Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

Key Takeaways:

Equal clinical depth to residential care
In-network with major insurance providers
Fast, no-cost admissions
Lifetime aftercare included
Holistic, experiential, and gender-specific programming available

An Intensive Outpatient Program is structured addiction and mental health treatment where clients attend scheduled therapy sessions several times a week, and return home each night. For people who need more support than weekly therapy can provide, but who can’t step away from work, family, or daily life to enter residential treatment, IOP is often exactly the right level of care.

More than 5 million Californians reported meeting the criteria needed for substance use disorder treatment from 2022 to 2023 – but only 1 in 10 received care. For most of them, the barrier isn’t willingness. It’s access. A program that fits around real life removes one of the most common reasons people wait too long to get help.

At New Dawn Treatment Centers, intensive outpatient is available at multiple locations across Northern California and Nevada, with morning, afternoon, and evening scheduling options designed to fit around work, school, and even family responsibilities. The same clinical depth that defines New Dawn’s residential programs – dedicated therapists, trauma-informed care, dual diagnosis treatment, and holistic supports – is woven into every IOP session.

Why Choose Us

The New Dawn Difference

Our unique curriculum incorporates teachings of TJ Woodward’s Conscious Recovery as well as Dr. Stephanie Covington’s trauma-informed and gender-responsive programs.

What We Treat

What We Treat: Substance Use Disorders + Their Root Causes

New Dawn’s IOP addresses substance use disorders and the co-occurring mental health conditions that so often accompany them. Primary substances treated include alcohol, opioids, fentanyl, benzodiazepines, methamphetamine, cocaine, and other stimulants. Co-occurring conditions – including anxiety, depression, PTSD, trauma, and bipolar disorder – are treated as part of the same integrated clinical plan, not as a separate concern.

New Dawn does not provide primary mental health treatment. All mental health care within the IOP is delivered in the context of a co-occurring diagnosis alongside a primary substance use disorder.

How We Treat

IOP Care Built Around You

Treatment at New Dawn’s IOP isn’t generic. Every client works with a dedicated master’s-level therapist and a certified drug and alcohol counselor who carry individual caseloads – the same faces, every session, from the first week through discharge. Care is trauma-informed, gender-responsive, and built around an individualized treatment plan that accounts for the full clinical picture.

Our treatments include:

Individualized assessments: A pre-admission assessment at no-cost determines the right level of care entry as well as builds the initial treatment plan before the first session begins
Individual therapy: Regular one-on-one sessions with a dedicated master’s-level therapist address root causes, trauma history, and co-occurring mental health conditions
Group therapy: Structured group sessions help to build coping skills, learn new relapse prevention tools, and even create peer accountability in a consistent and supportive setting
Family therapy: Family members are invited into the process when clinically appropriate, and sessions are designed to address relational dynamics and strengthen the recovery support system
Holistic and experiential supports: Mindfulness, yoga, art therapy, and other experiential approaches complement the clinical work we do as well as help to build real-world coping skills
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): Available where clinically appropriate, supervised by medical staff, and coordinated with the broader treatment plan
Relapse prevention planning: Our curriculum guides the group work – equipping clients with both immediate coping strategies and long-term tools for sustained recovery
Discharge and aftercare planning: Begins at intake, not at the end of the program, so every client leaves with a clear and connected plan for what comes next

What Is an Intensive Outpatient Program?

An Intensive Outpatient Program – more commonly called IOP – is a structured level of care that sits between the standard outpatient therapy and our residential treatment. It is more intensive than seeing a therapist once a week, but it doesn’t require living at a treatment facility full-time. Clients attend multiple sessions per week, live at home, and continue managing daily responsibilities throughout.

IOP is recognized by SAMHSA as an evidence-based level of care for substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions. It is one of the most widely used treatment models in California, and when delivered with clinical depth and individualized planning, it produces outcomes comparable to inpatient care for appropriate candidates.

At New Dawn, IOP is offered within a continuum of care that includes detox, residential treatment, Day Treatment (PHP), and lifetime aftercare. Clients who step down from residential treatment can transition directly into IOP with the same clinical team and treatment plan. No starting over, no adjustment period necessary.

