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Our Houston Intensive Outpatient Program

Our Houston Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is designed for individuals who do not require medically supervised detox but still need structured, ongoing support. Clients who benefit most from The Heights Treatment IOP are currently sober, actively working toward long-term recovery, and seeking consistent accountability from a licensed clinical team. For those who have not yet achieved sobriety or are still dependent on substances, our
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) may be more appropriate.

During our Houston IOP, clients participate in three hours of group therapy daily, one hour of individual therapy weekly, and one hour of family therapy weekly. Clients are placed in either IOP 5 (five days per week) or IOP 3 (three days per week), depending on clinical recommendations and individual treatment needs.

As part of our evidence-based programming and in true Texas fashion, we also offer Equine Therapy facilitated by a Doctor of Psychology. Our Client Care Specialist is a licensed chemical dependency counselor who supports clients throughout treatment. Thanks to our unique location in The Heights, it is also common for clinicians to conduct both group and individual sessions outdoors in the nearby park or around the serene Plensa statues.

Why is CBT Important to Recovery?

IOP Program At a Glance

Treatment Modality

Duration & Frequency

Conditions Treated

Group Therapy
3 hours daily
Mental Health Conditions, Substance Use Disorder, Dual Diagnosis
Individual Therapy
1 hours weekly
Mental Health Conditions, Substance Use Disorder, Dual Diagnosis
Family Therapy
1 hour weekly
Mental Health Conditions, Substance Use Disorder, Dual Diagnosis

Our IOP groups meet Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. or 1 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.

Why Choose Our Houston IOP Program?

Our Intensive Outpatient Program in Houston (IOP Houston) combines structured therapeutic care with the flexibility clients need as they step down from higher levels of treatment. Whether newly sober or transitioning from inpatient or PHP, clients benefit from a supportive environment designed to strengthen coping skills, emotional stability, and long-term recovery.

The Heights Treatment IOP emphasizes personalized therapy, consistent clinical oversight, and a strong recovery community. Our multidisciplinary team collaborates to ensure every client receives the accountability, support, and evidence-based care needed to build lasting change.

Efficacy of Intensive Outpatient Programs

Extensive research shows that intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) are an effective treatment option for both substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions. Studies show that participation in IOPs increases treatment engagement, reduces substance use, and improves overall emotional stability.

A study on community-based IOP clinics found that clients receiving structured outpatient care were more likely to remain in treatment, less likely to relapse, and reported higher quality-of-life outcomes.

In a review of 13 clinical studies , researchers concluded that IOP treatment significantly reduces alcohol and drug use, making it a key component of the continuum of care for addiction recovery.

Additionally, research involving post-9/11 veterans demonstrated that IOP participation led to decreased symptoms of PTSD, depression, and substance use, highlighting the effectiveness of intensive outpatient treatment for complex mental health needs.

Treatment Team

The Heights Treatment Houston IOP Team

Click on the links below to learn about the intensive outpatient program staff in Houston.

Debbie Drake, LCSW-S, ACSW, LMFT
Chief Clinical Officer, LCSW-S, ACSW, LMFT
Matthew Meares, LCSW
Primary Therapist, LCSW
Merilee Minshew
Group Therapist, MAAT, LPC, Somatic Experiencing
Kimberly Daigle
Primary Therapist, LPC, EMDR, Somatic Experiencing Practitioner
Richard White, LPC, CSAT
Group Provider & Specialized Primary Therapist, LPC, Certified Sex Addiction Therapist
Testimonials

What Our IOP Houston Alumni Are Saying

“

Heights Treatment was a Godsend and it saved my life. I love how unique each therapist is. They have a wide variety of therapies including equine therapy, emdr, trauma processing, as well as individual and group therapy. Scheduling was easy, the staff was kind and were always available for me when I needed to talk. Not only have I come to living life, but they've given me a toolkit on how to navigate life and live it to the fullest.

GradyAlumni
“

A little over a year ago, I entered Heights Treatment to recover from addictive issues and a myriad of other mental health issues. Over the course of 3 months, I would be met with high quality service, compassionate care providers, and the best environment a person could ask for. I cannot recommend this facility enough.

Khamille AAlumni
“

The Heights Treatment program was an amazing success for my friend. She struggled with severe depression for years and was never able to find the right people to help her. The team at The Heights worked closely with her to get her on the right medications and develop a long term plan for her success.

