Intensive Outpatient Programs in Florida: Finding IOP Programs in Florida

What is an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)?

In Florida and elsewhere, intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) are a form of outpatient treatment for substance use disorders. Provided in clinics, rehab facilities, counseling offices, and more, IOPs in Florida offer therapies similar to that of inpatient facilities. However, this care is provided at a slightly lower intensity, and patients return to their homes at night—rather than staying in the facility 24/7.

Intensive outpatient programs, which are more rigorous than traditional outpatient treatment, can be entry points to treatment (potentially following detox) for some patients. For others, IOPs are a step down from inpatient programs, as they help patients to transition successfully from inpatient rehab into the new normal of everyday life.

While IOPs vary in terms of levels of intensity and participation requirements, many IOP programs in Florida require 6 to 30 hours per week of treatment and last for 90 days.^1,2 Often these programs are followed by traditional outpatient care and/or aftercare.²

That said, every person and situation is unique, and effective treatment is customized to the individual. Thus, it’s important to work with addiction and healthcare professionals to determine which level of care is right for you or your loved one.

Generally speaking, professionals often recommend IOPs for people with mild to moderate addiction who don’t need 24/7 supervision or detox.¹ These are usually people who need a more structured treatment than traditional outpatient programs but also need to take care of responsibilities at home.

Patients well suited to IOPs also have sober living conditions, transportation to and from therapy, and continued motivation to complete the program.³ And although support from friends and family isn’t mandatory for a successful recovery, it certainly helps, particularly with an outpatient program.⁴ Compared to inpatient programs where patients receive care 24/7 and are surrounded by supportive peers and professionals, an unsupportive home environment can be problematic for recovery.

Where Can You Find an IOP in Florida?

IOPs throughout Florida tend to be located near metropolitan areas such as Miami, Jacksonville, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, and Tampa. However, treatment centers of all types are scattered throughout the state. For example, the state boasts 547 substance use treatment centers, of which 216 offer IOPs.⁵

You may also be able to participate in Florida IOPs and other types of treatment through telehealth, which enlists phone and online communication technologies to connect patients to doctors, therapists, addiction specialists, and peers. Depending on the program, telehealth may allow you to participate in the same services offered in an in-person setting—such as individual therapy, group therapy, and medication-assisted treatment (MAT)—from the comfort of your home.⁶

According to FindTreatment.gov, which is offered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 368 treatment facilities in Florida offer telehealth rehab services, and 147 of the state’s 216 IOP providers have telehealth options.⁵

If you’re looking for treatment centers in Florida, you’re in luck. Two world-class  facilities are in your backyard. An industry leader in addiction care, American Addiction Centers (AAC) offers several facilities scattered throughout the United States, including Recovery First Treatment Center in Hollywood, FL, and River Oaks Treatment Center in Riverview, FL.

If an IOP isn’t a great fit for your needs, chances are the facility has other options to serve you. For example, both Recovery First Treatment Center and River Oaks Treatment Center provide options such as:⁴

• Medical detox.
• Inpatient or residential rehab.
• Outpatient.
• Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs).
• Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs).
• Aftercare.
• Telehealth.

Reach out to one of our admissions navigators at to learn more about these facilities and to explore the various levels of care available.

What Substances Do IOPs in Florida Treat?

Intensive outpatient programs in Florida can typically treat a variety of substance addictions. For example, the IOPs at Recovery First Treatment Center and River Oaks Treatment Center treat disorders related to the following substances and more:

• Alcohol.
• Benzodiazepines.
• Cocaine.
• Fentanyl.
• Hallucinogens.
• Heroin.
• Opioids.
• Methamphetamine.
• Prescription drugs.

Beyond drug and alcohol addiction services, 175 IOPs in Florida provide treatment for co-occurring mental conditions, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and personality disorders.^5,7  Treating both substance use and mental health disorders at the same time is generally more effective than treating these conditions independently.⁴

How Much Does an Intensive Outpatient Program in Florida Cost?

The cost of IOP programs in Florida vary based on several factors, including:

• Services required.
• Length of treatment.
• Facility fees and whether the treatment center is in-network.
• Insurance coverage.

For those with insurance, your level of insurance coverage (including deductibles, co-pays, etc.) can affect how much you pay out-of-pocket for treatment. The best way to determine exactly how much you’ll pay is to verify your insurance benefits. Reach out to AAC at , and an admissions navigator can assist you with this process.

Keep in mind, a lack of insurance doesn’t have to be a barrier to getting the care you need. There are other ways to pay for IOPs as described below.

Does Insurance Cover IOPs in Florida?

Insurance typically provides full or partial coverage for IOPs in Florida thanks to a pair of laws that protect your access to mental health and addiction services. The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) ensures equal addiction and substance use disorder benefits.⁸ And the Affordable Care Act (ACA) guarantees coverage for essential health benefits, including substance use treatment.⁹ Thus, insurance companies must cover substance use treatment to some extent, and that coverage can’t have special limitations compared to other benefits.^8,9  Still, your level of coverage depends on your insurance policy and whether the treatment you choose is seen as medically necessary.

But what if you don’t have insurance?

Other payment options are avilable, including:^6,10

• Payment plans and sliding fee scales. Sliding fee scales and/or financing options are available through 30 IOPs in Florida.
• Grants and scholarships. Several local, state, and government organizations offer grants and scholarships for those seeking addiction treatment. For example, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides block grants for those struggling with addiction. Currently 27 IOPs in Florida accept block grant funding.
• Indian Health Service (IHS)/Tribal/Urban—ITU Funds. Considered part of the Indian healthcare system, ITU funds are accepted by 31 IOPs in Florida.
• Loans/Private Pay. It’s also possible to pay for addiction treatment with cash or credit, and you may be able to secure a loan from a friend, relative, or company specializing in addiction treatment lending.

Keep in mind, however, that you may be eligible for free and/or state-funded programs that are available based on income, special population status, and more.

Whether you’re looking for an IOP, telehealth services, outpatient care, detox, or even sober living, American Addiction Centers can help. AAC admissions navigators at can not only help you explore treatment options but also verify your insurance and support you in taking the critical first steps toward recovery.