Outpatient Substance Abuse Treatment in Utah | PHP & IOP Programs

Why Choose Outpatient Substance Abuse Treatment in Utah?
Outpatient substance abuse treatment in Utah provides flexible, evidence-based addiction recovery services without requiring residential stay. At Acqua Recovery’s Midway location, we offer comprehensive outpatient programs including Partial Hospitalization (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient (IOP) treatment designed for individuals seeking effective addiction care while maintaining their daily responsibilities.
- Clients in residential programs live on-site, while outpatient clients live in their own homes
- Residential programs have a rigorous, activity-filled schedule that helps clients add structure to their day. Outpatient clients follow a part-time schedule and structure the rest of the day on their own.
- Outpatient addiction treatment in Utah may be delivered online or in person, while residential services are always in person
Our outpatient programs are designed for clients who need support in their recovery journey but do not need around-the-clock supervision.
How Do Outpatient Programs Work?
Outpatient programs are part of the addiction treatment continuum of care. Clients attend treatment and services at our peaceful facility for a portion of the day. Our outpatient drug rehab in Utah connects clients to our skilled treatment team and addiction treatment specialists.
Our outpatient programs include therapy sessions, experiential activities, and education courses. Clients have the chance to practice their coping skills in the real world and create healthy routines that will support their ongoing recovery.
Acqua Recovery delivers outpatient programs at two levels of intensity: Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Addiction Treatment (IOP).
Clients in PHPs attend treatment at our facility five days a week for 7 ½ hours per day. The IOP program operates at a lower intensity of 10 hours per week.
Our partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient program Utah location is serene, private, and ideal for recovery and healing.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
The Partial Hospitalization Program or PHP is recommended after the completion of your residential addiction treatment stay. Partial Hospitalization offers the same treatment modalities that our residential program does, but allows clients to experience more independence and autonomy to practice the recovery tools they have learned in the real world. Despite the name, it does not involve a hospital stay; rather, PHP clients attend treatment at our facility.
Our PHP program takes place every weekday, from 8:15 am to 5 pm. It provides structure for those early days post-treatment, and offers enough clinical contact to allow you to continue working on areas in which you may be struggling in your recovery.
When to Consider a PHP?
PHPs are designed to provide clients with continuing clinical contact and support after completing a residential addiction treatment program. PHPs are also an option for individuals who need more flexibility in their schedules due to work, caregiving, or other responsibilities.
Who Should Consider a PHP?
Clients looking for outpatient addiction treatment in Utah should consider if a partial hospitalization program (PHP) would meet their needs. PHPs are recommended in the following scenarios:
- Clients who have recently completed residential treatment and require ongoing support
- Clients with a safe and structured home environment
- Clients who have a significant risk of relapse without treatment
- Clients with a dual diagnosis, such as depression
Benefits of a PHP?
PHPs are structured but flexible.
- Clients can benefit from clinical contact and treatment support while resuming some aspects of their daily lives.
PHP can ease the transition back into society.
- Clients are better equipped to manage their sobriety after completing an inpatient program. However, most need ongoing services to reduce their chances of relapse. PHPs enable clients to continue treatment while learning how to navigate their recovery in their everyday lives.
Most PHPs are covered by insurers.
- Addiction treatment is an essential health benefit that most health insurance companies must provide.
- If a client is enrolled in the VA and inpatient rehab treatment services are covered under their benefits, PHP services may also be covered.
Intensive Outpatient Addiction Treatment In Midway, Utah
IOP or Intensive Outpatient treatment is a step down from PHP and is perfect for the person who needs continued support in early recovery. Similar to PHP, our IOP program takes place on a part-time basis, with just 10 hours of clinical time per week. IOP meets on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, from 1 pm to 4 pm. Programming includes group discussion, educational sessions, and one individual therapy session per week. This program gives clients the opportunity to start exploring the next steps in their lives, their recovery, their vocation, and their hobbies more intensively than they might on their own.
When to Consider an Intensive Outpatient Program
Intensive outpatient programs are the final step in the addiction continuum of care, but also serve as the treatment entry point for some clients. Since IOPs deliver programming three days a week, clients have much more time on their own. For this reason, IOPs are recommended in the following circumstances:
- As a follow-up to inpatient or PHP treatment
- Transportation or other barriers to in-person services
Who Should Consider an IOP?
