A Transformative Intensive Outpatient Program in Houston
Our Houston Intensive Outpatient Program
Also known as IOP, an intensive outpatient program is designed for clients who are not actively dependent on a substance or who still have drugs in their system. Those who benefit the most from The Heights Treatment IOP are currently sober and require long-term support, treatment, and accountability. For clients who haven’t attained sobriety and/or are still dependent, our partial hospitalization program (PHP) is more suitable than the IOP.
During our Houston location’s IOP program, clients will participate in three hours of daily group therapy, one hour of weekly individual therapy, and one hour of weekly family therapy. Clients may be placed in IOP5, which meets five days per week, or IOP3, which meets three days per week.
As an adjunct to IOP, and in true Texan fashion, we offer Equine therapy facilitated by a doctor of psychology. And our Client Care specialist is a licensed chemical dependency counselor. Finally, thanks to our exclusive location, it is common for our clinicians to hold group (and individual) sessions nearby in the serene park or at the tranquil Plensa statues.
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.
How (and Why) IOP Works
During the recovery process, clients must confront troublesome behaviors, thoughts, and emotions. This is not easy to do alone. The goal of The Heights Treatment IOP is to provide a safe, stable, and structured environment to facilitate the recovery process.
In our Houston-based IOP, clients receive up to 17 hours of clinically intensive programming per week, as specified in the patient’s treatment plan.
Efficacy of Intensive Outpatient Programs
In a study of community-based clinics providing intensive outpatient care and regular outpatient care for opioid-dependent African Americans, both groups were more likely to continue treatment, less likely to use substances, and had a higher quality of life.
Another analysis of 13 different studies revealed that IOP is effective at reducing substance use for people addicted to alcohol and drugs. The author of that analysis concluded that IOPs are an important part of the continuum of care for alcohol and drug use disorders.
Finally, in a study of post-9/11 veterans and service members with co-occurring disorders, IOP significantly decreased self-reported substance use, PTSD, and depression symptoms.
Treatment Team
The Heights Treatment Houston IOP Team
Click on the links below to learn about the intensive outpatient program staff in Houston.
Chief Clinical Officer
Primary Therapist
Somatic Experiencing & Group Therapist, MAAT, LPC
Primary Therapist
Testimonials
What Our IOP Houston Alumni Are Saying
The Heights Treatment IOP and the Continuum of Care
At The Heights Treatment, we strongly believe that there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to treatment for mental health issues, substance use disorders, or co-occurring diagnoses.
Every client who undergoes treatment at The Heights Treatment first completes a pre-assessment. Based on this assessment, the Clinical Director and Treatment Team determine the appropriate Level of Care for the client.
Once the appropriate level of care is determined, the care each client receives is individualized based on:
- The results of the client’s multidimensional biopsychosocial assessment based on ASAM Criteria
- The client’s perceived needs
- The determination of the multidisciplinary treatment team
When the client has completed the goals on their treatment plan and/or has stabilized in recovery to such an extent that they can complete the treatment process at a less restrictive level of care, the client will transition to a lower LOC.
ASAM Assessment and the Continuum of Care
The ASAM Criteria is the most widely used and comprehensive set of guidelines for placement, continued stay, transfer, or discharge of patients with addiction and co-occurring conditions.
Using the ASAM Criteria in conjunction with our The Heights Treatment clinical staff’s professional judgment enables us to provide outcome-oriented, results-based care in our addiction treatment.
ASAM outlines various levels of care based on the outcome of the 6 ASAM dimensions assessment. These levels of care are on a scale ranging from 0.5 to 4, with 4 being the most intensive.
At The Heights Treatment, when the client has completed the goals on their IOP treatment plan and/or has stabilized in recovery to such an extent that they can complete the treatment process at a less restrictive level of care, such as our Outpatient Program, the client will transition to a lower LOC.
Continuum of Care at a Glance
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.
