Key Takeaways:
- Barn Life Recovery offers an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) in Costa Mesa, Orange County, serving clients across Southern California.
- IOP provides about 3 hours of care per day, several days a week, blending group therapy, individual therapy, family therapy, and holistic modalities.
- What is IOP? It’s a step-down from PHP or residential treatment, ideal for clients who want more freedom while still receiving structured support.
- Most programs last 30–90 days, allowing time to build coping strategies, practice relapse prevention, and strengthen a support network.
- Insurance often covers IOP as part of the continuum of care for mental health conditions and dual diagnosis treatment.
Not everyone needs the intensity of a full-day program. For many, the next step in healing is learning how to balance recovery with work, school, and family life. Barn Life Recovery’s Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) in Costa Mesa is built for exactly that — structured care combined with the independence to live daily life outside of treatment.
Our IOP empowers clients to practice the coping tools they’re learning in real time. Each week, clients attend scheduled sessions that weave together group therapy, individual therapy, and holistic practices like Qigong and mindfulness, while still returning home each day. It’s the balance between accountability and autonomy that helps recovery feel sustainable.
What Is Intensive Outpatient Level of Care?
An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is a common step after inpatient or a residential program. Instead of staying at a rehab facility, clients attend structured outpatient services a few days a week, balancing treatment with work, school, or family life. This level of care is widely recognized as effective in treating mental health disorders and supporting the recovery process.
At Barn Life Recovery, we focus on clients who need more than short-term stabilization. Our intensive outpatient treatment blends CBT, DBT, trauma care, and holistic practices to meet individual needs. While we are not a rehab per say, our approach is designed to treat the underlying conditions that perpetuate addiction, many of our clients come to us with both problems. Our priority is creating the foundation for lasting recovery and true long term recovery.
Who Benefits From IOP
The Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is designed for people who need structured support but also want the freedom to live at home, work, or go to school. It’s a bridge between full-day care and traditional therapy, giving clients the chance to strengthen coping skills, stay accountable, and continue the recovery process while building confidence in daily life.
IOP is especially supportive for people who:
- Have completed residential treatment or a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and are ready to practice more independence.
- Want help managing mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, or PTSD while maintaining work or school.
- Live with dual diagnosis and need both therapeutic care and flexibility.
- Are rebuilding their lives after substance use disorders and want consistent support without stepping away from daily responsibilities.
- Value a program that adapts to their individual needs while encouraging personal freedom.
We have proven success among clients who previously received mental health services with little success. From the veteran diagnosed with PTSD and a co-occurring substance use disorder to the panic attack-ridden mother or corporate employee – Barn Life welcomes you.
What an IOP Schedule Looks Like
The Intensive Outpatient Program runs for about 3 hours per day, several days per week. Clients often participate for 30 to 90 days, depending on their goals and progress.
A typical IOP week may include:
- Group therapy to share experiences, practice life skills, and strengthen accountability.
- Individual therapy to dive deeper into challenges and personal growth.
- Family therapy sessions to improve communication and support at home.
- Holistic modalities such as acupuncture, Qigong, yoga, and breathwork.
- Creative therapies like art and music for emotional expression.
- Case management to track progress and plan for ongoing recovery.
This flexible schedule allows clients to remain actively engaged in their lives while still receiving consistent, professional support.
Is Barn Life Right For You?
Let our kind and helpful admissions coordinators assist in finding the best option – even if it’s not with us.
The Barn Life Difference: Structure Without Confinement
What sets Barn Life apart is our philosophy: recovery should never feel like a cage. In our Costa Mesa IOP, clients are given the freedom to try, stumble, and grow within the safety of structured support.
Chinese medicine practices calm the body, evidence-based therapies strengthen the mind, and the community offers encouragement at every step. By combining Eastern and Western approaches, clients gain resilience and clarity while learning to stand on their own feet.
A Community of Belonging
Barn Life Recovery isn’t just a treatment center — it’s a community of belonging. Every client who walks through our doors is welcomed as part of something larger: a network of peers, therapists, and mentors who see your worth and walk beside you through the ups and downs of recovery. Here, healing is not measured only by reduced symptoms but by the return of joy, connection, and the confidence to live fully again.