IOP programs offer the same specialized support as other outpatient addiction treatment programs, just on a less intensive basis. IOPs are best suited for clients who meet the following criteria:
- Recently completed an inpatient or partial hospitalization program (PHP)
- Mild addiction or recently formed addiction
- Have a safe home environment and structured lifestyle that reduces the risk of relapse
Benefits Of Intensive Outpatient Treatment Program
IOPs provide a balance between treatment and everyday life
- IOP programs offer a level of discretion and flexibility that benefit many clients, especially individuals managing a white collar drug addiction while employed in demanding work environments.
- IOP hours also accommodate parents and caregivers who cannot delegate their responsibilities.
IOPs can improve access to care
- Clients can attend IOPs virtually. This format makes treatment accessible to individuals who cannot travel to our facility.
IOPs provide the right amount of support for individuals with mild addictions
- People with mild addictions may not feel comfortable entering a more intensive outpatient program rehab and may try to manage on their own. An IOP is an ideal approach for early intervention and mild addiction treatment.

PHP & IOP Addiction Treatment Programs
Both PHP and IOP utilize the same customized modalities that are central to our residential addiction treatment program, including:
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Gender processing groups
- Psycho-education
- Experiential activities
- And more
Completing Acqua’s full continuum of care (residential, PHP & IOP), allows clients to experience more freedom as we help them navigate the early stages of recovery. If you feel you need extra support, you may step up to a more intensive level of care at any time.
Still unsure what level of treatment you need? Give our admissions team — Matt, Brian & Ashlee — a call. They’ll listen to your situation and help you figure out the best course of action for you.
What is the success rate of PHP?
- Nationwide, partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) have an average success rate of between 50 and 60%. However, entering an intensive outpatient program after leaving a PHP is associated with higher recovery rates.
What is the success rate of IOP?
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Success rates vary by substance type, patient demographic, and intensive outpatient program. Utah and other states report client success rates of 70% or above.
Benefits of Outpatient Substance Abuse Treatment at Acqua Recovery Utah
Choosing outpatient substance abuse treatment in Utah means accessing world-class addiction care while remaining connected to your community, family, and daily life. At Acqua Recovery’s Midway location, we’ve designed our PHP and IOP programs to provide the clinical intensity you need for lasting recovery, combined with the flexibility that allows you to maintain your responsibilities and practice sobriety skills in real-world settings.
Accessible Location in the Heart of Utah’s Wasatch Mountains
Acqua Recovery is conveniently located in Midway, Utah, making our outpatient programs easily accessible from major population centers throughout the state. Clients regularly attend treatment from Salt Lake City (45 minutes), Park City (20 minutes), Provo (40 minutes), Ogden (1 hour), and throughout Utah County. Our mountain setting provides a peaceful, healing environment away from urban triggers while remaining close enough for daily commutes during PHP or three-times-weekly visits for IOP.
The serene Heber Valley location offers something unique among Utah outpatient programs—immediate access to nature and outdoor experiential therapies that complement traditional clinical treatment. This combination of accessibility and natural healing environment sets Acqua Recovery apart from urban outpatient facilities.
Integration with Utah’s Recovery Community
Utah has a strong, supportive recovery community, and our outpatient programs help clients build connections with local resources that support long-term sobriety. Acqua Recovery maintains relationships with Utah-based 12-step groups, SMART Recovery meetings, sober living facilities, and community support organizations throughout the Wasatch Front. We help clients identify local meetings and support groups they can attend during and after treatment.
Our clinical team understands the unique cultural landscape of Utah and tailors treatment approaches to respect individual beliefs while providing evidence-based addiction care. We also connect clients with Utah-specific resources like the Utah Department of Human Services Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health, local peer support specialists, and employment assistance programs that support recovery.
Maintain Family, Work, and Life Connections During Treatment
One of the most significant advantages of outpatient substance abuse treatment in Utah is the ability to remain present in your daily life while receiving intensive addiction care. Unlike residential treatment that removes you from your routine for 30-90 days, our PHP and IOP programs allow you to sleep at home, maintain employment (with some schedule adjustments), continue your education, and stay actively involved with your family.
This continuity provides powerful benefits: you can immediately apply coping skills learned in therapy to real-life situations, maintain income and health insurance during treatment, participate in your children’s daily activities, and avoid the career disruption that longer residential stays can create. Many clients find that maintaining these connections throughout treatment—rather than rebuilding them after—leads to stronger, more sustainable recovery.
