Intensive Outpatient Programs in Mississippi: Finding IOP in MS

What is an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)?

There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for substance use or addiction. Matching the , interventions, and services to an individual’s needs typically yields a better treatment outcome.¹ An intensive outpatient program (IOP) provides structured care in an outpatient setting.²

For some, IOPs for substance use disorder may be their primary treatment. For others, it might be step-down care from an inpatient or residential setting. Still, others may enter an IOP as a step up from individual or group outpatient care. ²

In IOPs, individuals receive similar (often identical) services to those provided in inpatient rehab—such as one-on-one counseling, group therapy, family psychoeducation, and case management.² While no two IOPs are the same, all IOPs help individuals work towards identical goals, including:³

• Achieving abstinence.
• Fostering behavioral changes to improve an individual’s coping skills so they can identify triggers, manage stressors, and prevent relapse.
• Participating in community-based support systems, such as mutual-help groups like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous.
• Addressing a range of psychosocial issues like housing and employment.
• Developing a positive support network.

Where IOPs differ tends to be in the services offered, the duration of the program, and the number of hours an individual spends in clinical sessions each week. Although IOPs traditionally consist of 9 hours of treatment each week—usually delivered in 3, 3-hour sessions—there are other programs with substantially longer hours (up to 30 hours each week) and some that only require 6 hours of treatment on a weekly basis.³

After a thorough assessment and evaluation, a primary care physician, mental healthcare professional, or an addiction treatment specialist determines the appropriate level of care for an individual’s treatment needs. An IOP may be recommended for individuals with less severe substance use disorders, who do not need 24-hour care, are willing to attend regular counseling and therapy sessions, have a supportive network of family and friends and stable home environment, and have some form of transportation to get to and from the facility.^2,4

An IOP utilizes multiple therapeutic interventions and counseling techniques during treatment, which may include:³

• Individual counseling. In a one-on-one setting, an individual may participate in behavioral therapies—including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), contingency management, and motivational interviewing—to develop their relapse prevention skills and help promote their long-term sobriety.
• Group counseling. Group counseling might include 6 to 12 people and a therapist. The behavioral interventions may be the same; however, in a group setting, individuals can learn from others who are on a similar journey and share their experiences—all while building coping skills.
• Family psychoeducation. Family counseling and psychoeducation provide an environment to help the entire family learn about addiction and rebuild relationships.

Where Can You Find an Intensive Outpatient Program in Mississippi?

An IOP may take place in a variety of settings, such as treatment centers, hospitals, health clinics, and more.⁴ In Mississippi, there is a statewide network of community providers that make outpatient services available, including state-operated programs and regional community mental health centers meant to provide accessible services to those who need them.⁵

There are 28 facilities providing IOP-specific treatment for substance use in Mississippi.⁶ Of those, 12 are private, for-profit organizations; 10 are private, nonprofit organizations; 5 are run by the local, county, or community government; and 1 is operated by the federal government. While there are more options situated near larger cities, including Jackson and Oxford, there are treatment facilities providing IOPs peppered all over the state.⁶

To find the one that may be best suited for your needs or those of a loved one, you should consider the services offered, proximity to your home or sober living environment, and what others, who have completed the program, have to say about it.

What Substance Use Disorders Do IOPs in Mississippi Treat?

Most IOPs in Mississippi, regardless of location, can treat substance use as well as co-occurring mental health disorders. In fact, 22 of the 28 facilities providing IOPs in Mississippi also treat co-occurring mental health illnesses.⁶ 

These programs offer access to psychiatric services and programming to specifically address co-occurring mental health disorders such as depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and treat them simultaneously with the substance use disorder.² In Mississippi, there are also IOPs that serve special populations, like pregnant women, Veterans, and members of the LGBTQ+ community, among others.⁶

How Much Does a Mississippi IOP Cost?

The cost of an IOP in Mississippi varies based on several individual factors, including the duration of your program, the services you need, the facility you choose, and your insurance coverage.

Generally, an IOP costs less than an inpatient program since an IOP doesn’t provide room, board, and 24-hour care.² However, choosing an IOP at a luxury facility with lots of amenities, like art and music therapy or meditation and yoga classes, will cost more than a community-based IOP.

The duration of treatment also affects cost—the longer the program, the more it costs. Most IOPs last 90 days though some programs may be shorter or longer.³ 

Additionally, form of payment can impact the cost of treatment. For individuals with health insurance, all or at least part of the cost of treatment may be covered by their plan.

Does Insurance Cover the Cost of an IOP in Mississippi?

Most health insurance companies cover the costs of Mississippi IOPs to some extent.⁷ The level of coverage depends on the details in your specific insurance plan.

In Mississippi, 18 of the 28 facilities offering IOPs accept private health insurance, 11 take Medicare, 12 accept Medicaid, and 15 accept federal military insurance.⁶

For those without insurance, there are several other ways to pay for treatment in Mississippi—from private payment to grants. You can pay privately with cash or credit or take out a loan. There are companies that specialize in addiction lending to help you finance an IOP in Mississippi.

Additionally, many local, state, and federal organizations offer financial assistance to help cover the costs of addiction treatment. In Mississippi, 19 of the 28 IOPs offer financial assistance.⁶

Intensive Outpatient Programs at American Addiction Centers (AAC) in Mississippi

American Addiction Centers (AAC) provide access to top-quality, evidence-based care through our treatment facilities. Oxford Treatment Center, located in Etta, Mississippi, offers IOP care. The Oxford IOP provides 12 to 20 hours of treatment each week, individual counseling sessions, group therapy, case management, mutual-support meetings, and psychoeducation. Individuals participating in Oxford’s IOP also gain access to the campus’ amenities, including a fully quipped gym and recreation activities like sand volleyball, basketball, tennis, and pickleball.

Addiction treatment looks different for everyone.¹ Oxford’s IOP may be the best option for you, but it depends on your specific needs. Therefore, before enrolling in any program, it’s important to have your primary care provider (PCP) or an addiction specialist assess your needs and provide you with a treatment plan.

If you or a loved one are ready to seek treatment, AAC can help. Contact us to speak to one of our compassionate and knowledgeable admissions navigators to learn more about the different levels of care and find the best program for you.