IOP Program
Substance use treatment · Albuquerque, NM
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) in Albuquerque
A 16-week, Matrix Model outpatient program for substance use and co-occurring mental health conditions. Group and individual therapy nine hours a week, mornings or after work, so you can recover without leaving your job or your family.
Length
16 weeks
Schedule
Mon · Wed · Thu
Hours
9 hrs / week
Evening option
5:30–8:30 pm
In-network insurance
Copay help for first responders & veterans. Check coverage
Blue Cross Blue Shield
NM Medicaid
Presbyterian
Molina Healthcare
TriWest
UnitedHealthcare
Magellan
True Health NM
Western Sky
What it is
What is an intensive outpatient program (IOP)?
An Intensive Outpatient Program is structured addiction treatment you attend several days a week while living at home. You get the accountability and peer support of a group, plus a weekly one-on-one session with your own therapist.
Our IOP follows the Matrix Model, an evidence-based approach that combines relapse prevention, family education, cognitive behavioral therapy and ongoing drug and alcohol testing. Detox is not required to join, but the program works best as the next step after inpatient detox.
Matrix Model
Relapse prevention
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Motivational Interviewing
Group therapy
Weekly individual therapy
Who it’s for
Who our Albuquerque IOP is for
Stepping down from detox
The IOP picks up where inpatient detox leaves off, keeping structure in place during the riskiest weeks.
Court & probation referrals
We work directly with probation officers and the court system, and accept court-appointed clients.
Working adults
After-work groups from 5:30–8:30 pm mean you don’t have to choose between treatment and a paycheck.
Co-occurring conditions
Substance use alongside depression, anxiety, PTSD or other behavioral health issues, treated together.
Veterans & first responders
Copay assistance is available. See also our dedicated First Responder Group.
What to expect
What to expect in IOP, from intake to graduation
01
Call or request intake
Reach us at (505) 639-4769. We verify your insurance and answer questions about court requirements.
02
Assessment
A clinician reviews your substance use, mental health and goals to confirm IOP is the right level of care.
03
16 weeks of IOP
Three 3-hour group sessions a week plus a weekly individual session, with random testing throughout.
04
Step-down & aftercare
Transition to weekly individual therapy or group support, with relapse prevention tools you keep.
Program format
Group sessions Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 3 hours each, 9 hours per week
Choose morning or evening groups; after-work sessions run 5:30–8:30 pm
Weekly individual therapy with your own licensed therapist
Random breathalyzer tests; randomized drug screens through Southwest Labs
Small, discreet groups with guest speakers, art therapy, journaling and projects
Medication management available through our private nursing partner
Food, beverages and comfortable accommodations provided
Benefits of IOP treatment
Sobriety that holds
Relapse prevention built around your specific triggers, not generic worksheets.
Your life stays intact
Keep your job, your home and your family routines while you get treatment.
Court compliance
Documented attendance and testing that meet probation and court requirements.
A recovery network
Peers who understand, and a therapist who stays with you after the program ends.
Your care team
IOP therapists in Albuquerque
Desiree R. Ramirez
LCSW, LADAC
Licensed alcohol and drug abuse counselor.
Patrick Ficke
MA, LPCC
Substance abuse trained; retired first responder.
Jacqueline Jaquez
LMHC
Substance abuse and addiction recovery.
FAQ
IOP frequently asked questions
Insurance, intake and privacy questions are on our general FAQ. Still unsure? Call (505) 639-4769.
Where can I find an intensive outpatient program (IOP) for substance abuse in Albuquerque?
New Growth Counseling runs a 16-week intensive outpatient program for substance use at 5801 Osuna Road NE, Suite A-102, in Albuquerque’s Northeast Heights. Groups meet Monday, Wednesday and Thursday for three hours, with morning and evening (5:30–8:30 pm) options. Call (505) 639-4769 to schedule an assessment.
Is there an IOP in Albuquerque that takes Medicaid?
Yes. New Growth Counseling’s IOP accepts New Mexico Medicaid, along with Blue Cross Blue Shield, Magellan, Molina, Presbyterian, TriWest, True Health New Mexico, UnitedHealthcare and Western Sky Community Care. Self-pay is also available, and veterans and first responders can get copay assistance.
What is the difference between IOP and inpatient rehab?
Inpatient rehab means living at a treatment facility. An intensive outpatient program (IOP) lets you live at home and keep working while attending structured treatment several days a week. At New Growth Counseling, IOP is nine hours of group therapy per week plus weekly individual therapy, which suits people who need more than weekly counseling but don’t need 24-hour care.
Can I keep my job while doing outpatient addiction treatment in Albuquerque?
Yes. New Growth Counseling’s IOP has an evening group from 5:30 to 8:30 pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, designed for people who work during the day. Most participants keep their jobs throughout the 16-week program.
How long does an intensive outpatient program last?
New Growth Counseling’s IOP lasts 16 weeks. It follows the Matrix Model, an evidence-based substance use treatment approach that combines group therapy, individual therapy, relapse prevention, family education and drug and alcohol testing.
What is the Matrix Model of addiction treatment?
The Matrix Model is a structured, evidence-based outpatient approach to substance use treatment. It combines cognitive behavioral therapy, relapse prevention, family education, 12-step facilitation and regular drug testing over about 16 weeks. New Growth Counseling uses the Matrix Model for its Albuquerque IOP.
Do I need to go to detox before starting IOP?
Detox isn’t required to join New Growth Counseling’s IOP, but clients who have completed inpatient detox tend to do best. The IOP is designed as the next step after detox, keeping structure in place during early recovery. If you’re at risk of withdrawal, talk to a medical provider first.
Does the IOP accept court-ordered or probation clients in Albuquerque?
Yes. New Growth Counseling serves both court-appointed and voluntary clients and works directly with probation officers and the court system. The program includes documented attendance and random drug and alcohol testing through Southwest Labs.
Can I get treatment for depression or anxiety along with substance use?
Yes. New Growth Counseling’s IOP treats substance use alone or together with co-occurring conditions such as depression, anxiety and PTSD. Medication management is available through a private nursing partner.
Is there an addiction treatment program for first responders in New Mexico?
Yes. New Growth Counseling in Albuquerque offers a First Responder Group for police, firefighters, EMTs and military members dealing with substance use. It is led by a licensed therapist who is a retired first responder, and it meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 to 11 am.
How much does IOP cost in New Mexico?
The cost depends on your insurance. New Growth Counseling accepts Medicaid and most major New Mexico plans and verifies your benefits before you start, so you know your costs up front. Self-pay is available, and veterans and first responders can get copay assistance. Call (505) 639-4769 for a benefits check.
How do I start the IOP at New Growth Counseling?
Call (505) 639-4769 or email info@newgrowthnm.org. Staff will verify your insurance, schedule an assessment with a clinician and, if IOP is the right level of care, place you in the next morning or evening group.
Related services
Other ways we can help
First Responder Group
Peer-only substance use group for police, fire, EMS and military. Tue & Thu, 9–11 am.
Learn more →
Individual Therapy
One-on-one counseling for addiction, anxiety, depression, PTSD and more.
Learn more →
Schedule an IOP assessment in Albuquerque
New groups start on a rolling basis. Court-referred and self-referred clients welcome.