Intensive Outpatient (IOP) Eating Disorder Treatment
Recovery doesn’t have to mean stepping away from your life. At NewCircle, our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for eating disorders offers a path forward—where healing fits into your daily routine, not the other way around. It’s a space to stay connected, feel supported, and keep growing—one meaningful step at a time.
What is an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)?
NewCircle’s eating disorder Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) provides a lower level of care for teens and adults seeking long-term recovery. Unlike residential or partial hospitalization programs, IOP does not require overnight stays or full-day attendance. Instead, it provides structured, therapeutic support several days a week, giving you the freedom to return to work, school, or home life while continuing your healing journey.
IOP is often recommended for individuals who are stepping down from a more intensive level of care, such as residential treatment or PHP, but still need ongoing support. Our program includes multiple hours of group and individual therapy each week, typically spread across 3–5 days, with sessions lasting between 3–4 hours a day. It’s held in the same warm, community-centered space as our residential care, providing continuity, peer support, and connection.
What’s a typical day in IOP treatment look like?
While every treatment plan is personalized, a typical IOP day includes:
- Individual therapy with your primary clinician
- Group sessions focused on skill-building, body image, and emotion regulation
- Meal or snack support with nutrition education
- Creative or movement-based group activities
- Check-ins with the care team and ongoing progress planning
Most clients attend IOP 4 days per week, 3 hours per day. We offer both adolescent and adult tracks, with LGBTQ+ affirming and inclusive care at every step.
Benefits of IOP eating disorder treatment
Flexible Scheduling
Our IOP is designed to fit into real life, with options that allow you to continue attending work, school, or family commitments.
Step-Down or Standalone Support
Whether you’re transitioning from a higher level of care or beginning your path with structured outpatient therapy, IOP meets you where you are.
Consistent, Evidence-Based Therapy
Engage in both group and individual therapy sessions grounded in proven approaches that support lasting healing.
Supportive Community Environment
IOP takes place in a welcoming, therapeutic environment where connection, compassion, and peer support are integral to the healing process.
Nutritional Guidance
Our team provides support to help you strengthen your relationship with food and build trust around nourishment.
Real-World Application of Skills
Apply the tools you’re learning to your daily life, then return to a supportive space to reflect, regroup, and reinforce your progress.
How it works
Admissions & Assessment
We begin with a comprehensive clinical assessment and intake to understand your history, needs, and current schedule. Based on this, we develop a personalized IOP plan tailored to your needs.
Treatment Engagement
You’ll attend 3–4 hour sessions, 3 to 5 days per week, for a minimum of 9 hours weekly. Treatment includes group and individual therapy, supported meals/snacks, and experiential groups.
Transition & Aftercare
When clinically appropriate, we help you step down to traditional outpatient care. Discharge planning begins early, so your next chapter feels grounded, supported, and clear.
Frequently asked questions
Who is eating disorder IOP for?
An intensive outpatient program is designed for people who need more than weekly therapy but don’t require the full-day structure of PHP or residential care.
Can I work or go to school during eating disorder IOP?
Yes, and for most people this is one of the things that makes intensive outpatient treatment the right fit. IOP runs three to four hours a day, three to five days a week.
What is an intensive outpatient program for eating disorders?
IOP sits between PHP and traditional weekly therapy. It gives you real clinical structure several days a week without asking you to put your whole life on hold.
What is the difference between eating disorder IOP and outpatient therapy?
Frequency, depth, and the team around you provide significant differences in support.
Do you have to complete PHP before starting eating disorder IOP?
No, IOP can also be a starting point for people who don’t need a higher level of care.
Is eating disorder IOP covered by insurance?
Yes, it is a covered benefit under many major insurance plans.
Does NewCircle offer eating disorder IOP for teenagers?
Yes. NewCircle serves adolescents starting at age 13 with developmentally appropriate care.
Begin your recovery journey right here
You don’t have to do this alone. At NewCircle, we’ve created a welcoming space without pressure. Whether you’re exploring treatment for the first time or returning to care, we’re here for you.