Hope follows healing, and healing starts at The Heights Treatment.
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.
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.
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Testimonials
What Our IOP Houston Alumni Are Saying
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
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.
