Balancing addiction with work, school, and family responsibilities can feel overwhelming. As substance use progresses, the pull of drugs or alcohol often leads to neglected obligations, strained relationships, and mounting stress.
An intensive outpatient program (IOP) provides structured, evidence-based addiction treatment while allowing individuals to remain at home and continue managing daily responsibilities. Through multiple therapy and counseling sessions each week, this level of care helps individuals identify the underlying causes of addiction, develop healthy coping strategies, and learn practical skills to manage cravings and triggers in real-world settings.
At Golden Gate Recovery in Novato, California, located in Marin County, our intensive outpatient program offers the support men need while maintaining a sense of stability and normalcy throughout treatment. By combining flexibility with clinical structure, our IOP empowers men to build a strong foundation for long-term sobriety without putting their work, education, or family life on hold.
An intensive outpatient program (IOP) is a structured level of addiction treatment that provides multiple therapy and counseling sessions each week while allowing individuals to live at home. IOPs bridge the gap between residential treatment and outpatient treatment, offering more support than standard outpatient care, but do not require 24/7 residential supervision. This makes it an effective option for men who need consistent clinical support while continuing to work, attend school, or care for family.
This level of care focuses on addressing the underlying causes of addiction, developing coping skills, and preventing relapse through evidence-based therapies, recovery education, and ongoing support in real-world settings.
An intensive outpatient program is well-suited for individuals who need structured addiction treatment but do not require 24/7 residential care. This level of care is often appropriate for those who are motivated to recover while maintaining work, school, or family responsibilities.
An IOP may be a good fit for individuals who:
IOP is also an effective option for individuals seeking continued accountability and clinical guidance as they build a foundation for long-term sobriety.
Golden Gate Recovery’s intensive outpatient program typically includes 9–15 hours of treatment per week across several days, providing flexibility while maintaining work, school, and family responsibilities. Each man receives an individualized treatment plan tailored to his clinical needs, recovery goals, and personal circumstances, offering consistent support without the need for residential care.
Throughout the program, men are supported by a compassionate clinical team committed to helping them build confidence, stability, and a strong foundation for long-term recovery. Participants in IOP can expect:
A treatment plan is created based on clinical needs, substance use history, and recovery goals. Ongoing clinical monitoring and accountability allow our medical team to reinforce progress and adjust care as needed.
When clinically indicated, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and psychiatric care are incorporated to support stability and reduce cravings.
Recovery does not end when an intensive outpatient program is complete. Providing a continuum of care fosters successful recovery outcomes. Aftercare planning commonly includes ongoing outpatient therapy, sober living support, alumni programs, and community-based recovery resources. Our goal is to help clients build a solid foundation for lifelong sobriety and emotional well-being.
Relapse prevention planning equips men with practical tools for managing triggers and cravings in everyday environments.
Golden Gate Recovery’s intensive outpatient program provides personalized treatment for a wide range of substance use disorders, helping men address addiction safely while building skills for long-term recovery.
Common substances treated in our IOP include:
Each treatment plan is customized to the client’s substance use history, severity, and co-occurring mental health needs, ensuring a comprehensive approach to recovery. Our integrated care model also addresses co-occurring mental health disorders alongside addiction.
For many individuals, an intensive outpatient program provides the right balance of structure and independence. An IOP’s flexible approach to addiction recovery allows men to receive comprehensive treatment in a supportive environment designed to foster sustainable sobriety and personal growth.
Key benefits include:
Choosing an intensive outpatient program allows men to receive the treatment they need without putting their lives on hold, making it an effective step toward lasting recovery.
An intensive outpatient program is one of several treatment options for addiction, positioned between standard outpatient care and more intensive levels such as residential treatment or partial hospitalization. Understanding the differences can help determine the right level of care for each individual.
Inpatient (residential) treatment provides 24/7 supervision in a structured environment. IOPs allow clients to live at home while receiving several hours of therapy per week, making it suitable for those who are medically stable and have a supportive living environment.
PHP offers a higher level of care with more hours of therapy each week and is often a step down from inpatient treatment. IOP provides fewer hours per week but still delivers structured, evidence-based care, making it ideal for clients transitioning from PHP or stepping up from standard outpatient care.
Standard outpatient programs typically involve one or two sessions per week with limited structure. IOP provides more frequent sessions, individualized treatment plans, and comprehensive support, helping individuals strengthen coping skills and maintain long-term recovery.
By choosing an intensive outpatient program, men can receive the right balance of structure and flexibility, supporting recovery while continuing to meet work, school, or family responsibilities.
Golden Gate Recovery’s intensive outpatient program in Novato, CA, located in Marin County, is built on personalized care, clinical excellence, and compassion. Our experienced multidisciplinary team collaborates closely with each client to ensure continuity of care and long-term success. Men should choose Golden Gate Recovery’s IOP for:
Men will receive the guidance, support, and tools they need to achieve lasting sobriety and reclaim their lives.
If you or a loved one is facing addiction, an intensive outpatient program can be the next step toward lasting recovery. At Golden Gate Recovery in Northern California, we help you determine the right level of care and provide guidance and support throughout the treatment process. Contact us today to begin your path to rebuilding your life.
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Golden Gate Recovery is a grass roots organization created by men in long term recovery with a simple mission: to continue strengthening our therapeutic and peer led community toward the goal of long term recovery for each client.
