VERIFY BENEFITS

Virtual IOP in California: Online Intensive Outpatient Program

If weekly therapy isn’t enough but you can’t step away from work or family, virtual IOP may help. Our online intensive outpatient program gives adults anywhere in California several hours of live group and individual therapy each week, from home.

Start Your Recovery

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Name(Required)
MM slash DD slash YYYY

What Is Virtual IOP?

A virtual intensive outpatient program (virtual IOP) gives you several hours of structured therapy each week over secure video while you keep living at home. It sits between weekly therapy and full-day programs. You get much more support than one session a week, and you don’t have to put your life on hold.

The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) describes intensive outpatient care as its own level of care, with several hours of treatment spread across the week. Our virtual IOP follows that structure. The only difference is that it happens online. Each week includes:

  • Group therapy led by licensed therapists
  • Individual therapy with a licensed clinician
  • Psychiatric care and medication management if you need it
  • Family therapy sessions that bring your loved ones into the process

What a Week in Virtual IOP Looks Like

Most clients take part in about 9 to 15 hours of programming a week. You log in for group sessions on set days, meet one-on-one with your therapist, and check in about medication as needed. Morning and evening groups are available, so you can pick a schedule that fits around work or family.

Between sessions, you practice what you learned in the places where stress actually shows up: at work, at home, and in your relationships. Then you bring what happened back to group the next time you log in.

Virtual iop california, A person attending a virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) session from the comfort of their home.

Online IOP From Anywhere in California

Long commutes, the 405 at rush hour, a job that won’t wait, and kids who need a ride home are real reasons people put off getting help. Our online IOP brings licensed clinical care to your living room, so the drive no longer stands in your way.

Adults anywhere in the state can join, from Los Angeles and San Diego to San Francisco, Sacramento, and Fresno. You get the same evidence-based therapy we use in our Laguna Hills program, delivered over a private video platform. If you need care after work hours, you can also ask about our evening IOP.

Therapist-Led Group Therapy

Live groups are often where people first start to feel less alone. A licensed therapist leads each session, keeps it safe and focused, and helps the group practice real skills together. You hear from others facing similar struggles and build support you can lean on between sessions.

Individual Therapy Sessions

In one-on-one sessions, your therapist gets to know your history, your goals, and what tends to set you back. Together you work on the patterns behind substance use or mental health symptoms. You leave with coping skills you can start using right away.

Monthly Educational Series

Once a month, virtual IOP clients can join a live lecture on topics like addiction, trauma, and mental health. These talks add context to what you’re working on in therapy. They also give you practical ideas to take back into daily life.

Family Therapy and Support

Addiction and mental health struggles affect the whole household. Family therapy sessions give your loved ones a place to learn what you’re working on, talk openly, and start rebuilding trust. They can also help your family find clearer ways to support you at home.

Daily Self-Care and Well-Being

Recovery is easier to keep up when daily life feels steady. Our curriculum builds in simple routines for stress and emotional balance that you practice between sessions. These habits help you get through hard days after group ends.

Who Is Virtual IOP For?

Virtual IOP is built for adults in California who need more than weekly therapy but can still manage daily life at home. It may fit if you’re dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use, or a mix of mental health and substance use, and you’re medically stable. You’ll also need a private space and a reliable internet connection.

It works well as a step down, too. If you’re finishing a partial hospitalization program (PHP) or residential treatment, virtual IOP keeps structure and accountability in place while you return to work and home.

Many people choose virtual IOP because they can’t step away. That includes working professionals, parents, and college students. It also includes people without reliable transportation, people with mobility challenges, and people who simply want the privacy of getting care at home.

Virtual IOP isn’t the right first step for everyone. If you’re going through severe withdrawal, need medical detox, or are in crisis, you’ll need a higher level of care first. Our admissions team will talk through your situation and help you find the right next step. If you are in immediate danger, call or text 988 or call 911.

If you’re not sure virtual IOP fits your situation, call (877) 375-4344 to talk with our admissions team. It’s free and confidential.

Does Virtual IOP Work?

For many people, yes. Federal agencies like SAMHSA recognize telehealth as a valid way to deliver many kinds of mental health and substance use treatment. What matters most is the quality of care: licensed clinicians, proven therapies, and a schedule you can actually keep. Results are different for every person, and no program can promise a specific outcome.

Talk therapies with strong research behind them, like cognitive behavioral therapy, are among the approaches that NIMH and NIDA describe for depression, anxiety, and substance use. These kinds of therapy can be delivered well over video. Our telehealth IOP pairs evidence-based therapy with psychiatric care when you need it, so mental health and substance use are treated together. Ask our admissions team which therapies your plan would include.

How Virtual IOP Compares to Other Levels of Care

Standard outpatient therapy usually means one session a week. A virtual intensive outpatient program adds several hours of group and individual care each week. A partial hospitalization program (PHP) goes further, with treatment for most of the day, several days a week. We offer partial hospitalization for people who need that extra support.

The main difference between virtual and in-person IOP is the setting. In-person IOP means coming to our Laguna Hills office, while virtual IOP brings the same type of program to your screen. Some people do better in the room and others do better at home. We’ll help you decide which fits.

