Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) in Orange County
Our Intensive Outpatient Program gives Orange County clients meaningful clinical support without requiring them to put work, school, or family responsibilities on hold — enough structure to steady you, without asking you to step away from your life. IOP meets several days a week for a few hours per session, intensive enough to create real progress, flexible enough to fit into daily life.
What Is an Intensive Outpatient Program?
An Intensive Outpatient Program is a step below PHP in intensity but well above standard weekly therapy. It provides structured, multi-day clinical support — typically a mix of group and individual therapy — while allowing clients to live at home and continue their normal routines outside of scheduled sessions.
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Who IOP in Orange County Is For
IOP is often the right fit for clients who:
- Need more support than weekly therapy but don't require daily programming
- Are stepping down from PHP and want to maintain momentum
- Are managing anxiety, depression, or other conditions that are impacting daily life but allow for continued work or school attendance
- Want a structured program with a peer support component
- Need a level of care that fits around a job, school schedule, or caregiving responsibilities
A Typical Week in IOP
IOP typically combines:
Group therapy
The core of most IOP schedules, focused on skills-building and peer support
Individual sessions
Periodic one-on-one check-ins with a primary therapist
Skills-based work
CBT and DBT modules clients can apply immediately outside of session
Where Treatment Takes Place
IOP is provided at our Costa Mesa facility, serving clients throughout Orange County including Newport Beach, Irvine, Huntington Beach, and Fountain Valley.
Conditions We Treat in IOP
IOP is well suited for clients managing anxiety, depression, PTSD and trauma, OCD, ADHD, and dual diagnosis/co-occurring disorders, among other conditions.
IOP vs. PHP vs. Outpatient
IOP sits between PHP and standalone outpatient therapy — offering more structure than weekly sessions but more flexibility than daily programming.

Why Choose Stillwater Behavioral Health for IOP
- Flexible scheduling built around work, school, and family life
- Evidence-based modalities including CBT and DBT
- Seamless coordination if you're stepping down from PHP or need to step up from outpatient care
- A collaborative treatment plan that adjusts as your needs change
Care You Can Trust
- Credentialed Clinical Team — Treatment is overseen by licensed clinicians.
- Transparent Insurance Verification — We verify your benefits for free, before you commit to anything, and walk you through exactly what's covered.
How to Get Started with IOP
Call or reach out through our contact form for a confidential conversation
Get a free insurance verification, no obligation
Complete a brief clinical assessment to confirm if IOP is the right fit
Begin treatment, often within days
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep working while in IOP?
Yes — IOP is specifically designed to fit around work and school schedules. Many clients attend sessions in the morning, evening, or around a shift schedule.
How is IOP different from PHP?
IOP meets fewer days per week and fewer hours per day than PHP, making it a better fit for clients who need structured support but also need to maintain work, school, or family responsibilities.