Recovery isn’t one single step. It’s a process that happens over time, with the right support and the right tools. The Carter Treatment Center offers multiple levels of care for outpatient addiction treatment.
The intensive outpatient program (IOP) at The Carter Treatment Center is designed for people who are ready to continue treatment while rebuilding life outside of a full-day program.
IOP gives you strong clinical support, multiple therapy sessions each week, and a structured way to stay accountable while allowing you to live at home, work, go to school, or take care of your family.
With multiple locations in the Atlanta metro area, we are committed to providing accessible behavioral healthcare to Georgians. Reach out today to learn more.
Stepping down from more intensive treatment? Our IOP is the right fit for you.
An IOP is a step down from a partial hospitalization program (PHP), but more structured than standard outpatient therapy. Think of it as the “middle level” of care; you get the support you need, but still have room to live your life.
IOP includes:
Most people in IOP attend treatment for several hours a day, a few days each week. That means you can stay committed to recovery without stepping away from everyday responsibilities.
You may be a good fit for IOP if:
IOP is a highly effective level of care for people who are motivated to stay engaged but still need guidance, accountability, and community support.
While every person’s plan is personalized, most IOP schedules include a mix of:
Peers share experiences and learn recovery strategies together with a licensed clinician.
You meet one-on-one with a therapist to explore triggers, trauma, mental health, and personal goals.
Topics may include emotional regulation, relapse prevention, stress management, rebuilding relationships, and handling life in sobriety.
You’ll learn how substance use affects the brain, body, and behavior — and how recovery restores balance.
IOP includes treatment for co-occurring issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, or PTSD.
For people recovering from alcohol or opioid addiction, MAT may be used as part of treatment when medically appropriate.
IOP at The Carter Treatment Center includes evidence-based approaches such as:
These therapies help you understand how addiction developed, how to prevent relapse, how to manage emotions, and how to build a life that supports long-term sobriety.
Here are some of the reasons people benefit from IOP:
Many people describe IOP as the phase where recovery starts to “take root” and where they begin to feel stronger, clearer, and more confident in a sober life.
Most clients stay in IOP for several weeks to several months. The length depends on:
You’ll work with your treatment team to decide when it’s time to move to the next step, such as OP or aftercare.
At no point will you be rushed or released before you’re ready.
Recovery doesn’t stop when IOP ends. Most people step down to:
We’ll help you plan for success long after this level of care is complete.
Intensive outpatient programs help many people get the same benefits as inpatient care while living at home.
These numbers indicate the growing need for behavioral health services both nationally and in Georgia.
We know you have behavioral health options in the Atlanta area, so what sets us apart? When you enroll at The Carter Treatment Center, you’ll see that:
We offer IOP in two metro Atlanta locations, so help is always close to home:
You don’t have to choose between getting help and keeping your life together. With IOP, you can start healing while staying present for the things that matter most.
An IOP offers a structured treatment schedule with several therapy sessions each week while allowing clients to live at home. It provides strong clinical support but with the flexibility to work, attend school, or care for family while in recovery.
IOP sits between PHP and a traditional outpatient treatment program (OP) in terms of structure. It offers fewer therapy hours than PHP but more than traditional outpatient care. This makes it ideal for people who need continued support after a higher level of care or those who want intensive therapy without full-day treatment.
IOP combines individual therapy, group sessions, family counseling, and wellness education. You’ll work on relapse prevention, emotional regulation, and stress management, with ongoing access to medication management and holistic therapies as needed.
Length varies by person. Most clients attend for several weeks or months, depending on their progress and goals. The Carter Treatment Center team reviews each plan regularly to help you transition smoothly into outpatient treatment or aftercare when ready.
Our intensive outpatient program is available in both Alpharetta and Jefferson, serving communities across metro Atlanta. Each location offers flexible scheduling, compassionate staff, and a supportive environment to help you build long-term recovery.
If you’re not sure whether IOP is the level of care you need, we can help. Our team will complete a confidential assessment and guide you toward the right fit, even if you’re not sure where to begin.
You don’t have to figure this out alone. We’ll walk you through each step.
Wherever you are in the metro Atlanta area, we’re here when you’re ready.
Call us today at (470) 616-7274 or reach out online.
You are not alone. There is still time. There is still hope. And there is help right here near you.
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