What Are Intensive Outpatient Programs?
If you’re looking for real support but don’t want to put your life on pause, an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) might be exactly what you need. At pH Wellness, our IOP provides the structure of a treatment program while allowing you to continue living at home, working, or caring for your family.
Unlike inpatient treatment or residential treatment programs—where you stay at a facility full-time—IOP is a form of outpatient treatment. That means you come in for scheduled sessions several days a week but return home each day. It’s an ideal balance for people who need intensive outpatient care without the disruption of leaving everything behind.
You’ll have access to group therapy, individual support, medication management, and more—all while staying rooted in your daily life. We work with you to create a plan that fits your schedule and supports your healing.
At pH Wellness, we recognize that healing takes a unique form for each individual. That’s why we provide compassionate, consistent care that meets you where you are and helps you move forward on your terms.
Why Choose IOP? Here’s What the Research Says
When you’re trying to heal, you deserve care that fits into your life, not the other way around. That’s where Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs) come in. Research shows that IOPs can be just as effective as inpatient care for many individuals, while offering more flexibility and support in the comfort of your own home.
- Long-lasting results: In the landmark Project MATCH study, people who participated in IOPs—whether through 12-Step facilitation, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), or motivational enhancement—maintained improvements in their substance use for up to three years after treatment.
- Support that fits your needs: A recent 2025 study published in Actas Españolas de Psiquiatría found that people navigating both substance use and mental health challenges reported overwhelming satisfaction after completing an integrated Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). Participants described strong relationships with staff, a comprehensive, supportive approach to care, and a sense of personal growth through new experiences.
What stood out most? Nearly everyone rated their experience a 9 or 10 out of 10.
You don’t need to put your life on pause to start healing. IOPs give you the tools, structure, and support to move forward on your terms.
What to Expect from Our Intensive Outpatient Treatment Services at pH Wellness in Riverside, California
Healing looks different for everyone, and at pH Wellness, we honor that. Our intensive outpatient treatment is designed to meet you where you are, offering personalized, comprehensive care that supports you completely.
Here’s what you can expect when you begin your journey with us:
Individual Therapy Sessions
You’ll work one-on-one with a compassionate, master’s-level therapist who’s here to help you dig deeper. Through evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), your therapist will guide you in developing self-awareness and creating practical strategies to manage mental health conditions and emotional triggers in real-world situations. This is your space to grow, heal, and rediscover your strength.
Group Therapy
You are not alone. Our group therapy sessions create a safe, open space where you can connect with others who understand what you’re going through. Led by experienced clinicians, these sessions focus on shared support, learning from one another, and fostering healthy relationships. It’s where connection becomes part of the cure.
Family Therapy
Recovery doesn’t just involve you—it involves those who care about you, too. Our family therapy sessions invite loved ones to be part of the healing process. Together, you’ll work on rebuilding trust and developing healthier ways to support each other. When family members are involved, everyone has a chance to heal.
Case Management Support
From the moment you walk through our doors, you’ll be supported by a dedicated case manager. They’ll coordinate your outpatient services, manage referrals, help with insurance verification, and ensure everything runs smoothly, so you can focus on getting better.
Medication Management for Dual Diagnosis
If you’re facing both mental health challenges and a substance use disorder, our psychiatric team will support you with thorough assessments, medication education, and ongoing prescription management. This dual diagnosis approach ensures your full wellness is addressed, not just one part of it.
Holistic & Alternative Therapies
Healing is about more than just talk. That’s why we offer holistic therapies like art therapy, music therapy, yoga, and mindfulness. These powerful tools can reduce stress, promote self-expression, and support emotional balance—all while nurturing your overall mental wellness.
12-Step Integration
You’ll be introduced to the principles of 12-step programs in a welcoming, nonjudgmental way. With guest speakers, onsite meetings, and connections to the local recovery community, you’ll see how spiritual and community-based support can be a powerful part of your recovery.
Aftercare Planning and Ongoing Support
As you near the end of your IOP, we’ll help you build a customized aftercare plan. Whether it’s continued outpatient care, therapy, group sessions, or sober support groups, we’ll make sure you have the tools and connections needed for long-term growth and success—even after you leave our program.
At pH Wellness, your recovery doesn’t stop when your sessions end—it evolves with you. You’ll find the compassionate care you deserve.
Is an Intensive Outpatient Program Right for You?
If you’ve been thinking about getting help but don’t want to put your entire life on hold, an Intensive Outpatient Program might be the right fit. At pH Wellness, we understand that your situation is unique, and so is your path to healing. Our IOP services in California are designed for people who need more support than traditional once-weekly therapy, but don’t require the structure of a psychiatric hospital or full residential treatment programs.
Here’s how to know if this level of care could work for you:
You’re Transitioning from Inpatient Treatment or a Partial Hospitalization Program
If you’ve recently completed a stay at an inpatient treatment center or partial hospitalization program, you may be wondering what comes next. Our IOP in California gives you a safe step down—a place where you can continue building on the progress you’ve made while adjusting to daily life again. The structure helps reduce the risk of relapse, while still giving you space to reconnect with your responsibilities.
