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Not everyone needs residential treatment. And not everyone can pause their life for it, even if they want to. That’s where programs like IOP and PHP come in—somewhere between full-on inpatient and weekly outpatient therapy. They give structure, yes, but also flexibility. Enough to keep working, or parenting, or just—staying connected to your life.
Some people enter these programs right after inpatient. Others don’t. Sometimes you try other options first, or maybe something happens and, suddenly, this level of care starts to make more sense. It's not always linear. Recovery usually isn't.
An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is a structured treatment approach designed for individuals who need more support than traditional outpatient therapy but do not require the intensity of a residential program. IOPs offer a flexible treatment option that allows participants to maintain their daily routines while receiving comprehensive care.
A Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) is a structured mental health or substance abuse treatment program where patients receive intensive therapy during the day but return home or to a supportive living environment at night. PHPs are designed to offer a higher level of care than regular outpatient treatment while allowing patients to maintain some aspects of their daily lives outside of a hospital setting.
The choice between IOP and PHP depends on the individual's treatment needs, daily responsibilities, and the level of care required. Consulting with a healthcare professional can help determine the most appropriate option.
Both IOP and PHP typically include individual therapy, group counseling, family therapy, and educational sessions to support recovery.
Many IOP and PHP programs accept various insurance plans. It's recommended to contact the program directly to verify coverage and discuss payment options.
Learn More About Insurance Coverage for IOP and PHPYes, IOP is designed to fit around your schedule so you can continue work or school. PHP is more intensive, but most participants still go home in the evenings and maintain daily responsibilities.
Program length varies. Some are short-term, lasting a few weeks, while others may extend for several months depending on individual needs and progress.
That’s okay. Choosing an IOP or PHP isn’t something you need to figure out today. Sometimes it’s just about gathering information. Asking questions. Making a list. Or calling one place, even if you don’t know what to say yet.
You don’t have to commit. You’re allowed to feel unsure.
At Step One Recovery Resources, we help people explore options. That’s it. We don’t push. We’re not a treatment center ourselves. We just believe in connecting people with the right resources—whether that’s in Denver, Colorado Springs, or somewhere in between.
If you’re ready to start looking, we’ve built a simple directory of trusted programs across Colorado. No fluff. Just real options.
And if you’re not ready yet? That’s fine too. Maybe just bookmark the page.
