience delivering science-backed (also known as evidence-based) care for anxiety & depression

All of our psychiatric providers are:

  • Psychiatrists or psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs)
  • Exceptionally skilled at prescribing effective medication

Every provider in our network goes through a rigorous hiring and vetting process that you can learn more about here. They also follow the same high clinical standards as in-person providers.

After completing your IOP, we're here to support your next steps. Brightside offers a range of care options, including therapy and psychiatry, to help you continue care seamlessly. Your therapist and care coordinators will guide you in finding the best next step for your needs.

If prescribed, your psychiatric provider can send your prescription to a local pharmacy for your convenience.

1Internal evaluation, 2024 2Healthcare, 2024: Nearly 80% of participants remained engaged in the program for 30 days, and 91% attained at least 30 consecutive days of abstinence. 3BMC, 2022