What makes our community structure unique:
- Therapist-led groups with depth and care – Sessions are more than clinical exercises; they are safe spaces for honesty, vulnerability, and authentic connection.
- Integration of East and West in community settings – Practices like Qigong, acupuncture, and meditation are shared together, creating collective calm and grounding.
- Peer accountability and encouragement – Clients celebrate progress, challenge old patterns, and learn side by side, reducing isolation and shame.
- Leadership that is present and approachable – Founders and staff are actively engaged, offering guidance that is knowledgeable, compassionate, and down-to-earth.
- Opportunities for self-discovery – Through creative therapies, mindfulness circles, and shared reflection, clients explore who they are beyond diagnosis or addiction.
- Lasting connections beyond treatment – Many clients stay connected through alumni support, sober living partnerships, and continued community events.
At Barn Life, you don’t just receive treatment — you become part of a healing community where growth is witnessed, celebrated, and shared every step of the way.
IOP vs. PHP: Choosing the Right Level of Care
- Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): About 5 hours/day, 5 days per week. Ideal for those needing daily structure and intensive oversight.
- Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): About 3 hours/day, several days per week. Best for those ready for more independence while still needing strong therapeutic guidance.
Both levels of care can be paired with sober living environments for additional support, and both are commonly covered by insurance.
Specialized Care in Southern California
Barn Life Recovery’s IOP serves clients across Southern California, including Costa Mesa, Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego, and the Inland Empire. Because we are deeply rooted in this region, we understand the unique needs of our clients and connect them with trusted support networks, relapse prevention resources, and sober living environments.
Admissions and Insurance
Getting started in IOP doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Our admissions team walks you through every step — from the first phone call to creating a personalized plan. We’ll answer your questions, coordinate any referrals, and make sure you feel supported from day one. We also have a complete admissions process page.
Most insurance providers cover intensive outpatient treatment as part of the continuum of care for mental health disorders and addiction treatment programs. We verify benefits quickly and explain coverage clearly, so you can focus on healing instead of paperwork.
Take the Next Step With Barn Life Recovery
If you’re ready for a program that allows freedom while still offering steady support, our Intensive Outpatient Program in Costa Mesa, CA may be the right fit.
📞 Call our admissions team today or verify your insurance online. Whether you need help managing mental health conditions, dual diagnosis, or life after substance use treatment, Barn Life Recovery is here to guide your next step with balance, structure, and independence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Clients and families often hold off on choosing an outpatient program because the details are overwhelming. We have compiled a list of the most common questions we get about our ROP program in Costa Mesa. These will hopefully help you decide if this level of care is right for you or your loved one.
Can I work or go to school while in IOP?
Yes. One of the biggest benefits of an Intensive Outpatient Program is the flexibility it offers. With only a few hours of treatment per day, clients can continue working, attending school, or caring for family while still receiving structured support.
How long does an IOP usually last?
Most clients attend IOP for 30 to 90 days, though length is tailored to individual needs and progress. This time frame allows enough consistency to strengthen coping strategies and prepare for long-term stability.
What kinds of therapy are included in IOP?
Our IOP blends group therapy, individual therapy, and family therapy with holistic modalities like Qigong, acupuncture, yoga, and art therapy. Clients also learn life skills such as emotional regulation and relapse prevention.
Is IOP covered by insurance?
In many cases, yes. Because IOP is considered a structured level of outpatient care, most insurance providers cover it as part of the continuum of treatment for mental health conditions and dual diagnosis. Our admissions team verifies benefits quickly so you know exactly what’s included.
Who should choose IOP instead of PHP?
IOP is best for people who are stable enough to live at home but still need more support than traditional weekly therapy. If you’ve completed residential treatment or PHP and want to continue your recovery journey with greater independence, IOP provides the right balance of freedom and structure.
Where can I find an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) in Orange County?
Barn Life Recovery offers an Intensive Outpatient Program in Costa Mesa, CA, serving clients across Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego, and the Inland Empire. Our IOP combines evidence-based therapies, holistic modalities, and strong community support to help clients balance recovery with real-life responsibilities.
How does the Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) help clients build life skills?
Our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) in Orange County provides 3 hours of care several days a week. In addition to therapy, clients practice life skills such as emotional regulation, stress management, and healthy coping strategies. This balance of structure and flexibility helps clients integrate recovery tools into daily life.
