If you’re starting to explore treatment for drug or alcohol addiction, you’ll likely come across terms like PHP, IOP, or OP. These refer to different levels of care in addiction treatment, each offering varying degrees of structure, clinical support, and time commitment. Understanding what these levels mean and which one is the right fit for you can make all the difference in finding a program that genuinely supports your recovery.
Sophros Recovery in Jacksonville offers a full continuum of outpatient services designed to meet you where you are. Whether you’re stepping down from a residential program, balancing treatment with work, or just beginning your journey, we aim to help you heal through personalized, evidence-based care.
Let’s walk through the different treatment levels, how to know what you need, and why Sophros might be the right choice for your recovery.
What are the different levels of care in addiction treatment?
Addiction treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all. Most programs fall along a continuum of care, offering support that ranges from highly structured to more flexible, depending on your clinical needs, substance use history, and life situation. Here’s how the levels of care are typically structured:
Partial hospitalization program (PHP)
A partial hospitalization program is the most intensive outpatient option. It’s often recommended for people who have just completed detox or residential care and need a high level of support before transitioning to more independence.
At Sophros, our PHP includes:
- Up to six hours of clinical programming per day, several days per week
- Group and individual therapy
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT), if needed
- Psychiatric and medical support
- Case management and aftercare planning
This level allows you to return home or to a sober living residence in the evenings while continuing intensive therapeutic work during the day.
Intensive outpatient program (IOP)
A step down from PHP, an intensive outpatient program provides a structured treatment schedule without the full-day commitment. It’s ideal for people who are stable enough to manage more independence but still need regular support to maintain progress.
Our IOP at Sophros includes:
- Nine to 12 hours of programming per week
- Evidence-based therapies like CBT, DBT, and ACT
- Mindfulness and trauma-informed approaches
- Optional evening IOP to accommodate work or school schedules
IOP is a good fit for people working toward long-term recovery who must stay connected to clinical care and peer support.
Outpatient program (OP)
The most flexible of the outpatient options, an outpatient program offers minimal weekly structure while keeping you connected to a recovery community and clinical team. It’s often used as a step-down from IOP or for people who have less severe substance use histories.
Our OP includes:
- One to three hours of weekly therapy
- Continued medication management, if appropriate
- Ongoing support with relapse prevention, life skills, and emotional wellness
This level of care is best suited for people who are stable in their recovery but want continued guidance as they reintegrate into daily life.
Explore our addiction treatment programs.
How is the level of care needed determined?
Deciding which level of care is right for you involves more than just picking what sounds most convenient. A full clinical assessment is often the first step in determining what you need to succeed in recovery.
We use a comprehensive intake process to evaluate your:
- Substance use history and patterns
- Mental health status and medical needs
- Risk of withdrawal or relapse
- Current stressors (like housing, legal, or work concerns)
- Support system and home environment
Your level of care may change over time. For example, you might begin in PHP and move to IOP or OP as you gain stability and confidence. We’ll work with you to adjust your treatment plan as your needs evolve.
If you’ve completed a residential program or detox and you’re looking for support that lets you live at home while staying engaged in therapy, our outpatient levels of care in Jacksonville may be a good fit.
What role does medical and psychiatric care play in outpatient treatment?
While outpatient programs are less intensive than inpatient rehab, clinical oversight is still essential, especially for clients managing withdrawal symptoms, co-occurring mental health disorders, or long-term medication needs. At Sophros Recovery, medical and psychiatric services are integrated into every level of care.
Clients in PHP, IOP, or OP may receive:
- Medication-assisted treatment, including Suboxone for opioid use disorder
- Psychiatric evaluations and medication management for mental health conditions
- Ongoing assessments to monitor safety and progress
Because we’re a therapy-centered Jacksonville rehab center, we view medical care as one part of a broader, person-centered approach, not the sole solution. Treatment at Sophros is designed to support your mental, emotional, and physical wellness as you build a stable foundation for recovery.
What does a typical day in outpatient treatment look like?
The experience of outpatient treatment can vary depending on your level of care. Still, all programs share the same goal: to help you develop the skills and support systems needed for lasting recovery.
Here’s a general overview of what clients might experience at each level:
Partial hospitalization
- Morning meditation or mindfulness session
- Group therapy focused on topics like relapse prevention, trauma recovery, or emotional regulation
- Individual therapy with a licensed clinician
- Breaks for meals and reflection
- Medical check-ins or MAT as needed
Intensive outpatient
- Group therapy three to five times per week, often in the morning or evening
- Weekly one-on-one therapy
- Life skills workshops, such as stress management or job readiness
- Case management support for housing, legal, or employment challenges
Outpatient
- Weekly therapy session
- Optional group therapy or alumni meetings
- Continued medication management and care coordination
The structure helps clients maintain momentum in recovery while gradually reclaiming independence. Every aspect of the day is intentional, focusing on healing, connection, and sustainable change.
How do family and community support long-term recovery?
Addiction doesn’t just affect the person struggling with substance use. It impacts the entire family system. That’s why family involvement is essential to treatment at Sophros Recovery. Whether you’re in PHP or OP, we offer support services to help families heal alongside their loved ones.
These may include:
- Family therapy sessions led by licensed clinicians
- Educational workshops about addiction, communication, and boundaries
- Guidance for rebuilding trust and repairing relationships
Beyond the family unit, we also believe in the power of community. Our alumni programming and local partnerships help clients stay connected long after their treatment program ends. This sense of belonging is critical to preventing relapse and encouraging continued growth.
Why Sophros Recovery is the rehab for you
There’s no shortage of treatment options in Florida, but Sophros Recovery offers something different. We’re a Jacksonville rehab center rooted in mindfulness, clinical excellence, and community support. And we’re built for people who want to recover with dignity, flexibility, and personalized care.
Here’s what makes us stand out:
Therapy-first model
We’re a therapy center with a little bit of MAT, not the other way around. Your treatment plan will be grounded in high-quality individual and group therapy using proven approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). We also offer trauma-informed care and family support.
Dual diagnosis support
Many people living with addiction also face mental health challenges like depression, anxiety, or PTSD. We specialize in dual diagnosis treatment, helping you address both simultaneously, so nothing gets overlooked.
Flexible scheduling
Recovery doesn’t mean putting your life on hold. We offer evening IOP options and potentially hybrid (virtual/in-person) formats to make treatment work around your schedule.
Veteran-friendly services
Jacksonville has a strong military presence—and we’re proud to support it. Our veteran-specific program recognizes the unique experiences and needs of those who have served.
Community and aftercare
We believe recovery is a lifelong process, not a one-time event. That’s why we offer alumni support and comprehensive aftercare planning so you always know what’s next. Whether you’re stepping down to a less intensive program or staying connected through peer events, we’re here for the long haul.
Get started with outpatient addiction treatment in Jacksonville
Choosing a rehab program is a big step. Whether you need structured daily care or flexible weekly support, Sophros Recovery offers all levels of outpatient treatment to meet you where you are. We’ll help you understand your options and guide you into the level of care that’s right for your recovery journey.
Call 866.374.0541 or complete our online form to learn more about our programs and how we can help you reclaim your life.
