Intensive Outpatient Programs in Massachusetts: Finding IOP Programs in MA
What is an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)?
Offered in rehab facilities, counseling offices, clinics, and more, intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) in Massachusetts and elsewhere are a type of outpatient rehab. While IOPs provide therapies similar to those offered via inpatient facilities, care is slightly less intense and less frequent, and patients stay in their own homes as opposed to the facility. Conversely, IOPs offer slightly more rigorous treatment than traditional outpatient programs.
IOPs in Massachusetts typically require 6 to 30 hours of treatment per week over the span of at least 90 days.1,2 That said, each IOP program is unique, and the level of care selected for each individual should be tailored to their specific needs.
Sometimes, patients enter treatment via an IOP, perhaps following detox. Other times, however, IOPs are used to help those formerly in inpatient settings transition to a lower level of care, allowing them to ease into a new normal following intensive treatment. Either way, IOP patients often begin traditional outpatient and/or aftercare programs following the completion of their IOP therapy.
Given the fact that patients live at home, IOPs are typically best suited to individuals that don’t need 24/7 supervision and that have already completed detox if needed.1 Along with the ongoing motivation to complete treatment, it’s important that IOP patients have transportation to and from therapy as well as a sober home environment.3
Where Can You Find an IOP in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts is home to 398 substance use treatment facilities of which 81 are intensive outpatient programs.4 Although most rehabs are near major metropolitan areas, such as Boston, Worcester, and Springfield, you’ll find IOP facilities scattered throughout the state.
Keep in mind that telehealth may also be an option for some portions of intensive outpatient programs in MA, as 72 of the state’s 81 IOPs indicate that some form of telehealth services are available.4 Telehealth enlists phone and online communication to connect patients to treatment professionals. Telehealth services usually allow patients to partake in group and individual therapy, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), peer support groups, and more.5
American Addiction Centers, a leading provider of addiction and mental health care, has multiple outpatient facilities in the Massachusetts area. AdCare outpatient services in Worcester, MA, and multiple AdCare outpatient facilities in Rhode Island offer a host of treatment options including IOPs.
Keep in mind, however, IOPs certainly aren’t the only treatment avenues available. For example, American Addiction Center facilities offer the gamut of services including:6
- Medical detox.
- Inpatient or residential rehab.
- Outpatient treatment.
- Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs).
- Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs).
- Aftercare.
- Telehealth.
Contact us via our 24/7 confidential helpline at to learn more about treatment options, verify insurance benefits, and more.
What Substances Do IOPs in Massachusetts Treat?
Some programs focus on specific substances, such as opioids or alcohol, but most IOPs treat a wide range of substance use disorders. For example, the AdCare facilities in Massachusetts and Rhode Island treat disorders related to the following substances and more:
Also note that most facilities offer treatment for polysubstance use, which is when people intentionally or unintentionally use more than one substance (e.g., alcohol and opioids) within a short period of time.7
Additionally, 63 of the IOPs in MA also treat for co-occurring mental conditions, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and personality disorders.4,8 For those with a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder, concurrent treatment is usually more effective than treating each disorder independently.6
How Much Does an Intensive Outpatient Program in MA Cost?
The cost of an IOP varies depending on a variety of factors, including the services required, length of treatment, insurance benefits, facility pricing, and more. Even if you have insurance, there are a host of variables that can affect out-of-pocket costs, such as deductibles, co-pays, in-network versus out-of-network provider fees, etc.
That said, however, you can get a much better handle on how much you’ll pay by verifying 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 Massachusetts?
IOP treatment in Massachusetts and elsewhere is typically covered at least in part by insurance plans thanks to the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) and the Affordable Care Act (ACA).9,10 These laws basically guarantee that insurance providers offer equitable coverage for physical health and mental health services.
Government- and military-funded insurance plans also offer full or partial coverage for substance use treatment such as IOPs. Among Massachusetts’ 81 IOPs, the following number of facilities accept these respective insurance types:4
Insurance, however, certainly isn’t the only way to pay for treatment. Most facilities accept private payment (aka self-pay). However, other common payment options include:4,11
- Payment assistance. Seven intensive outpatient programs in Massachusetts indicate that they offer payment assistance for eligible low-income, uninsured, and underinsured patients.
- Sliding fee scales. Sliding fee scales, where prices are based on the patient’s ability to pay for treatment, are offered at 15 IOPs in Massachusetts.
- Grants and scholarships. Currently 8 IOPs in Massachusetts accept block grant funding via the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
- Indian Health Service (IHS)/Tribal/Urban—ITU Funds. Seven IOPs indicate that they accept ITU funds, which are part of the Indian healthcare system.
- Free and state-funded programs. Like some other states, Massachusetts may also offers a handful of free and/or state-funded programs, which are available to eligible individuals based on their special population status, income, and more.
If you or a loved one is struggling with substance use, American Addiction Centers can help. Call our confidential helpline at to speak to one of our admissions navigators, who can answer your questions about IOPs and myriad other levels of care. Along with verifying your insurance benefits, they can also help identify other payment options and aid you in taking the first steps toward recovery.
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