IOP is one of the more flexible levels of care and is usually only recommended to those who have completed an inpatient program. Intensive outpatient programming involves anywhere from nine to fifteen hours per week of clinical contact hours ranging from group counseling to individual sessions and on-going psychiatric evaluations. To achieve these hours you are encouraged to participate in group therapy for three hours a day over the course of three days or five days per week depending on the clinical recommendation. Unlike inpatient and residential drug and alcohol addiction treatment programs, you can continue to live at home, continue with your job or school, and enjoy your additional free time with family and friends.