Fostering Healing Through HIOP

High Intensity Outpatient Program in Portland, Oregon

Structured, five-day-a-week care with on-site medical staff, so treatment fits around the life you are returning to each evening.

What Is a High Intensity Outpatient Program?


A High Intensity Outpatient Program, or HIOP, provides structured clinical treatment during the day while clients return home each evening. It is the most intensive level of outpatient care we offer at Another Chance, and it is often the entry point for alcohol addiction treatment in Portland and for treatment of other substance use disorders.HIOP is created for the earliest stage of treatment, when clinical structure and monitoring have the greatest effect. It addresses substance use and co-occurring mental health conditions together rather than sequentially.

HIOP Schedule:
Hours, Duration and What Is Included

Clients attend four to six hours per day, five days per week. Program length is determined by clinical progress and typically ranges from one week to one month.

Each week includes:

On-site treatment five days per week, with medical staff present
Individual therapy sessions
Group therapy
Recreational therapy
Family counseling, available on request
Regular drug and alcohol screening
Lunch provided

We maintain a counselor-to-client ratio of 20:1, and care is delivered using a trauma-informed, client-centered model.

Benefits of HIOP

Our High-Intensity Outpatient Program (HIOP) is tailored to provide the intensive care needed for a successful recovery while still accommodating everyday responsibilities. We focus on a holistic approach, fostering community support and offering a structured treatment environment to help participants thrive.

Here’s what makes our HIOP a valuable step in your recovery journey:

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Comprehensive Care

HIOP takes a comprehensive approach to recovery, focusing on both substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health challenges. By addressing these interconnected issues, the program offers personalized care designed to meet each participant's unique needs, fostering overall wellness and lasting recovery.

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Flexibility and Convenience

HIOP offers the flexibility of outpatient care, allowing participants to return home each day. This approach makes it easier to balance treatment with daily responsibilities, such as work and family commitments. By minimizing disruptions to everyday life, individuals can maintain their routines while still benefiting from intensive support.

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Supportive Community

HIOP fosters a strong sense of community by bringing participants together with peers and professionals who provide encouragement and understanding. Group therapy sessions create a space for sharing experiences, gaining insights, and building connections, offering empowerment and motivation throughout the recovery process. This supportive environment often becomes a cornerstone for achieving and maintaining long-term recovery.

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Access to Diverse Therapies

Our HIOP provides a selection of therapeutic options, including individual and group therapy, family counseling, and recreational activities. These treatments ensures a well-rounded recovery experience, addressing the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of each participant's journey.

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Structured Environment

HIOP’s structured schedule plays a vital role in creating a stable routine, essential for early recovery. With regular therapy sessions and consistent medical support, participants benefit from a disciplined environment that encourages positive behavioral changes and helps reduce the risk of relapse.

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Enhanced Accountability

Routine drug and alcohol screenings provide essential oversight, helping to reinforce accountability and track progress throughout the treatment journey. These assessments ensure a safe, substance-free environment and allow for prompt support if challenges arise, helping participants stay aligned with their recovery goals.

Levels of Care: HIOP, IOP and Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient treatment is organized by intensity, measured in hours per week and degree of clinical support. Selecting the correct level at intake avoids both under-treatment and unnecessary time in a program that exceeds clinical need.

High Intensity Outpatient Program: four to six hours daily, five days weekly. The most structured outpatient level.
Intensive Outpatient Program: approximately three hours daily, three to five days weekly. Most clients step down to IOP after completing HIOP.
Outpatient Program: a reduced schedule intended to run alongside employment and family responsibilities.

Another Chance does not provide medical detox or inpatient care. Where an assessment indicates that medically supervised withdrawal is required first, we refer the client to an appropriate provider before outpatient treatment begins. The SAMHSA National Helpline is available 24 hours a day for anyone who needs immediate guidance on treatment options.

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Substance Abuse Assessments and Admission to HIOP

Admission begins with a clinical assessment lasting approximately one to two hours. The assessment reviews substance use history, physical and mental health, living situation, employment and any prior treatment.

Clients may self-refer, and we also accept referrals from hospitals, courts, employers and family members.

HIOP is available to adults aged 18 and over, with no upper age limit. Specialty tracks operate alongside the program, including dual diagnosis, professionals and court-ordered treatment.

Insurance Coverage for HIOP in Oregon

Another Chance accepts the Oregon Health Plan, Medicare, and most major private insurance plans. Mental health parity laws require most plans to cover substance use treatment at a level comparable to other medical care. Eligibility and enrolment for the Oregon Health Plan are administered by the Oregon Health Authority.

Coverage specifics vary by plan, including deductibles, co-payments and network status. We verify benefits before admission so that costs are established in advance.

Treatment Planning and Clinical Oversight

Each client receives an individualized treatment plan setting out the level of care, expected schedule, clinical approaches used and the criteria for stepping down to a lower intensity. Plans are reviewed as clinical circumstances change.

Our Medical Director, Sounak Nick Misra, MD, is board certified in addiction medicine by both the American Board of Addiction Medicine and the American Board of Preventive Medicine. Many of our counselors and case managers are in long-term recovery, and our clinical staff hold CADC certification at levels I through III.

Frequently Asked Questions About HIOP

What is a High Intensity Outpatient Program?

A structured treatment program providing four to six hours of clinical care per day, five days per week, with medical staff on site. Clients participate during the day and return home each evening.

How many hours per week is HIOP?

Between 20 and 30 hours per week, depending on the individual treatment plan and stage of the program.

Can I work while in HIOP?

HIOP requires four to six hours per day across five days, which most clients cannot combine with full-time employment. Many step down to an Intensive Outpatient Program afterward, which is designed to accommodate work schedules. Scheduling can be discussed at assessment.

How long does HIOP last?

Typically one week to one month. Duration is determined by clinical progress rather than a fixed schedule, and is usually followed by a step down to IOP.

Does insurance cover HIOP?

In most cases, yes. Another Chance accepts the Oregon Health Plan, Medicare, and most major private insurance plans. A benefits verification before admission establishes what a specific plan covers.

How do I get referred to HIOP?

Clients may self-refer by calling to schedule an assessment. Referrals from hospitals, courts, employers and family members are also accepted. In each case the next step is a clinical assessment to determine the appropriate level of care.

Jessic Anderson

Jessica Anderson, CADC-II, QMHA-R, CRM, PSS

Content Reviewer

Jessica is the Director of Outreach and Admissions at Another Chance, where she develops and leads a client-centered, trauma-informed admissions team. A person in long-term recovery, she is passionate about connecting individuals with the support they need and creating meaningful change in the behavioral health system.

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Your Recovery is Our Goal

If you’re searching for a High-Intensity Outpatient Program (HIOP) nearby, Another Chance is here to support you. Our treatment center offers top-quality addiction care, including our comprehensive HIOP and a range of additional services to guide you on your recovery journey.