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Our LA 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 Los Angeles 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.

Clients enrolled in IOP at The Heights Treatment’s Los Angeles facility will have the option to participate in weekly pickleball, kickboxing, hikes, beach yoga, and rock climbing.

CBT Therapy in Los Angeles & Houston

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.

A PHP is an intensive level of outpatient care that’s ideal for patients transitioning from a residential treatment program or IIP.

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 LA-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 Los Angeles IOP Team

Click on the links below to learn about the IOP staff in Los Angeles.

Testimonials

What Our Los Angeles IOP Alumni Are Saying

“

I gained so much insight and healing from their holistic approach to recovery. I even got EMDR therapy as a part of my treatment (would personally recommend this modality for trauma and PTSD). From the top down, the staff are a lovely bunch of people. I won't name them here, but they know who they are 🙂

Patrick YatesAlumni
“

I was very impressed with The Heights and their amazing clinical team. Their program is truly holistic and client centered. The environment in Santa Monica felt very warm. Samantha and Susie made me feel very welcomed. I highly recommend their outpatient program.

Remy OlivierAlumni
“

Heights Treatment is an incredible place! The staff was exceptionally friendly and helpful. The campus had a warm feeling to it. When I went on a tour I could immediately tell that amazing things were happening within those walls. I would definitely recommend sending a loved one who is going through struggles to Heights Treatment in LA.

Jay MortonAlumni
“

The Heights Treatment team is so helpful and knowledgeable. They worked closely with my family to help my sister when she was in need of treatment and struggling with her depression. They got her on the right medications and she has been doing well ever since.

Eric RievleyAlumni

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 IOP Los Angeles

How does the IOP in Los Angeles tailor its program to individual needs?

The IOP at The Heights Treatment in Los Angeles customizes its program based on each client’s specific needs and preferences, identified through a comprehensive pre-assessment. This individualized approach includes a combination of group therapy, individual therapy, and family therapy sessions, alongside unique activities like pickleball and beach yoga, to support holistic recovery.

What types of conditions does the IOP in Los Angeles treat?

The IOP at The Heights Treatment is designed to treat individuals with substance use disorders, mental health conditions, and dual diagnosis. It provides a supportive environment for those who are currently sober yet require ongoing support, treatment, and accountability to maintain their recovery.

How does participating in physical activities benefit clients in the IOP?

Engaging in physical activities such as kickboxing, hikes, and rock climbing, offered by The Heights Treatment’s IOP in Los Angeles, benefits clients by promoting physical health, reducing stress, enhancing mood, and building a sense of community. These activities complement the therapeutic process, encouraging overall well-being and aiding in recovery.