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Not everyone can attend a full-day treatment program. Work, school, and family responsibilities do not simply pause when you decide to seek help.
That’s why Bold Steps Rhode Island offers an intensive outpatient program (IOP) as part of our full range of behavioral health programs in Rhode Island. IOP provides structured outpatient treatment for adults experiencing substance use and mental health challenges while allowing them to maintain important responsibilities outside treatment.
Through curriculum-based groups, specialized therapies, and holistic practices, clients can continue building recovery skills and receiving consistent support while applying what they learn to everyday life.
An intensive outpatient program (IOP) is a structured level of outpatient care that provides more support than traditional outpatient treatment without requiring clients to attend treatment for a full day or stay overnight.
At Bold Steps Rhode Island, IOP supports adults receiving treatment for substance use and mental health conditions through individual and group therapy, skill development, and evidence-based and holistic approaches. The flexible structure allows clients to receive consistent therapeutic support while continuing to manage work, school, family, and other responsibilities.
You should not have to choose between recovery and your responsibilities. Our intensive outpatient program makes it possible to receive meaningful support while continuing to work, attend school, or care for family members.
Your healing journey can begin today on a schedule that fits your life.
Speak confidentially with an admissions counselor
An intensive outpatient program may be appropriate for individuals who need structured treatment and ongoing support but are able to maintain greater independence outside program hours.
IOP may be a good fit for people who:
The appropriate level of care depends on each person’s clinical needs, stability, home environment, responsibilities, and treatment goals.
IOP is designed to provide consistent treatment while leaving clients with more time for responsibilities and recovery outside scheduled sessions. Treatment may include group therapy, individual counseling, skill development, and other services based on each client’s individualized treatment plan.
The specific schedule and time commitment can vary according to clinical needs and programming. Our admissions team can explain the current IOP schedule and help determine whether it can work with your responsibilities.
Recovery is not something you have to navigate alone.
During IOP, clients work alongside a supportive network of professionals and peers who understand the challenges of balancing recovery with everyday responsibilities.
This network may include:
This community can provide accountability, encouragement, and connection as clients build greater independence in recovery.
Treatment in IOP is individualized to address each client’s substance use, mental health needs, recovery goals, and circumstances. Depending on the treatment plan, care may incorporate:
Together, these approaches create a comprehensive treatment experience that can address substance use, mental health, trauma, relationships, and overall well-being based on each client’s individual needs.
There is no single set of requirements that determines whether IOP is appropriate for everyone. Admission is based on an assessment of each person’s symptoms, treatment history, current stability, living environment, and support needs.
In general, IOP may be considered when someone:
The Bold Steps Rhode Island team can complete an assessment and help determine whether IOP or another level of care is the most appropriate option.
Intensive outpatient programs and partial hospitalization programs are both structured outpatient levels of care. The primary difference is the amount of treatment time and support provided. PHP is generally more intensive, while IOP allows clients greater independence as they continue progressing in treatment.
IOP | PHP | |
Level of structure | Less intensive | More intensive |
Typical schedule | Fewer treatment hours each week | Full-day treatment, typically 5 days per week |
May be appropriate for | People ready for greater independence while continuing structured treatment | People who need substantial daily therapeutic support |
Overnight stay | No | No |
Some clients transition from PHP into IOP as they make progress, while others may begin treatment at the IOP level based on their individual needs.
Recovery does not always follow the same path. At Bold Steps Rhode Island, different levels of care provide varying amounts of structure and support so treatment can adapt as a client’s needs change.
IOP may serve as a transition from a higher level of care or as an appropriate starting point for someone whose needs can be safely and effectively addressed in an intensive outpatient setting.
Support does not have to end when IOP does. At Bold Steps Rhode Island, clients and their loved ones can remain connected to recovery-focused resources as they move into the next stage of care and greater independence.
These resources can provide continued connection and encouragement as clients apply the skills developed in treatment to everyday life.
Many health insurance plans include behavioral health benefits that may help cover intensive outpatient treatment when this level of care is medically appropriate. Exact coverage varies based on the individual plan, benefits, network status, medical necessity, and other requirements.
The admissions team at Bold Steps Rhode Island can verify your benefits and explain what your plan may cover before you begin treatment. Verify your insurance to get started with a free, confidential benefits check.
Starting treatment begins with a confidential conversation. Our admissions team can answer your questions, learn more about what you are experiencing, review your insurance benefits, and help determine which level of care may be appropriate for your needs.
To get started:
Our team will guide you through the next steps so you do not have to determine the appropriate level of care on your own.
Bold Steps Rhode Island proudly serves individuals and families across East Providence and nearby communities throughout the Greater Providence area.
Located at 989 Waterman Avenue, our center provides a welcoming environment where individuals can receive structured support while continuing to engage with their daily lives.
Bold Steps Rhode Island
989 Waterman Avenue
East Providence, RI 02914
(401) 287-8652
IOP stands for intensive outpatient program. It provides structured treatment and more support than traditional outpatient care while allowing clients to continue living at home or in another supportive environment.
The number of treatment hours in IOP can vary based on the program and individual needs. Our admissions team can explain the current weekly schedule and help determine whether it fits with your work, school, family, or other responsibilities.
IOP is an outpatient level of care. Clients attend scheduled treatment sessions but do not stay overnight at the treatment center.
