IOPs are flexible in scheduling and allow more time for daily life, which is important for long-term sobriety. Additionally, an IOP allows participants to continue living with their families instead of confined in a rehab facility. This gives patients more time for activities and hobbies that promote sobriety. IOPs also give participants the opportunity to build a strong support network.

At Alternative Counseling, IOP is typically provided at 9 hours of counseling per week, over the course of two months and includes individual counseling sessions and group sessions. It begins with a thorough assessment of the individual's needs to determine if IOP is an appropriate level of care for them. Individuals in the program learn about coping strategies and how to prevent relapse. They also gain insight into their triggers and how to deal with them effectively. Moreover, they can share their experiences with others in the program, and build their strengths by gaining support of their peers. 

IOP includes evidence-based behavioral therapy. Intensive outpatient programs are highly recommended by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Another advantage of an IOP is that patients can live at home, and the program schedule can be tailored to fit around the patient's schedule.

In addition to being flexible, IOPs are also more cost-effective than partial hospitalization programs for substance use disorder. A typical intensive outpatient program consists of only three visits per week. These visits typically last three hours and vary depending on the diagnosis and the progress of the patient.