Mental Health Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) in Laguna Hills
Flexible Mental Health Treatment That Fits Around Your Life
Getting mental health support shouldn’t mean putting your whole life on hold. An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) gives you consistent, structured treatment a few hours a day, so you can keep up with work, school, and family while you build the skills to feel better.
At California Care Recovery, our mental health IOP in Laguna Hills combines individual and group therapy, creative and body-centered approaches, and psychiatric support when you need it. It’s a flexible way to keep making progress, whether you’re stepping down from a higher level of care or starting treatment for the first time.
What Is an Intensive Outpatient Program?
An Intensive Outpatient Program offers more support than traditional weekly therapy, with fewer hours than a Partial Hospitalization Program. Our IOP meets 3, 4, or 5 days a week for 3 hours a day, so your schedule can be tailored to your needs. Each week includes 1 individual therapy session, with doctor visits as needed to support your care.
Many people join IOP as a step down from partial hospitalization or mental health residential treatment. Others start here when they need more than weekly therapy but want to stay fully connected to daily life.
IOP may be a good fit if you:
- Need more support than weekly therapy provides
- Are stepping down from PHP or residential mental health care
- Want to keep working, going to school, or caring for family during treatment
- Have a safe, stable home environment
- Are ready to practice new coping skills in everyday life
What a Week in IOP Looks Like
Our IOP gives you steady, structured support a few hours a day, with a schedule that can flex around your life.
Whether you attend 3, 4, or 5 days a week is based on your needs. Your care team will build your schedule with you during your assessment.
Therapies in Our Intensive Outpatient Program
Your IOP schedule blends evidence-based therapy with creative and body-centered approaches, so you can keep building skills that carry into everyday life.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- EMDR
- Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Anger Management
- Behavior Modification
- Creative Healing
IOP vs. PHP: Which Is Right for You?
Both programs are part of our mental health outpatient care in Laguna Hills. The main difference is how much time and support each one includes.
| Program Details | This ProgramIntensive Outpatient (IOP) | More SupportPartial Hospitalization (PHP)Learn about PHP → |
|---|---|---|
| Days per Week | 3, 4, or 5 days a week | 5 days a week |
| Hours per Day | 3 hours a day | 4 hours a day |
| Individual Therapy | 1 session per week | 2 sessions per week |
| Doctor Visits | As needed | Weekly |
| Location | Laguna Hills | Laguna Hills |
| Often a Good Fit For | Building on progress while balancing work, school, or family | Stepping down from residential care, or when symptoms need daily structure |
- A unique schedule based on your situation and environment
- Skills development relevant to your lifestyle and symptoms
- Identification and support of your personal recovery goals
- Accommodation of cultural, religious, or personal beliefs and practices
- A safe space to explore self-expression and emotion regulation
- A holistic approach focused on you as an individual
Not sure which program fits? Our team will recommend the right level of care after your assessment. Explore Mental Health Outpatient or call (949) 281-7823.
Intensive Outpatient Program FAQs
What is an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)?
An Intensive Outpatient Program offers structured mental health treatment a few hours a day, several days a week. It provides more support than weekly therapy while letting you stay connected to work, school, and family.
How many hours a week is your IOP?
Our mental health IOP meets 3, 4, or 5 days a week for 3 hours a day, depending on your needs. Each week includes 1 individual therapy session, with doctor visits as needed.
What's the difference between IOP and PHP?
IOP is a step down from PHP, with fewer hours and more flexibility. Our IOP meets 3 to 5 days a week for 3 hours a day, while our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) meets 5 days a week for 4 hours a day, with 2 individual therapy sessions and a weekly doctor visit.
Can I work or go to school while in IOP?
Many people do. IOP is designed to fit around daily responsibilities, and your care team will work with you to build a schedule that supports both your treatment and your life.
Who is a good fit for IOP?
IOP is often a good fit for people stepping down from PHP or residential care, or for those who need more support than weekly therapy but want to stay fully connected to daily life. Our team will help you decide if IOP is the right level of care after your assessment.
Where is your mental health IOP located?
Our IOP is offered at our outpatient location at 27075 Cabot Rd #109 in Laguna Hills, CA.
Does insurance cover IOP?
California Care Recovery accepts most major PPO insurance plans. Our admissions team can verify your benefits at no cost to you and explain your coverage before you begin.
If you or someone you love is in crisis, call or text 988 or call 911.