Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) in Charlotte, NC

What is an Intensive Outpatient Program?

An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is a structured treatment level that delivers focused clinical care, usually a few hours several days per week, while clients continue living at home and maintaining daily responsibilities. Under the ASAM Criteria, IOP corresponds to Level 2.1.

At Archangel Centers in Charlotte, IOP serves as both a step-down from PHP and a primary entry point for people who need more than weekly therapy but do not require full-day programming. Sessions are scheduled in mornings or evenings so clients can keep working or caring for family while they recover.

Who is IOP appropriate for?

IOP fits people who are medically stable, have a supportive home environment, and can benefit from concentrated therapy without daytime-long structure.

• Clients stepping down from PHP who are ready for a lower intensity of care
• Individuals with mild to moderate substance use disorders who have stable housing
• Working professionals and students who need treatment that flexes around their schedule
• People with co-occurring anxiety, depression, or trauma who need ongoing psychiatric support
• Anyone seeking to strengthen relapse-prevention skills after an earlier treatment episode

What does the IOP schedule look like?

Archangel Centers offers IOP tracks with morning and evening options. A typical week blends group work, individual therapy, and skills education so clients can apply what they learn the same day.

• Group therapy focused on peer connection and relapse prevention
• Individual therapy with a primary clinician
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
• Family involvement and family therapy
• Relapse-prevention planning and life-skills development
• Mindfulness and coping-skills practice