Virtual IOP Session

Does Insurance Cover Virtual IOP?

Many insurance plans cover intensive outpatient care, including virtual IOP. What you pay depends on your plan, your deductible, and whether we’re in-network with your insurer.

We’re in-network with most insurance and Medicare plans, including Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield of California, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and TRICARE. Coverage varies by plan.

Before you start, our team checks your benefits for free and explains your expected costs in plain terms. You’ll know what to expect before you commit to anything.

Insurance accepted at Compass Recovery Centers: BCBS, Aetna, Cigna, and TRICARE.

Why Choose Compassion Recovery Centers?

Choosing a program is a big decision, and you have options for virtual care. We are a licensed clinical provider, not a therapy app. Here’s what you can expect from us:

  • Licensed and accredited: Licensed by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) and accredited by The Joint Commission.
  • Dual diagnosis care: We treat co-occurring disorders, addressing mental health and substance use together.
  • Real clinicians: Licensed therapists lead your sessions, with psychiatric oversight and medication management when needed.
  • Help with insurance: We verify your benefits and explain your costs before you begin.

We also run in-person programs in Laguna Hills. If your needs change, you can talk with us about moving between virtual and in-person care.

Interior of Compassion Recovery Centers

Conditions We Treat in Virtual IOP

Our virtual IOP treats the whole person, not just a list of symptoms. Licensed clinicians use evidence-based therapy to help adults with a range of mental health and substance use concerns, including the conditions below.

Online Anxiety Treatment

Anxiety can make driving, leaving home, or sitting in a waiting room feel overwhelming, so online care can be easier to start. In group and one-on-one sessions, you learn what drives your anxiety and build practical skills to manage it.

Online Depression Treatment

Depression often pulls people away from the support they need. Regular group and individual sessions keep you connected while you rebuild routines, motivation, and coping skills.

Virtual PTSD and Trauma Care

PTSD is treatable, and therapy can help many people feel safer and more in control. Our clinicians use evidence-based approaches to help you work through difficult experiences at a pace that feels manageable.

Online Addiction and Substance Use

Our virtual IOP adds structure and accountability for alcohol, prescription drug, and other substance use. We treat substance use and any underlying mental health concerns at the same time.

ADHD and Executive Functioning Support

ADHD support focuses on practical tools for focus, organization, and follow-through. Frequent sessions give you accountability and help new habits stick.

Online Bipolar Disorder Treatment

Virtual IOP can support adults with bipolar disorder who already have a diagnosis and are stable on a treatment plan. Psychiatric care and medication management are part of the program, and your assessment will help decide whether virtual care is the right fit.

How to Start Virtual IOP

  1. Reach out: Call (877) 375-4344 or fill out the form for a free, confidential conversation.
  2. Insurance check: We verify your benefits and explain your costs.
  3. Assessment: A clinician learns about your history, needs, and goals.
  4. Your plan: We build a treatment plan and schedule that work with your life.
  5. Log in: Join your sessions from a private space through a secure link.

What You’ll Need

You’ll need a computer, tablet, or smartphone with a camera and microphone, plus a reliable internet connection. A quiet, private room helps you speak openly. Have your insurance card handy when you call.

What Happens After Virtual IOP

Finishing IOP doesn’t have to mean support stops. Many people step down to standard outpatient therapy, ongoing psychiatric care, or community support groups. We also offer outpatient care, so you can talk with your care team about what makes sense for you.

