What Is an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)?
IOP is a structured mental health program that provides more support than weekly therapy—but with the flexibility to live at home.
Intensive Outpatient Program is ideal for:
Levels of Care Comparison Table
Level of Care
Outpatient
IOP
Who We Treat
Our IOP is exclusively for military-connected individuals:
Veterans
Active Duty Service Members
Military Dependents
What We Treat
Our team specializes in trauma-informed, evidence-based care for a wide range of challenges. While every care plan is customized, we commonly help individuals working through:
What a Typical Day Looks Like
Small-group sessions focused on trauma, coping, or substance use
Program Length
Virtual or in-person options available

Not Sure If IOP Is Right for You?
If you’re wondering whether this program is a fit, here’s a quick self-check:
Talk to a care coordinator today—no pressure, no commitment
What Makes Solara Different?
Can I Still Work or Care for My Family While in IOP?
Yes. We designed our program around real-life responsibilities

Is IOP Safe for Active Duty Careers?
Yes. Many service members complete IOP with no career disruption.
If you’re unsure how to talk to your command or need help navigating approvals, we’ll walk you through it.
Call us or complete our secure intake form
We verify your coverage and assist with any VA referrals
You’ll complete a clinical assessment
If appropriate, you can begin treatment within 1–2 business days
Real Stories From Those We Serve
The structure and support changed everything for me. I wasn’t alone anymore.
Solara helped me understand what trauma did to my mind—and how to heal.
I didn’t know outpatient care could be this powerful. It gave me structure, clarity, and the tools I needed to stay grounded—without putting my life on hold.
I came here broke. I left with a plan, a purpose, and peace. Solara helped me face the things I kept buried. Now I can breathe again.
At first, I didn’t think group therapy was for me. But when I showed up, I realized I wasn’t alone. I didn’t have to say everything—I just had to be there.
Frequently Asked Questions
An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is a structured mental health treatment model that provides multiple hours of therapy several days per week while allowing participants to live at home.
It offers a higher level of care than standard outpatient therapy without requiring inpatient hospitalization.
Inpatient care requires 24/7 residential treatment, while Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) typically provide 6–8 hours of care per day.
IOP offers 3–6 hours of care per day, 3–5 days a week, making it ideal for individuals who need intensive support while maintaining daily responsibilities.
Yes. IOP is often recommended as a step-down level of care after inpatient or residential treatment. It helps individuals transition back into daily life while continuing to receive structured therapy and support.
Solara’s IOP serves Veterans, Active Duty service members, and Military Dependents (spouses and adult children).
Individuals must meet clinical criteria for intensive outpatient care, which will be determined during a pre-admission assessment.
Yes. Solara’s IOP is covered through the VA Community Care Network, TriWest, and TRICARE.
Our admissions team can help verify your benefits and assist with any required referrals or prior authorizations.
Absolutely. We coordinate directly with your VA provider to request a referral through the VA Community Care Network and guide you through the entire process to access covered care.
Our IOP addresses a wide range of conditions, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, and co-occurring diagnoses.
Care plans are personalized based on your clinical needs and goals.
Yes. Solara’s IOP provides integrated treatment for co-occurring disorders, addressing both substance use and underlying mental health conditions simultaneously to support lasting recovery.
Solara’s IOP includes a blend of evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), EMDR, and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), along with holistic approaches like mindfulness, art therapy, and movement-based practices.
Treatment plans are customized to each participant’s goals and clinical needs.
Yes. We specialize in trauma-informed care, including treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Military Sexual Trauma (MST).
Our clinicians are trained in evidence-based trauma therapies such as EMDR, CPT, and DBT.
You can begin by calling us directly or completing our secure online intake form.
Our admissions team will verify your insurance, coordinate any necessary referrals, and schedule a clinical assessment—often within 1–2 business days.
A typical day in IOP may include individual therapy, group sessions, medication management, and holistic therapies like mindfulness or art therapy.
Programming is offered in morning or afternoon blocks to accommodate your schedule.
The average length of stay in IOP is 6 to 12 weeks, depending on your progress and personal treatment plan.
Some individuals may benefit from a longer or shorter duration based on clinical needs.
Yes. Our IOP is designed to fit around your life. With flexible scheduling and 3–6 hour treatment blocks, many participants continue working, parenting, or attending school while in the program.
Yes. We provide HIPAA-compliant virtual IOP for eligible individuals across Montana. Virtual care offers the same therapies, structure, and clinical oversight as in-person treatment, delivered via secure video sessions
We understand that life happens. If you miss a session, our team will work with you to reschedule when possible and ensure continuity of care. Regular attendance is encouraged to support best outcomes.
No. Seeking behavioral health care is protected and confidential. Many Active Duty service members complete IOP without affecting their duty status or career progression. We can assist with command coordination if needed.
Yes. Your privacy is protected under federal law (HIPAA). Information about your treatment is never shared without your consent, except in cases of safety or legal obligation.
It’s normal to feel hesitant. You’re not expected to share everything right away.
Our groups are led by experienced clinicians and designed to foster trust, safety, and peer support among individuals with shared experiences.
No. You’re in control of what you share and when.
Healing happens at your pace, and we honor your boundaries every step of the way.
Take the First Step—Don't Wait Another Day
You don’t need perfect timing or perfect words—just the courage to reach out. We’ll handle the rest.