What’s the Difference Between PHP, IOP, and OP?

At Lake Ave Recovery, we believe that the best treatment comes from matching a person’s needs with the appropriate level of care. This is because individuals can only reach effective and successful recovery if they receive the care that meets their specific needs and goals.

Our experienced medical and clinical staff use a comprehensive assessment to determine which level of treatment would be most suitable based on the American Society of Addiction Medicine’s placement criteria.



Our medical and clinical staff begin with psychological and cognitive evaluations, so we can better understand your history with addiction, identify any co-occurring disorders that may affect your treatment, and place you in the appropriate care. Our addiction advisors also consider a client’s daily schedule and responsibilities when deciding the best level of care for them.

The assessment will ultimately help determine our recommendation for the Day Treatment Program, often called Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), Evening Treatment Program, or an Outpatient Program.

The Partial Hospitalization Program

A Partial Hospitalization Program is most suitable for individuals who benefit from a structured and routine treatment schedule. This level of care involves our most comprehensive and intensive therapeutic services, with the flexibility of maintaining and strengthening social and family commitments. Individuals who are coming from an inpatient setting often transition very well into PHP. It provides them with independence but also a strong sense of community and support.

PHP is our most comprehensive level of care, meeting Monday-Saturday from 9 AM to 3 PM. This day treatment program offers trauma-informed holistic care that includes an individualized treatment plan that focuses on a person’s strengths, weaknesses, and preferences. Several mindfulness and experiential activities are worked into your day at Lake Ave Recovery while in PHP.

Day or Evening Intensive Outpatient Program

IOP services are designed to provide flexible treatment that promotes stabilization and routine to individuals in recovery. IOP facilitates a rapid and stable reintegration into the community as a step down from an inpatient program.

The Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is often the treatment of choice for most substance use disorders, including opioid dependence. IOP is offered Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or evenings Monday-Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. This half-day program includes a psycho-educational group and individual therapy, along with complementary holistic and experiential activities.

The Evening IOP Treatment Program is tailored for individuals with work, education, or family responsibilities. We provide short-term evening programming that consists of intensive treatment within a stable therapeutic milieu.

Outpatient Program

Our Outpatient Program is our least intensive level of care designed for people who want additional support in making healthy lifestyle choices and those with other life obligations which cannot commit to a more intensive level of care.

Outpatient treatment options are suitable for those concerned with life, career, or childcare obligations. People in outpatient treatment attend group and individual counseling sessions and work with therapists to develop sober living skills. With outpatient treatment, you can find help for your substance use disorder without having to uproot your entire life.

Why Choose Lake Ave Recovery for Addiction Treatment?

Whether in PHP, IOP, or OP, Lake Ave Recovery’s therapeutic services go beyond talk therapy. Experiential or mindfulness activities, which include restorative sessions in a quiet lake cove, forest bathing, nature walks, light strength and fitness training, yoga, Tai-Chi, Qigong, Therapeutic Massage, Reiki, or any number of new and engaging activities, provide innovative and novel experiences to enhance healing. Our on-site therapy dogs assist our professional curative team in delivering the comforting and uplifting atmosphere we pride ourselves on.

Our seasonal activities are what truly sets us apart and include kayaking, rowing, sailing, and boating. Our clinicians join you on this transformative journey and participate in all the activities alongside a certified instructor.

To learn more about our levels of care, call 508-794-4400