Adult Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) in Atlanta, GA

Lay the foundation for lasting recovery with the flexibility and convenience of outpatient care.

What Is an IOP?

Getting treatment for a mental health or substance use disorder doesn’t mean you have to put your life on pause. At Anchor Hospital, our intensive outpatient program (IOP) for adults (ages 18+) allows you to receive care while attending to your everyday responsibilities at home and work. You gain the tools you need to face life with strength and resilience.

An IOP is part-time treatment for people who are stable and independent enough to live at home. It’s a step down from inpatient care and partial hospitalization that offers consistent structure and professional support. During treatment, you can use your recovery tools in real-life situations.

Our IOP is provided at Branches College Park, a service of Anchor Hospital. Treatment is offered Monday through Friday, 8:30-11:30 a.m. You pick the three days that work best for your schedule, for a total of nine hours of care per week. Most people participate in our IOP for three to six weeks.

IOP for Mental Health and Addiction Treatment: Why Choose Us?

Our outpatient program offers convenience and flexibility, with the benefits of a nationally accredited behavioral health facility. At Anchor Hospital, you’ll find:

Continuum of care: We offer several levels of care — inpatient, PHP and IOP — that allow you to stay in a familiar environment while stepping up or down to the level of care that’s appropriate for your needs.
Skilled providers: Your providers, including psychiatrists, nurse practitioners and licensed and master’s level counselors, work together to support your recovery. They’re committed to providing respectful, empathetic care.
Peer support: Group therapy is at the core of our treatment philosophy. Connecting with your peers allows you to share challenges and successes, build trust and share accountability.

Virtual IOP

We offer a convenient virtual option for people who live far from our treatment center or can’t attend in-person care. You receive the same high level of care from licensed therapists as you would with in-person treatment, but from the comfort and privacy of home. Learn more about our virtual IOP for adults.

What to Expect in Our IOP

We use evidence-based therapies to help you develop strategies for success. Our IOP offers:

Process groups: Peers discuss their thoughts and experiences on various topics, such as family dynamics, relationships, self-esteem and relapse triggers.
Psychoeducation: You learn about your diagnosis, its symptoms and how to navigate practical considerations, such as applying for FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act).
Skills building: We teach strategies for distress tolerance, such as progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing and guided imagery.
Wellness sessions: A nurse practitioner (NP) provides education on personal hygiene, self-care and developing healthy routines.
Expressive therapy: You can take part in creative therapies, including art, music, yoga or writing. Sessions are led by certified expressive arts therapists.
Discharge planning: Our staff connects you to services for continued recovery, including referrals to healthcare providers, housing resources and assistance in applying for social security or VA benefits.