What to Expect in Our IOP

Knowing what to expect before the first session reduces much of the uncertainty that keeps people from showing up. New Dawn’s IOP is structured to deliver meaningful clinical work within a schedule that doesn’t disrupt daily life – but structured enough to create real accountability and momentum. Sessions are held in private office settings, not in hospitals, and the program’s rhythm is designed to build on itself week over week.

Here’s what a typical week looks like:

Component	Details
Session frequency	3–5 sessions per week
Session length	2–3 hours per session
Individual therapy	Regular one-on-one sessions with a dedicated therapist
Group therapy	Daily group sessions covering coping skills, relapse prevention, and the neurobiology of addiction
Family sessions	Available as part of the treatment plan when clinically appropriate
Scheduling	Morning, afternoon, and evening options available at most locations
Drug testing	Conducted at regular intervals to support accountability and sobriety
Location	Private office settings — not hospitals

Sessions cover four core areas: coping skills that replace the urge to use, relapse prevention tools and what to do if a relapse occurs, neurobiology of addiction education, and patient-centered treatment planning. Group and individual family counseling are also integrated throughout.

New Dawn does not discharge clients who relapse. When a relapse occurs, the clinical team works with the client to minimize its impact and get back on track, because removing support at the most vulnerable moment doesn’t serve recovery.

How Long Does Our Intensive Outpatient Program Last?

IOP at New Dawn generally runs six to eight weeks – though the timeline is determined by the individual’s clinical progress rather than a fixed calendar. Clients who need more time get more time. Clients who step down from residential or Day Treatment (PHP) may move through IOP as part of a longer continuum.

For clients completing at least the six to eight-week IOP program, New Dawn’s lifetime aftercare program provides free, weekly counselor-facilitated support groups for life – because the end of a formal program is a milestone, not a finish line.

Why Choose

Who Should Consider IOP

Not every level of care is right for every person, and placing someone in a program that doesn’t match their clinical needs does them a disservice. IOP works best when several conditions are in place: enough clinical support to address the full picture, without more structure than the individual actually needs.

The guide below helps clarify whether IOP is the right fit for you – though the most reliable answer always comes from a full clinical assessment, which New Dawn’s admissions team provides at no cost.

IOP tends to be a strong fit for clients who:

Have a stable, substance-free home environment
Are stepping down from residential or Day Treatment (PHP)
Need more support than what weekly outpatient therapy provides
Have work, school, or family responsibilities that make residential care impractical
Are motivated to engage consistently in scheduled sessions
Have a moderate level of substance use disorder without active medical withdrawal risk

IOP may not be the right starting point for clients who:

Are in active withdrawal requiring medical supervision (detox must come first)
Have an unstable or high-risk home environment
Have severe co-occurring mental health conditions that require stabilization
Have previously attempted outpatient without success – suggesting a higher level of structure is needed

If there is any uncertainty about whether IOP is the right fit, the admissions team will assess the full picture and recommend the most appropriate level of care at no cost and with no obligation.

Why Choose New Dawn for Your IOP?

There is no shortage of intensive outpatient programs across Northern California and Nevada. The difference between a program that works and one that doesn’t usually comes down to a handful of specifics: Who is actually providing the care, what happens when things get hard, and whether the support continues after the last session ends.

Here is what sets New Dawn’s IOP apart from standard outpatient options:

Dedicated on-site therapists with individual caseloads – Clients work with the same master’s-level therapist throughout, not a rotating schedule of strangers
Trauma-informed, multi-modal clinical approach – CBT, DBT, ACT, EMDR, ART, Brainspotting, Conscious Recovery curriculum, and Dr. Stephanie Covington’s gender-responsive programming
Flexible scheduling – Morning, afternoon, and evening sessions are available at multiple locations across Northern California and Nevada
No discharge for relapse – New Dawn works with clients through their setbacks rather than removing the support when it’s needed most
Full continuum on-site – If a higher level of care is needed at any point, detox and residential programs are available through the same provider; no referral delays, no starting over
Lifetime aftercare included – No-cost, weekly aftercare support groups for life for all IOP graduates with the largest alumni network in Northern California
In-network with major insurance providers – Benefits are verified before the first session; no surprise billing
One-Year Sober Guarantee – Clients who complete the 90-day residential program and experience a relapse within one year may return for treatment at no cost

At New Dawn, these aren’t just selling points. They’re the minimum standard.