Both IOP and PHP provide structured outpatient treatment, but PHP generally involves more treatment hours and a higher level of support. IOP offers greater flexibility and may be appropriate as clients progress toward greater independence or when their needs do not require the intensity of PHP.
Eligibility for IOP is determined through an individualized assessment. Factors may include current symptoms, treatment needs, stability, ability to participate in scheduled programming, living environment, and whether the individual can be safely supported in an outpatient setting.
Friendly Operators are Standing By
We’ll check your coverage and explain your options in plain language—no pressure, no jargon. Most plans include part of treatment; we’ll confirm what’s in-network and your estimated out-of-pocket before you decide.
You’ll get:
We’re here to help with your recovery. Please fill out this short form so our team can
understand your needs.
If you have any further questions about treatment, you may contact us directly at (888) 440-4306
We’re here to help with your recovery. Please fill out this short form so our team can
understand your needs.
If you have any further questions about treatment, you may contact us directly at (888) 440-4306
Treatment should match your life—not the other way around. We’ll recommend a level that fits your symptoms, safety needs, and schedule so progress sticks at home, work, and school.
Options include:
We’re here to help with your recovery. Please fill out this short form so our team can
understand your needs.
If you have any further questions about treatment, you may contact us directly at (888) 440-4306
Recovery is easier when care works with your real life. Choose daytime structure or evening groups—both with evidence-based therapy and a clear weekly plan. Switch times if your schedule changes.
Highlights:
We’re here to help with your recovery. Please fill out this short form so our team can
understand your needs.
If you have any further questions about treatment, you may contact us directly at (888) 440-4306
When it helps, we include family—on your terms. We offer education, boundary coaching, and ways to rebuild trust while keeping your privacy and safety at the center.
We cover:
We’re here to help with your recovery. Please fill out this short form so our team can
understand your needs.
If you have any further questions about treatment, you may contact us directly at (888) 440-4306
Will group therapy be part of my plan?
Yes — group therapy is a cornerstone of every Bold Steps program.
Best fit if you struggle with: isolation, shame, difficulty opening up, relapse triggers, or needing accountability.
Pairs with: CBT, DBT, Trauma Therapy, EMDR, Family Therapy, and our Alumni Program.
Where you’ll get it: Offered across Day Treatment, Night Treatment, and Outpatient programs; format and frequency adjust by level of care.
We’re here to help with your recovery. Please fill out this short form so our team can
understand your needs.
If you have any further questions about treatment, you may contact us directly at (888) 440-4306
Will family therapy be part of the plan?
Almost always, yes. Bold Steps includes a free weekly virtual Family Support Group (open to loved ones even if their family member isn’t in treatment), plus scheduled family therapy sessions as part of treatment.
Best fit if your family struggles with: broken trust, enabling patterns, miscommunication, resentment, or uncertainty about how to help.
Pairs with: CBT, DBT, Trauma Therapy, EMDR, Family Therapy, and our Alumni Program.
Where you’ll get it: Across all levels of care — Day, Half-Day, Outpatient — plus our virtual group accessible from anywhere.
We’re here to help with your recovery. Please fill out this short form so our team can
understand your needs.
If you have any further questions about treatment, you may contact us directly at (888) 440-4306
Will EMDR be part of my plan?
Likely if you struggle with trauma memories, flashbacks, nightmares, panic tied to past events, or relapse linked to trauma triggers.
What EMDR pairs well with: DBT for emotion stabilization, CBT for thought reframing, MAT for cravings that block therapy work, and mindfulness/yoga for grounding.
Where you’ll get it: Often in Day Treatment or Night Treatment programs, once you’ve built some stabilization skills.
We’re here to help with your recovery. Please fill out this short form so our team can
understand your needs.
If you have any further questions about treatment, you may contact us directly at (888) 440-4306
Will DBT be part of my plan?
Likely if you struggle with big emotion swings, impulsive actions (including substance use), self-harm urges, relationship blowups, or relapse tied to “I can’t handle this feeling.”
What DBT pairs well with: CBT for thought work, trauma therapy like EMDR, MAT for opioid cravings, or mindfulness/yoga for nervous system reset.
Where you’ll get it: Day Treatment, Night Treatment, or Outpatient — intensity depends on your level of care.
We’re here to help with your recovery. Please fill out this short form so our team can
understand your needs.
If you have any further questions about treatment, you may contact us directly at (888) 440-4306
Will CBT be part of my plan?
Likely if you’re dealing with racing thoughts, catastrophic thinking, relapse triggers, shame spirals, avoidance, panic, or insomnia.
We may combine it with: DBT for emotion regulation, EMDR for trauma, MAT for opioid cravings, or mindfulness/yoga for calming your nervous system.
Where you’ll get it: CBT is woven into Day Treatment, Half-Day Treatment, and Outpatient care.
We’re here to help with your recovery. Please fill out this short form so our team can
understand your needs.
If you have any further questions about treatment, you may contact us directly at (888) 440-4306
We combine therapies that work—CBT, DBT skills, medication management—with holistic supports like mindfulness, movement, and creative groups. You’ll build practical tools you can use the same day.
You’ll practice:
We’re here to help with your recovery. Please fill out this short form so our team can
understand your needs.
If you have any further questions about treatment, you may contact us directly at (888) 440-4306
