If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol or drug use, the next step can feel confusing. Do you need rehab? Is therapy enough? An Intensive Outpatient Program—often referred to as IOP—can be the “just right” level of care for many individuals. It offers structure and professional support without requiring you to put your life on hold. Here’s a clear, down-to-earth look at how IOP for substance use works in Tempe, what to expect, and how it may help you or a loved one move forward.
What is an IOP?
An Intensive Outpatient Program is a structured treatment plan for substance use that meets several days per week, typically 3–5 days, for a few hours each day. Unlike inpatient or residential treatment, you don’t stay overnight. You live at home, go to work or school, care for your family—and then attend focused therapy and education in a supportive setting. Most IOPs run for 6–12 weeks, with the schedule tailored to your needs and progress.
Who is IOP for?
IOP is a good fit for people who:
- Need more than weekly therapy but don’t require 24/7 supervision.
- Are stepping down from detox, residential, or partial hospitalization.
- Have a stable place to live and enough support to practice new skills at home.
- Want a confidential, evidence-based program that respects work, school, and family obligations.
If you’re unsure whether you need inpatient care or if weekly therapy is enough, an intake assessment can help determine the safest and most effective level of care.
What happens in an IOP?
While every program is a little different, you can expect a blend of the following:
Group therapy. Small, behavioral health provider-led groups are the heart of IOP. You’ll learn how substance use affects the brain and behavior, practice coping skills, and talk openly about triggers, stress, and relapse prevention. Many people find group work surprisingly encouraging—it’s powerful to be understood by others walking a similar path.
Individual sessions. You’ll meet one-on-one with a clinician to target your specific goals, process setbacks, and build a plan that fits your daily life.
Family support. When appropriate, families and partners are invited to learn how to be supportive without enabling, set healthy boundaries, and communicate effectively.
Medication support. If needed, a psychiatric provider can evaluate whether medications—such as those that reduce cravings or stabilize mood—could help. Medication management is always paired with therapy and skills practice.
Education and skills training. You’ll build practical tools: managing cravings, coping with anxiety or depression, repairing sleep, navigating high-risk situations, and rebuilding routines that support sobriety.
Recovery planning. Together, we create a personalized plan for after IOP, including therapy frequency, peer support (such as SMART Recovery or 12-step groups), medical follow-ups, and community resources available in Tempe and the East Valley.
How IOP for substance use compares to other levels of care
Think of treatment as a continuum:
- Detox/Residential (most intensive): Best when there’s a high risk of medical complications or safety concerns.
- Partial Hospitalization (PHP): Full-day programming, most weekdays.
- Intensive Outpatient (IOP): Several half-days per week—strong structure while you live at home.
- Outpatient Therapy (least intensive): Weekly or biweekly sessions.
IOP is often the “bridge” between a higher level of care and independent recovery. It’s also a smart starting point for many people who need more than traditional therapy but can remain safe at home.
What does a week look like?
A typical IOP for substance use week in Tempe might include:
- 3–5 days of programming.
- 3 hours per day (usually late morning, afternoon, or early evening).
- A mix of skills groups, process groups, and short individual check-ins.
- Optional family or partner session.
- Urine drug screening to support accountability and celebrate progress.
We aim to protect your privacy and schedule. Many people continue working or attending school while in IOP.
Benefits you can feel
- Structured support without putting life on pause.
- Real-world practice—learn a skill in group, then use it the same day at home or work.
- Accountability and community—you’re not doing this alone.
- Whole-person care—mental health, substance use, sleep, nutrition, trauma, and stress are all addressed.
- Smoother transitions after detox or residential care.
Local considerations in Tempe, AZ
Living in Tempe means easy access to campus life, busy work schedules, and a lot of social events. That can also mean frequent triggers. A Tempe-based IOP understands the local environment: seasonal pressures, sports weekends, neighborhood stressors, and transportation needs. We build plans that fit real Tempe life—study schedules, swing shifts, childcare, and the Valley’s commute patterns.
Will insurance cover IOP?
Many commercial plans and some public plans cover intensive outpatient services when medically necessary. Coverage varies by benefits and medical criteria. We help you verify benefits, discuss expected costs up front, and explore financial options when needed.
How do I know if IOP for substance use is right for me?
Consider IOP if any of these resonate:
- You’ve tried to quit or cut back, but keep slipping.
- Substance use is hurting your work, school, relationships, or health.
- Anxiety, depression, trauma, or ADHD symptoms are tangled up with your use.
- You want structure, skills, and support—without leaving home or pausing your life.
The best way to decide is a professional assessment. You’ll review your history, current symptoms, safety needs, and goals. From there, we recommend the safest level of care and walk you through the next steps.
Getting started
Reaching out is the hardest part—and it’s also the turning point. If you’re in Tempe or the surrounding East Valley, we offer prompt assessments and flexible scheduling. You’ll leave your first visit with a plan, clear next steps, and a team that knows your story. Whether you’re rebuilding after a relapse or taking your first step toward sobriety, IOP for substance use can help you regain stability, confidence, and a future you feel good about.
If you’re ready to talk—or just want to ask a few questions—call us. We’re here to listen, lay out your options, and help you choose a path that fits your life.
Find Hope and Structured Support with an IOP for Substance Use in Tempe, AZ
Recovery doesn’t have to mean putting your entire life on hold. At Samaria Behavioral Health Center, our IOP for substance use in Tempe, AZ provides comprehensive, compassionate care that fits into your daily routine. This program is designed for individuals who need more support than weekly therapy offers but want the flexibility to maintain work, school, and family commitments.
Our Intensive Outpatient Program helps clients break free from cycles of addiction, guilt, and self-doubt through evidence-based treatment, peer connection, and personalized care. We integrate therapy, education, and medication management (when needed) to address both the emotional and physical sides of recovery. With the right structure, tools, and encouragement, lasting change becomes possible.
Here’s how to take the first step toward recovery with our IOP in Tempe, AZ:
- Call (480) 471-8980 to schedule a consultation and learn how our Intensive Outpatient Program can support your recovery goals.
- Email info@samariabehavioral.com to learn more about Intensive Outpatient Programs and connect with a provider who will walk you through your treatment options.
- Begin your journey toward healing and renewal with an IOP tailored to your needs, helping you find stability, confidence, and hope—one step at a time.
You don’t have to face addiction alone. Our team is here to meet you with compassion, structure, and support as you rediscover your strength and move toward lasting recovery.
Comprehensive IOP and Behavioral Health Care in Tempe, AZ
Recovery is not about doing more. It’s about finding the right kind of support to help you rebuild balance and hope. At Samaria Behavioral Health Center, our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for substance use in Tempe, AZ, offers a structured yet flexible path toward healing for those who need more than weekly therapy but don’t require inpatient care.
We understand that substance use and mental health challenges often overlap, which is why our approach focuses on treating the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Our compassionate clinicians provide evidence-based care that includes therapy for anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder, medication management when appropriate, and skill-building strategies for relapse prevention and emotional regulation.
For individuals looking to support recovery on multiple levels, we also offer IV hydration therapy, postpartum mental health care, and PMDD treatment to promote physical wellness alongside emotional healing. Every aspect of your treatment plan is personalized to your needs, lifestyle, and goals—helping you move from surviving to thriving.
Whether you’re beginning your recovery journey or seeking continued support after inpatient treatment, our IOP provides structure, connection, and guidance so you can heal while maintaining your daily responsibilities. At Samaria Behavioral Health Center, you don’t have to face recovery alone. We’re here to walk with you toward clarity, stability, and lasting change.
