Intensive Outpatient Program in Colorado | Acqua Recovery
At Acqua Recovery, we understand that recovery from addiction isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) in Colorado provides flexible, comprehensive treatment that fits your life, allowing you to maintain work, school, and family commitments while receiving the expert care you need. With locations in both Boulder and Fort Collins, we’re making recovery accessible across Colorado with evidence-based treatment modalities delivered by our highly experienced clinical team.

What Is an Intensive Outpatient Program?
An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) offers structured therapy and support while allowing you to live at home during your recovery journey. Our Colorado IOP is designed for individuals who:
- Need more support than weekly therapy but don’t require 24-hour residential care
- Are transitioning from a higher level of care, such as residential treatment
- Seek to maintain daily responsibilities while receiving treatment
- Need flexible scheduling options to accommodate work or school
Our program meets three times per week for three-hour sessions, providing the perfect balance of intensive therapeutic support and flexibility to maintain your daily life.
Our Fort Collins location offers both daytime and evening IOP options to accommodate your schedule:
- Daytime IOP: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday from 9:30am-12:30pm
- Evening IOP: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday from 5:30pm-8:30pm
Our Boulder location currently offers:
- IOP Program: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday from 9:30am-12:30pm
Evidence-Based Treatment Approaches
What sets our Colorado Intensive Outpatient Program apart is our comprehensive, integrated approach to addiction treatment. We utilize multiple evidence-based therapeutic modalities, including:
Helps identify and change negative thought patterns
Builds skills in emotional regulation and distress tolerance
A powerful approach deeply integrated into all aspects of our program
A structured approach for facing addiction
A trauma-informed approach for addressing PTSD and substance use
A specialized curriculum for developing present-moment awareness

Holistic Treatment Components
Recovery encompasses mind, body, and spirit. Our Colorado IOP integrates holistic treatment components including:
Express emotions and insights through creative expression
Use the power of music for healing and self-discovery
Creative therapeutic writing program specifically designed for recovery
Auricular acupuncture to reduce cravings and stress
Gentle movement practices that support recovery
Action-based group therapy for processing emotions
Technique for resolving internal conflicts

Specialized Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders
Our Colorado IOP specializes in treating substance use disorders alongside co-occurring mental health conditions. We understand that many people struggling with addiction also face challenges with:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- PTSD
- Bipolar disorder
- Other mental health conditions
Our integrated approach addresses both substance use and underlying mental health concerns, creating a foundation for lasting recovery.
Expert Clinical Team
Our Colorado IOP programs are led by highly credentialed clinicians with specialized training in:
- Multiple addictions (both substance and process addictions)
- Advanced trauma treatment modalities including EMDR
- Sexual addiction treatment (CSAT certification)
- Multiple addiction treatment (CMAT certification)
- LGBTQIA+ affirming care (RAE and RACS certifications)
Our clinicians serve as faculty and national supervisors for addiction treatment organizations, bringing world-class expertise to your recovery journey.

Why Choose Acqua Recovery's Colorado IOP
When you choose our Intensive Outpatient Program in Colorado, you’re not just getting addiction treatment—you’re getting a comprehensive healing experience that addresses the root causes of addiction through:
- Trauma-Informed Care: Understanding that addiction is often a symptom of deeper emotional wounds
- Individualized Treatment Plans: Tailored to your specific needs and readiness
- Integrated Approach: Treating addiction, mental health, and trauma together
- Flexible Scheduling: Daytime and evening options to fit your life
- Expert Clinical Team: Highly trained professionals with specialized certifications
- Evidence-Based Methods: Therapies proven to be effective for addiction recovery
Benefits of Intensive Outpatient Treatment
Our Colorado Intensive Outpatient Program offers unique advantages that make it an ideal choice for many individuals in recovery:
Maintain Your Daily Life
Unlike residential treatment, IOP allows you to continue working, attending school, or caring for family members while receiving intensive addiction treatment. You can apply recovery skills in real-world situations immediately, strengthening your ability to maintain sobriety in everyday life.
Flexible Scheduling Options
With both daytime and evening IOP sessions available in Fort Collins, our program accommodates various schedules. Whether you’re a working professional, student, or parent, you can find a time that works for your life.
Build a Strong Support Network
IOP provides the opportunity to connect with peers in recovery while maintaining relationships with family and friends. This dual support system creates a robust foundation for long-term recovery success.
Cost-Effective Treatment
Intensive outpatient treatment is typically more affordable than residential care while still providing comprehensive therapeutic support. Most insurance plans cover IOP services, making quality addiction treatment accessible.
Gradual Transition to Independence
IOP serves as an excellent step-down from residential treatment or as primary treatment for those who don’t require 24-hour care. The program gradually builds confidence and independence while maintaining therapeutic support.
Real-World Application
Practice recovery skills in your actual living environment rather than a controlled setting. This real-world application helps you identify and address triggers, stressors, and challenges in your daily life with therapeutic support.
Family Involvement
Because you remain at home during treatment, family members can more easily participate in your recovery process, attend family therapy sessions, and learn how to best support your journey.
Longer Treatment Duration
IOP programs typically last longer than residential treatment, allowing for more thorough processing of underlying issues and the development of coping strategies essential for sustained recovery.


Frequently Asked Questions
The length of our Colorado IOP varies based on individual needs and progress. Most clients participate for 8-12 weeks, attending three sessions per week. Your treatment team will regularly assess your progress and adjust the duration based on your recovery goals and clinical needs.
Our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) meets three times per week for three hours each session, while our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) is more intensive, meeting Monday-Friday for full days. PHP is ideal for those stepping down from residential treatment or needing more intensive support, while IOP works well for those balancing treatment with work or school responsibilities.
Absolutely. Our Colorado IOP is specifically designed to accommodate work and school schedules. In Fort Collins, we offer both daytime sessions (9:30am-12:30pm) and evening sessions (5:30pm-8:30pm) Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. This flexibility allows you to maintain your responsibilities while receiving intensive addiction treatment.
Our Colorado IOP stands out through our highly integrated approach using Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy throughout all treatment components, not just in isolated sessions. Our clinical team includes nationally recognized experts with specialized certifications in trauma, multiple addictions, and LGBTQIA+ affirming care. We also offer unique therapeutic modalities like SpeakOut! creative writing therapy and Mindfulness in Recovery curriculum that many other programs don’t provide.
Call Our Colorado Drug Rehab Now: (866) 830-4628
Acqua Recovery’s Colorado drug rehab center is in-network with Medicaid and UnitedHealthcare, and accepts many other insurance plans. Contact our admissions team today to verify your coverage.