FAQs

How Can I Pay for Treatment?

Insurance is accepted.

Many alcohol and drug rehab centers will advertise that “insurance is accepted”, but if you look at the fine print on their website, they will usually disclose that YOU are responsible for billing your insurance company. This means that they are actually NOT a preferred provider with your health plan, and that you will have to pay the FULL cost of treatment at admission. That is a big risk to take with tens of thousands of dollars, and a heavy burden to carry while in early recovery.

Insurance Verification You Can Trust

At New Dawn, there is no fine print when we say that insurance is accepted. We will verify your benefits for you, and tell you during the pre-admission process exactly what your out-of-pocket expenses will be. We will never charge you more than your copay or deductible for covered services, and we are experts at getting as much treatment authorized as your insurance will allow. Billing your insurance is also something we do on your behalf, so that you can focus on what matters most – your recovery.

Many insurance plans cover up to 100% of our costs. Call us for a confidential insurance verification, and get started on your road to recovery today.

Financing is Available

We have a number of affordable treatment options available that are designed to make recovery accessible without causing financial strain. In fact, we have a Treatment Pricing Guarantee that promises to match the cost of any comparable treatment center. We also offer special discounts to Veterans, First Responders, former Union workers and their family members, as well as to our Alumni.

Additionally, If you are interested in financing your out-of-pocket expenses, we have partnered with My Treatment Lender to help you access funds for treatment. They offer flexible financing options, low monthly payments and competitive interest rates for part or all of your drug and alcohol treatment costs. Call us today, we can help you get the life back that you deserve.

Private Cash Pay

If you do not have insurance or prefer to pay cash out of pocket, please reach out for a confidential call to discuss treatment options as well as cost.

We are a Preferred Provider with the following insurances:

Anthem / Blue Cross / Blue Shield / MHSA
Aetna
TRICARE
TRIWEST
Cigna Healthcare / Cigna Behavioral Health
Managed Health Network
Pacificare
Healthnet
MHNet
Optum
Value Options
The Holman Group
LifeSync (Humana)
Private Health Care Systems
First Health

Compcare
CompPsych Corporation
CCN
HMC Healthworks
Western Growers
Networks by Design
Interplan
Integrated Behavioral Health
Magellan
Teamsters (TAP and TARP)
Wells Fargo
Multiplan
Operating Engineers
PG&E
SMUD

If you do not see your insurance company listed, we may still be contracted with them.
Please contact us for more information at (916) 741-5312

We Are Recovery Experts

Our One Year Sober Guarantee

We understand that recovery is not always a straight path, and relapses can occur. That’s why we offer a One-Year Sober Guarantee. If you complete one of our 90-day residential programs and experience a relapse within a year, you can return for treatment at no cost. Your success is important to us; we are dedicated to helping you stay on track.

With a 95% client satisfaction rate, we take pride in providing compassionate, effective, and individualized care to help you or your loved one build a foundation for lasting sobriety.

Let Us Lead the Way

Get Treatment At Our Intensive Outpatient Program in California and Nevada

Recovery that works around real life isn’t a compromise. It’s how most people actually get and stay better.

New Dawn’s IOP gives clients access to the same clinical depth as residential treatment, in a format that doesn’t require putting everything on pause. In-network with most major insurance providers, offers flexible financing through My Treatment Lender, and provides special pricing for Veterans, First Responders, Union workers, and alumni. Insurance is verified before the first session – no cost, no obligation.

The admissions team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Most clients are admitted within 24 to 48 hours of that first call.

Call (916) 741-5312 to get started.

New Dawn Treatment Centers: Be Free.

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We Are a Preferred Provider With Major Insurance Companies

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We Are Here to Help

Jumpstart Your Recovery Today

New Dawn’s addiction recovery programs have helped thousands of individuals recover from substance abuse for nearly 30 years. Start your recovery process with us. Your information is confidential and used only to help verify care options.