IOP for substance use
Our IOP for substance use offers individual and group therapy so you can achieve sobriety—all from home.
Accredited for quality, safety, and privacy
Online care
Fast availability
Easy insurance check
Secure & confidential
ONLINE IOP AT BRIGHTSIDE
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.
Our program supports treatment for both substance use and mental health—because they’re deeply connected for recovery.
Flexible options that fit your life. Save on commuting, join sessions from home, & get support without disrupting your routine.
You don’t have to go through anything alone. Your therapy group is a built-in community that offers peer support and shared learning.
BENEFITS OF IOP
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.
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
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.
clinical support
Our providers specialize in substance use and mental health treatment—and can help you achieve lasting change, no matter what you’re going through.
have first appointment within 2 days1
report improved quality of life11
maintain sobriety for ≥30 days2
BEGIN CARE IMMEDIATELY
Get started with your recovery program as soon as tomorrow.
WHAT TO EXPECT
We’re here to help you recover from the comfort of home.
Answer a few quick questions to help us understand your needs and determine if IOP is right for you.
Book an initial consultation with your 1:1 therapist, choose your therapy group, and find a time for your medication consult.
Meet with your 1:1 therapist to ask questions, learn about the program, and confirm if it’s a good fit for your needs.
Begin your IOP with group therapy, 1:1 therapy, and psychiatry if needed. Then, continue to less intensive care once ready.
"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 ReviewsGET STARTED WITH CARE
Get the extra support you need with a structured program that includes therapy, group therapy, and psychiatry.
Extra Support
Structure to help you reach your goals.
Shared learning, support, and community.
Careful prescriptions, if appropriate.
Members rate providers 4.9/5
Appointments completed
Achieve remission in 12 weeks1
Accredited for
quality care
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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 feel better faster, more effectively, and from the comfort of home. It can be a step up from therapy, or a step down from a higher level of care.
Our online IOP consists of a weekly schedule of about 10 hours:
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:
All of our psychiatric providers are:
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
If you’re in emotional distress, text HOME to connect with a counselor immediately.
Call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for 24/7 emotional support.
If you’re having a medical or mental health emergency, call 911 or go to your local ER.
