What is an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)?
Solara’s Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is a structured, trauma-informed treatment track for veterans who are facing serious mental health challenges but do not require inpatient hospitalization or full-time residential care.
It’s often the right fit for individuals who need more support than weekly therapy can provide, but who still want to maintain some independence and continue fulfilling responsibilities at home, work, or school.
At Solara, IOP typically involves attending therapy sessions three to five days per week, for several hours per day. These sessions combine evidence-based treatments, peer support, and holistic services to promote healing from conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, substance use, military sexual trauma (MST), and moral injury.
Unlike traditional outpatient care, IOP includes both group and individual therapy delivered in a veteran-only setting. This ensures that everyone in the room understands the culture, values, and lived experiences of military service. You will not have to explain your background. You will be met with respect.
Who is IOP For?
The IOP level of care is recommended for veterans who are struggling with emotional distress, unresolved trauma, or relapse risk, but who do not need to be in 24-hour residential treatment.
You may be a good fit for IOP if you:
A Side-by-Side Comparison of Our Levels of Care
Understanding the differences between an IOP, PHP, and Residential Treatment is the first step toward finding the right support.
| Feature | Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) | Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (VIOP) | Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) | Residential Treatment Program (RTC) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hours of Treatment/Week | 9-15 hours | 9-15 hours | 20-30 hours | 24/7 immersive treatment |
| Living Situation | At home | At home | At home or in a sober living environment | At the treatment facility |
| Typical Duration | 8-12 weeks | 8-12 weeks | 4-6 weeks | 30-90 days or longer |
| Primary Services |
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All services of a traditional IOP delivered through a secure virtual platform. |
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| Ideal Candidate | Individuals who have a stable and supportive home environment, can manage their daily responsibilities, and do not require 24-hour supervision. Often a step-down from a higher level of care. | Individuals who meet the criteria for an IOP but require the flexibility of remote treatment due to location, scheduling conflicts, or other personal circumstances. | Individuals who require a higher level of care than an IOP but do not need 24-hour inpatient care. They may have co-occurring mental health and substance abuse disorders requiring more intensive treatment. | Individuals with severe substance use disorders or mental health conditions who require a highly structured and supervised environment to ensure safety and focus on recovery. This is often the first step for those with chronic addiction or recent relapse. |
| Flexibility | High flexibility, allowing clients to maintain work, school, and family commitments. | Highest flexibility due to the virtual format, eliminating travel time and offering more adaptable scheduling. | Moderate flexibility, as it requires a significant daily time commitment, but clients return home in the evenings. | Low flexibility, as it is a full-time commitment where the individual lives at the facility. |
What Does IOP Include?
Every veteran in our IOP receives a comprehensive, individualized treatment plan that combines clinically proven methods with peer support and holistic therapies.
Our programming includes:
How Solara's Approach is Different
Solara’s Intensive Outpatient Program is designed specifically for veterans. It combines clinical precision with peer connection in an environment built to support lasting recovery.
How to Get Started
If you are a veteran already enrolled in VA care, our team will guide you through every step to help you access the treatment you need without added stress or confusion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most common questions veterans ask before starting IOP.
An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) provides structured mental health treatment several days per week without requiring an overnight stay. At Solara, veterans attend therapy sessions three to five times per week, for about three hours each day, in a veteran-only setting. Care includes individual therapy, group work, and holistic services that support recovery from trauma, depression, anxiety, substance use, and more.
Yes. If you are enrolled in VA healthcare, Solara’s IOP is fully covered once VA Community Care authorization is approved. Our team handles the referral and paperwork, so you don’t have to navigate the process alone.
Solara serves veterans from all branches and service eras who are enrolled in VA care. You don’t need a specific diagnosis in hand to begin. If you’re struggling with your mental health and need more structure than weekly therapy, you may be eligible. Call our admissions team to find out what level of care fits your needs.
IOP offers more structure, more frequent sessions, and greater clinical oversight than standard outpatient therapy. It’s a step up in intensity, designed for veterans who need focused support but not 24-hour supervision. IOP bridges the gap between weekly therapy and inpatient or residential care.
Most veterans participate in IOP for 6 to 12 weeks. Your length of stay depends on your treatment goals, symptom severity, and clinical progress. Your care team will review your progress regularly and adjust your plan as needed.
No. IOP is a non-residential program. Veterans attend sessions during the day and return to their own homes or accommodations after treatment.
Yes. Many veterans in IOP balance treatment with part-time work, school, or family responsibilities. We offer morning, afternoon, and evening session options to help fit therapy into your schedule.
No. All Solara IOP groups are veteran-only. You will never be placed in a civilian group. The peer environment is built to foster trust, connection, and shared understanding without having to explain military experiences.
Solara uses evidence-based therapies including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), EMDR for trauma, and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). We also offer integrative services like mindfulness, yoga, art therapy, and biofeedback.
Before discharge, your team will help you create a personalized aftercare plan. This may include transitioning to weekly therapy, support groups, telehealth follow-up, or a lower level of care. The goal is to maintain your progress and support continued stability after you leave the program.