Supportive Outpatient Programs at Arise Recovery Centers

Medically reviewed by Chelsea Petty, LMFT — Clinical Director of DFW & Family Programming, Arise Recovery Centers · Last reviewed: June 2026

A supportive outpatient program (SOP) is the most flexible level of outpatient addiction treatment — a lighter schedule of individual and group counseling designed to help you sustain your recovery while living your everyday life. At Arise Recovery Centers, our SOP is built for clients who are better suited to a supportive rather than an intensive approach, including those stepping down from a higher level of care.

How does an SOP work?

A supportive outpatient program integrates individual counseling and group counseling in a lighter, more flexible format than IOP or PHP. You attend a few hours of treatment per week, scheduled around work, school, and family, so recovery support fits into your real life. The focus is on maintaining momentum — reinforcing positive behaviors, strengthening coping skills, and catching early warning signs before they become setbacks.

SOP vs. IOP vs. PHP

The levels of outpatient care differ mainly in how many hours of structure you get each week. SOP sits at the lightest, most flexible end of the continuum.

Most people step down this continuum as they stabilize — for example, from PHP to IOP to a supportive outpatient program. Learn more about the difference between levels in IOP vs. PHP.

Who is an SOP right for?

• You're stepping down from IOP or PHP and are ready for a lighter schedule
• You have a stable foundation and a strong support system at home
• You want ongoing accountability and relapse-prevention support as you maintain progress
• You're balancing recovery with work, school, or family responsibilities

A clinical assessment is the best way to confirm whether an SOP is the right fit — or whether a more structured level like IOP would serve you better right now.

What an SOP includes

• Individual counseling — one-on-one sessions with a licensed clinician focused on your goals and triggers
• Group counseling — peer support and shared learning that reinforce recovery skills
• Relapse-prevention planning — practical strategies to recognize and manage high-risk situations
• Flexible scheduling — a lighter weekly commitment that fits around daily life

Cost and insurance

Because it's the least time-intensive level of outpatient care, an SOP is typically the most affordable outpatient option. Most major health plans cover supportive outpatient care as part of behavioral health benefits, though coverage, deductible, and copay depend on your plan. Related: Outpatient rehab cost in Texas and Does insurance cover IOP & outpatient rehab?

Getting started

The first step is a short, confidential phone call and an insurance check, followed by a clinical assessment to match you with the right level of care. Care is also available through our virtual program for Texas residents.

Call 888-REHAB-TX Verify your insurance

Frequently asked questions

What is a supportive outpatient program (SOP)?

An SOP is the most flexible level of outpatient addiction treatment — a few hours of individual and group counseling each week, focused on sustaining recovery while you live at home and keep up with daily responsibilities.

How is an SOP different from an IOP?

The main difference is intensity. An IOP runs about 9–15 hours a week, while an SOP involves just a few hours a week. Many people step down from IOP to SOP as they stabilize.

How many hours per week is an SOP?

An SOP is typically a few hours per week, scheduled flexibly around work, school, and family — though the exact schedule depends on your needs and clinical recommendation.

Is an SOP a step-down from a higher level of care?

Often, yes. Many clients move into an SOP after completing PHP or IOP, using it to maintain progress and prevent relapse — but an SOP can also be an appropriate starting point for someone who is stable and well supported.

Does insurance cover an SOP?

In most cases, yes. The majority of major health plans cover supportive outpatient care as part of behavioral health benefits, though coverage, deductible, and copay depend on your plan.

The licensee providing these services is licensed by the State of Texas. This page is for informational purposes and is not medical advice. Treatment recommendations are made only after a clinical assessment.