When I first got sober, the idea of going back to “real life” while still doing the hard work of recovery felt impossible. That’s where something like an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) really comes in. It offers a middle ground, a way to keep building your recovery while still living your life. And I’ve seen firsthand how powerful that can be.
Structure Without Isolation
An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is a level of care for people dealing with addiction or mental health issues. It’s structured, usually 9 to 20 hours a week of therapy, education, and support—but you’re not staying overnight in a facility. It’s ideal if you need consistent help but can’t put your life on hold.
IOPs are often used:
They work because they’re flexible, but still serious. You show up, you do the work, and you still go home at night.
IOPs vary from place to place, but most follow a similar structure focused on long-term recovery:
Colorado has several IOP’s that offer varying programs, here are a few that we recommend looking at:
You can often find programs that meet in the mornings, evenings, or weekends. The flexibility matters when you’re juggling work, kids, or life in general.
Let’s be real—most of us can’t drop everything and go live in a facility for a month. IOP meets you where you’re at. You can work your job, be present for your family, and still show up for recovery.
It’s hard to build a recovery community from scratch. IOP gives you one right away. Clinical staff, therapists, and peers walking the same path—all in your corner from day one.
IOPs aren’t one-size-fits-all. Good ones offer multiple therapeutic approaches—CBT, DBT, art therapy, outdoor activities, and even equine therapy sometimes. You’ll try different things and find what clicks.
Compared to inpatient treatment, IOP is far more affordable. No room and board to pay for. And, bonus, it’s often covered by insurance (more on that below).
Yes, IOP is often covered by insurance. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, most private plans and Medicaid (especially in Colorado) must cover behavioral health treatment, including IOP.
If this feels like too much to navigate, you’re not alone. At Step One Recovery Resources, we help people walk through this exact process all the time. It can be confusing, but it’s not impossible. You just need someone to help explain it, check out “Does insurance cover IOP?” for more info.
If you’re at a point where you know you need help, but you also need to keep showing up for life, IOP could be the solution. It bridges the gap between doing nothing and doing everything. It meets you in the middle. Whether you’re starting your journey or continuing after residential care, IOP can help lay the foundation for long-term recovery. The structure, support, and accountability it offers are powerful tools to help you build a new way of life. If you’re not sure where to begin, let’s talk. Step One Recovery Resources is here to guide you through the options, the paperwork, and the process. You don’t have to figure this out alone. I’ve been there. I get it. And I want to help.