Linda FAlumni
“

My son went to The Heights Treatment for his depression and drinking. He was able to work with their psychiatrist and therapy team to get on the right medications and work on the underlying reasons for why he drank. He was with them for 8 weeks to do their IOP program and has been doing well ever since!

JillianneAlumni

The Heights Treatment IOP and the Continuum of Care

At The Heights Treatment, we believe that recovery is not a “one-size-fits-all” process.
Each client has unique needs, and every level of care, from outpatient services to
intensive programs, plays a purposeful role in achieving long-term stability.

Before entering our Houston Intensive Outpatient Program, every client completes a
thorough clinical pre-assessment. Based on this evaluation, our Clinical Director and
multidisciplinary treatment team determine the appropriate Level of Care using the
nationally recognized ASAM Criteria.

The client’s level of care is based on:

  • The results of their multidimensional biopsychosocial assessment
  • The client’s expressed needs, goals, and challenges
  • Clinical recommendations from the multidisciplinary team

As clients progress in treatment and meet the goals outlined in their individualized plan,
they may transition to a less restrictive level of care. This step-down approach ensures
that clients receive the right amount of support at every stage of recovery.

ASAM Assessment and the Continuum of Care

The ASAM Criteria is the most widely used and comprehensive framework for assessing addiction and co-occurring mental health needs. It guides decisions regarding placement, continued stay, transfer, and discharge across all levels of care.

At The Heights Treatment, our clinical team uses the ASAM Criteria along with their professional judgment to provide outcome-oriented, individualized care. This ensures that each client receives the level of treatment that best matches their needs and supports their long-term recovery.

ASAM outlines four primary levels of care, determined by a client’s status across six clinical dimensions:

  • Level 0.5: Early Intervention
  • Level 1: Outpatient Services
  • Level 2: Intensive Outpatient & Partial Hospitalization Services
  • Level 3 & 4: Residential and Inpatient Services

Once a client has made progress on their IOP treatment goals and is stable enough to continue at a lower intensity, they transition to a less restrictive level of care, such as our Outpatient Program. This gradual step-down approach supports long-term wellness and reinforces the skills developed in treatment.

Continuum of Care at a Glance

Our Houston treatment center follows the ASAM continuum of care, offering the appropriate level of support, from early intervention through intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization, while coordinating with trusted residential and inpatient partners when a higher level of care is needed.

Level .5

Prevention/Early Intervention

Targets individuals at risk to prevent substance abuse through education and early support.

Level 1

Outpatient

Participants live at home and attend regular treatment sessions, suitable for mild conditions

Level 2

Intensive Outpatient/Partial Hospitalization

More frequent sessions than outpatient, blending intensive care with community living.

Level 3

Residential/Inpatient

24/7 care in a live-in facility, offering structured treatment for severe addictions.

Level 4

Intensive Inpatient

Highly structured, intensive care in a hospital setting for the most severe cases, including medical detox and stabilization.

Frequently Asked Questions about Intensive Outpatient Program Houston

Who can benefit from the IOP at The Heights Treatment?

The IOP is ideal for clients who are not actively dependent on substances or those who have already achieved sobriety and are looking to maintain their recovery. It serves as a critical step for individuals transitioning from more intensive levels of care, such as residential treatment or PHP, to a less restrictive, yet supportive, outpatient setting.

What kind of support does the IOP provide for dealing with dual diagnoses or co-occurring disorders?

The IOP at The Heights Treatment offers comprehensive support for individuals dealing with substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions. The program includes up to 17 hours of clinically intensive programming per week, tailored to the patient’s treatment plan, which may cover a range of conditions from PTSD and depression to substance use and eating disorders. This level of care allows for the effective management of dual diagnoses, ensuring clients receive the holistic support they need.

How does The Heights Treatment IOP integrate experiential therapies?

In addition to traditional therapeutic modalities, The Heights Treatment IOP incorporates experiential therapies such as Equine therapy, led by a doctor of psychology. This approach provides clients with the opportunity to engage in therapeutic activities that promote emotional growth and healing in a hands-on manner, enhancing the overall recovery experience.

          healing starts here            

           

          healing starts here