A women during virtual IOP session learning abou t the details of program

Reviews From Google

Posted on Google Google
Melissa Caldwell profile picture
Melissa Caldwell
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Caring and understanding staff
Posted on Google Google
Daniel M profile picture
Daniel M
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Best IOP center in Orange County for a reason. Compassion made recovery possible for me—without stepping into a facility. Their virtual care was personal, flexible, and truly supportive. They saw me as a whole person, not just a patient. Can’t thank them enough.
Posted on Google Google
Maza Holdings profile picture
Maza Holdings
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Have a bit more to say about this IOP but in summary really grateful for Josh, Dr JP and their team of doctors and group facilitators for helping me through a difficult situation. I needed to work around my schdule with family and kids and their program was perfect for me. Maybe it's not ideal for everyone but for me it was exactly what I needed. The whole process from intake, insurance verification, admission, scheduling, I was kept up to date on everything. I met with the Doctor and he was very knowledgeable, spent an hour with me which was what I needed, someone and a program to show that they care. Would recommend this IOP to anyone who struggles with mental health and needs some support and doesn't want to drastically change their life commitments at the time. Thank you Josh and thank you Compassion IOP.
Posted on Google Google
Tara Edwards profile picture
Tara Edwards
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
As a licensed therapist, I hold high standards when it comes to mental health care—and Compassion Recovery consistently exceeds them. I’ve had the privilege of referring clients to this facility, and I’ve witnessed firsthand the depth of care, clinical excellence, and integrity they bring to every aspect of treatment. The staff are well-trained snd lead with empathy and a genuine commitment to long-term healing. Their multidisciplinary team collaborates seamlessly to support clients through complex diagnoses and co-occurring disorders. What impresses me most is Compassion Recovery’s ability to meet clients where they are, while gently challenging them toward meaningful change. The therapeutic environment is safe, structured, and profoundly supportive—ideal for real transformation to take place. As a clinician, I trust Compassion Recovery implicitly and will continue to refer clients here without hesitation. They are truly setting the standard for compassionate, effective mental health care.
Posted on Google Google
Brenda Roney profile picture
Brenda Roney
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
If you're struggling and looking for real genuine support in your recovery journey, Compassion Recovery Centers makes getting the help you need accessible and convenient. For the past 3 months, I have been a part of the Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), and have witnessed personalized care, encouragement, and an incredibly skilled staff. This isn't just another program - it's a community that creates a warm, welcoming, safe place where you will never be alone during your healing process. Everyone deserves this level of support.
Posted on Google Google
Carlos Cervantes profile picture
Carlos Cervantes
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I want to share that this IOP program is amazing! The people who work there and are in charge have their client’s best interest at heart. Recommend to anyone needing help with mental health and/or substance use disorders. Again, great program lead by great people!
Posted on Google Google
Mike Magallanes profile picture
Mike Magallanes
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I started IOP with an open mind and was surprised on day one how Kendal made me feel welcomed. I felt that this program could work and it did. Thank you Kendal for all the tools and perspective and the extra effort you made to find a way to help each individual. Thank you Gilbert for your ability to help those of us who needed special assistance on any given night and thank you Tara for offering me such a safe space and helping me find out a bit about myself. Thanks to these wonderful people I feel like I'm going to be OK! P.S. A shout out the the night groupies! Always rooting for you.
Posted on Google Google
Lorena Wade profile picture
Lorena Wade
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Josh, the owner of Compassion Recovery Centers, truly lives up to the name—his kindness, empathy, and dedication to helping others are unmatched. He genuinely cares about every person who reaches out, offering support and hope even if they don’t end up admitting to his program. That kind of selfless compassion is rare and speaks volumes about the impact he has on those in need. If you’re looking for a place that truly prioritizes people and their well-being, Compassion Recovery Centers is an incredible resource.
Posted on Google Google
wendy profile picture
wendy
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Compassion is a Gem. Their virtual program is super convenient, amazing therapists, team, and overall amazing experience. I am a very busy person and this program is great for people with busy lives that need care. The whole team is amazing and is run very well. I Would highly recommend. Dr. Haidak is the BEST!

Frequently Asked Questions

Does insurance cover virtual IOP in California?

Many plans do. We’re in-network with most insurance and Medicare plans, and coverage varies by plan. Our admissions team will verify your benefits for free, explain your coverage in plain terms, and outline any out-of-pocket costs before you begin.

Is virtual IOP effective?

For many people, yes. SAMHSA recognizes telehealth as a valid way to deliver many kinds of mental health and substance use care. It tends to work best when you have a stable home setting, a private space, and reliable internet. Results vary from person to person.

How many hours a week is the program?

Most clients take part in about 9 to 15 hours a week, spread across several days. Morning and evening groups are available. Your exact schedule depends on your treatment plan.

Can I still work or go to school?

Yes. Virtual IOP is designed to fit around your daily responsibilities. We offer morning and evening groups so you can keep working, studying, or caring for your family during treatment.

What technology do I need?

You need a computer, tablet, or smartphone with a camera and microphone, plus a reliable internet connection. We’ll send you a secure link to join your sessions.

Is virtual IOP private and secure?

Yes. Sessions take place on a HIPAA-compliant video platform. We also suggest joining from a private room so you can speak freely.

How is virtual IOP different from PHP or in-person IOP?

Virtual and in-person IOP share the same structure. The difference is whether you join from home or come to our Laguna Hills office. PHP is a higher level of care with more treatment hours each day, for people who need more support than IOP provides.

Do you offer virtual care for teens?

This virtual IOP is for adults. We have a separate teen mental health program for ages 12 to 17, with in-person and virtual options.

How do I get started?

Call (877) 375-4344 or fill out the form on this page. We’ll check your insurance, set up an assessment with a clinician, and help you choose a schedule.

Our Laguna Hills Location

Our in-person programs serve Laguna Hills and the surrounding Orange County area. Our virtual programs reach adults across California.

Compassion Recovery Centers – IOP and PHP Programs in California

Address: 23141 Moulton Pkwy Suite 207, Laguna Hills, CA 92653

Phone: (949) 849-4362

Hours: Open 24 Hours

Located in: Moulton Business Park at Laguna Hills

Areas Served: Orange County and all of California (Virtual Programs Available)

Start Healing From Home

Reaching out is often the hardest part, and you don’t have to figure out the next step alone. Call (877) 375-4344 to talk with our admissions team about virtual IOP. It’s free and confidential, and there’s no obligation.

Verify Insurance for Free

We are 100% in Network Provider. Most of  our clients pay $0 out of pocket. 

BlueCrossBlueShield Logo

Verify Insurance For Free (Landing Pop-up)

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Name(Required)

Take Your First Step

Our compassionate team is here to listen and support you on your recovery journey 24/7, and your conversation is always 100% confidential.