Our family therapy components actively involve your loved ones in the recovery process, helping them understand addiction as a family disease and providing tools to support your sobriety. Utah families often serve as crucial accountability partners during outpatient treatment.
Insurance Coverage and Financial Accessibility in Utah
Acqua Recovery works with most major insurance providers serving Utah residents, including SelectHealth, University of Utah Health Plans, Regence BlueCross BlueShield, Aetna, Cigna, and United Healthcare. Our admissions team verifies your specific benefits for outpatient treatment, explains your coverage for PHP and IOP programs, and provides clear information about any out-of-pocket costs before you begin treatment.
Most insurance plans cover 50-80% of outpatient substance abuse treatment costs after deductibles, making PHP and IOP significantly more affordable than residential treatment while still providing intensive clinical care. For clients without insurance or with limited coverage, we offer financing options and payment plans to make treatment accessible.
Utah residents may also qualify for state-funded treatment assistance through the Utah Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health. We can help you explore all available financial resources to ensure cost doesn’t prevent you from accessing the outpatient care you need.
Specialized Treatment for Utah’s Most Common Addictions
Utah faces unique substance abuse challenges, and Acqua Recovery’s outpatient programs specifically address the addictions most prevalent in our state. We provide specialized treatment for opioid use disorder (including prescription painkillers and heroin), which has significantly impacted Utah communities. Our medication-assisted treatment (MAT) options combined with intensive therapy help clients achieve stable recovery from opioid dependence.
We also treat alcohol use disorder, methamphetamine addiction (which has seen concerning increases across Utah), prescription drug abuse, and co-occurring mental health disorders. Our clinical team stays informed about substance use trends specific to Utah and adapts our outpatient programming to address emerging challenges.
For clients struggling with stimulant addiction, our PHP program provides the structure and daily accountability crucial for early recovery, while our IOP program offers ongoing support as clients rebuild their lives. Whatever substance brought you to treatment, our Utah outpatient programs provide the specialized care you need.
Take the first step to transforming your life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best outpatient rehab in Utah?
The best outpatient rehab in Utah depends on your specific needs, including the severity of addiction, work/family obligations, and whether you require medical supervision. Acqua Recovery in Midway offers both PHP and IOP programs with evidence-based therapies including Internal Family Systems, CBT, and experiential activities in a serene mountain setting. When choosing outpatient treatment in Utah, look for programs that offer personalized care plans, accept your insurance, and provide a full continuum of care from intensive treatment through aftercare support.
Does insurance cover outpatient addiction treatment in Utah?
Yes, most health insurance plans cover outpatient substance abuse treatment in Utah as addiction treatment is considered an essential health benefit under the Affordable Care Act. Coverage levels vary by provider, but many plans cover 50-80% of outpatient treatment costs after deductibles are met. Acqua Recovery works with major insurance providers and can verify your specific benefits for PHP or IOP programs. Contact our admissions team to learn about your coverage for outpatient addiction treatment in Utah.
What’s the difference between PHP and IOP in Utah?
Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) in Utah require 5 days per week for 6-8 hours daily, providing intensive support while clients live at home. Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) meet 3 days per week for 3-4 hours, offering flexibility for those balancing work or school. At Acqua Recovery, PHP is recommended immediately after residential treatment or for those needing high-level support, while IOP works well for step-down care or mild to moderate addiction.
How long does outpatient treatment last in Utah?
Outpatient substance abuse treatment in Utah typically lasts 30-90 days, though some individuals benefit from longer programs depending on their recovery progress. PHP programs usually last 2-4 weeks before transitioning to IOP, which can continue for several months. At Acqua Recovery, treatment length is personalized based on your individual needs, progress, and ongoing assessment by our clinical team. Many clients continue with aftercare support following formal outpatient treatment to maintain long-term sobriety.

Dr. Pickrell is a board-certified psychiatrist with interests in addiction and psychiatry. He strives to identify the underlying cause of substance use. His understanding of addiction as the overlapping symptoms of biopsychosocial development is the foundation to his care model. He is committed to helping both patients and families understand that addiction is a treatable medical illness. He has been involved in the treatment of addiction for the last 17 years and completed his residency training at the University of Utah.