You’re Facing Substance Abuse or Mental Health Challenges
Whether it’s drug abuse, alcohol abuse, or the ongoing weight of anxiety or depression, our program supports people who are dealing with substance use and mental health conditions. If you don’t need detox or constant monitoring, but still want consistent help, an IOP provides focused care that fits your lifestyle. We’re here to treat the whole you, not just your symptoms.
You’re Balancing Work, School, or Family Responsibilities
Life doesn’t stop just because you’re healing. That’s why pH Wellness offers flexible scheduling that works with your real-world commitments. If you’re a student, a parent, or someone juggling a career, our intensive outpatient care lets you continue your journey without stepping away from the things and people you care about.
You Have a Strong Support System at Home
If you’re surrounded by friends, family members, or a community that wants to see you thrive, an IOP is a great way to stay accountable while applying what you learn in a real-world setting. We also encourage family involvement in your care through family therapy sessions that help rebuild trust and teach your loved ones how to support your progress.
You’re Living with Co-Occurring Mental and Substance Use Disorders
Many people don’t just face one challenge—they live with both. You may be dealing with bipolar disorder, anxiety, or trauma on top of a substance use disorder. At pH Wellness, our team is trained to treat these co-occurring conditions through a truly comprehensive care model. We use addiction medicine, behavioral therapies, and individualized plans to ensure your mind and body are both healing together.
You’re Seeking a Thoughtful, Professional Approach to Treatment
Your recovery deserves more than a quick fix. That’s why we draw from the principles of clinical psychology, mental health administration guidelines, and even preventive medicine to help guide you through evidence-based healing. You’ll work with licensed therapists, possibly meet our medical director, and get support that respects your experience and your ability to grow.
At pH Wellness, our mission is to offer intensive outpatient treatment that feels personal, supportive, and empowering. We don’t just help you manage symptoms—we help you rediscover your strength and build a path toward lasting recovery.
If you’re ready to take that next step but aren’t sure if IOP is the right level of care, our team is here to guide you.
Why Choose pH Wellness for an IOP in California
When you’re searching for the right support, it’s not just about finding any treatment—it’s about finding the care that fits you. At pH Wellness, our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) in Riverside, California, is built around your needs, your schedule, and your goals. Whether you’re managing mental health symptoms, working through substance abuse treatment, or simply seeking treatment that feels more personal, we’re here to walk with you every step of the way.
Here’s what makes our approach different:
Flexible Scheduling That Fits Your Life
Healing shouldn’t mean dropping everything. That’s why our IOP offers flexible scheduling with morning, afternoon, and evening sessions. Whether you’re working, studying, or taking care of your family, you can access the support you need while still showing up for your life. Programs are available 2–5 days per week, at the intensive level that matches your journey.
Personalized and Comprehensive Care Plans
You’re not one-size-fits-all, and your care shouldn’t be either. At pH Wellness, we develop a comprehensive care plan tailored to your needs, whether you’re facing co-occurring mental health conditions, addiction treatment, or emotional distress. We treat substance use, depression, anxiety, and even bipolar disorder—using an integrated approach grounded in clinical psychology, preventive medicine, and mental health administration guidelines.
Smooth Transitions from Residential or Inpatient Treatment
If you’ve completed a residential treatment program or inpatient treatment, our IOP gives you a supportive next step. You’ll continue receiving structured care with a softer landing into outpatient services. We’ll work with you to ensure the appropriate level of support and maintain that progress without disruption.
Whole-Person Healing: Mind, Body, and Spirit
True recovery means healing from the inside out. Our therapeutic approaches include individual and group therapy, fitness, nutrition support, mindfulness, and even alternative therapies like art and movement. We also help you develop core skills like emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and relationship building—key elements in long-term recovery.
Support That Lasts Beyond Treatment
Recovery doesn’t end when the program does. Our alumni program offers ongoing access to treatment services, sober community events, and local treatment centers that support continued connection. You’ll never have to walk alone—we’re committed to your lasting recovery and lifelong wellness.
Evidence-Based, Research-Driven Care
Everything we do is backed by science and centered on compassion. Our team uses gold-standard treatments like CBT, DBT, and medication management for dual diagnosis support. We stay aligned with recommendations from organizations like the National Institute on Drug Abuse, helping you heal through proven methods that honor your patient’s ability to recover.
Faith-Based Counseling Available
If faith is part of your life, you can choose to incorporate Christian counseling into your recovery journey. We offer a faith-based track within our IOP California that nurtures both spiritual and emotional resilience.
No matter where you’re starting from, pH Wellness is here to help you find structure, support, and hope. Whether you’re facing mental health issues, co-occurring conditions, or the challenges of early sobriety, our intensive outpatient treatment gives you the tools to move forward.
You deserve care that sees the whole you, and we’re ready when you are.
FAQ
Sources
Bador, K., Johansson, C., Axelsson, I., Nilsson, M., & Kerekes, N. (2025). Clients’ experiences and satisfaction with an integrated intensive outpatient program for substance use disorders. Actas Españolas de Psiquiatría, 53(2), 340–347.
Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. (2006). Substance abuse: Clinical issues in intensive outpatient treatment (Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) Series, No. 47). U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
If you or a loved one are struggling with substance use disorder, contact us to speak with a caring intake specialist.
