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Outpatient Treatment Program (OP)

Q: How is OP different from IOP?

OP involves fewer hours (often 1–2 visits per week) and is focused on maintenance and relapse-prevention. IOP provides more sessions per week and a tighter structure—great for step-down or when you need extra support.

Q: Do I have to stop medication to be in OP?

No. If you’re on methadone, buprenorphine/Suboxone, or naltrexone, we coordinate therapy with your medication plan.

Flexible Care That Keeps Wilmington Moving Forward

Our Wilmington Outpatient Program (OP) provides counseling, skills practice, and recovery support—structured enough to help, flexible enough to fit your life.

What Is Outpatient Treatment (OP)?

Outpatient addiction treatment is the most flexible level of care in our continuum. You’ll attend scheduled counseling—usually once or twice per week—along with targeted groups or check-ins. OP is ideal when you’re stepping down from IOP/PHP or when you need ongoing support to protect progress while you work, study, or care for family.

Why Choose Lotus for OP in Wilmington

Personalized plans, practical goals. Sessions focus on your real-world challenges—stress, triggers, routines, relationships.
Seamless continuity. We coordinate with your prior level of care and—when applicable—your medication plan (methadone, buprenorphine/Suboxone, or naltrexone).
Whole-person support. Counseling, peer support, relapse-prevention, and case management to remove barriers (transportation, benefits, referrals).
Accessible & affordable. We accept Medicaid, Medicare, and most private insurance.

What to Expect (Step by Step)

Welcome & Planning
You’ll complete a brief assessment, review your goals, and build an OP schedule that fits your week.
Weekly Rhythm
Most clients attend 1–2 individual sessions and/or skills groups focused on coping strategies, communication, and relapse-prevention.
Support That Sticks
We’ll practice real-life skills (craving management, boundary setting, wellness routines) and connect you with community resources.
Continuing Care
As you meet goals, we taper frequency and outline a long-term maintenance plan—including alumni/peer recovery options and primary-care follow-up.

Services Included in Outpatient Treatment

Individual counseling focused on goals, accountability, and problem-solving
Skills-based groups (relapse-prevention, mindfulness, communication)
Medication coordination (if you’re on methadone, buprenorphine/Suboxone, or naltrexone)
Peer recovery support and community linkage
Case management for practical needs (ID/benefits, housing resources, transportation referrals)
Family involvement as appropriate

Who Outpatient Is Right For

You’re ready to step down from a higher level of care (residential, PHP, or IOP)
You want ongoing structure while managing work, school, or parenting
You need relapse-prevention and accountability without daily visits
You’re maintaining stability on medication and want therapy to reinforce progress

Insurance & Cost

Care should be within reach. Lotus Recovery Centers accepts Medicaid, Medicare, and most private insurance.

By the Numbers: Why Outpatient Care Matters

Only 1 in 4 U.S. adults who needed opioid use disorder treatment in 2022 received medications (MOUD)—a gap OP can help close through coordinated care.

Dowell, Deborah, et al. “Only 1 in 4 Adults Who Needed Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder in the U.S. Received Medications.” Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, vol. 73, no. 25, 28 June 2024, pp. 563–569. CDC, https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/73/wr/mm7325a1.htm

After a nonfatal overdose, receiving methadone or buprenorphine reduces the risk of death by 59% and 38%, respectively—underscoring the benefit of pairing OP counseling with MOUD when appropriate.

National Institutes of Health. “Methadone and Buprenorphine Reduce Risk of Death after Opioid Overdose.” NIH News Releases, 20 June 2018, https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/methadone-buprenorphine-reduce-risk-death-after-opioid-overdose

Intensive outpatient programs (IOP)—a common step before OP—achieve outcomes comparable to inpatient/residential for many people when appropriately matched, supporting a continuum that steps down into OP.

McLellan, A. T., et al. “The Effectiveness of Continuing Care for Substance Use Disorders: A Review of the Evidence.” Psychiatric Services, vol. 65, no. 6, 2014, pp. 691–699. American Psychiatric Association, https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ps.201300249

46% of U.S. SUD facilities offer IOP, and guidance emphasizes continuing care—like OP—to sustain gains after higher-intensity treatment.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Clinical Issues in Intensive Outpatient Treatment for Substance Use Disorders. Advisory No. PEP20-02-01-021, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2021. SAMHSA Library, https://library.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/pep20-02-01-021.pdf

Delaware continues tracking and addressing overdose trends statewide; maintaining engagement in structured care (IOP → OP) is a key protective factor as the state works to reduce deaths.

Delaware Department of Health and Social Services. “Drug Overdose Deaths – State Overview.” My Healthy Community, Delaware Health and Social Services, https://myhealthycommunity.dhss.delaware.gov/topics/drug-overdose-deaths/overview/state

Outpatient Program Near Me

Choosing a nearby program makes it easier to show up consistently, build momentum, and stay connected to care. Our Wilmington clinic is minutes from I-95 and Route 13, with easy access from neighborhoods across New Castle County.

Lotus Recovery Centers
1812 Newport Gap Pike, Wilmington, DE 19808

FAQs: Outpatient Treatment at Lotus Recovery Center

How is OP different from IOP?

OP involves fewer hours (often 1–2 visits per week) and is focused on maintenance and relapse-prevention. IOP provides more sessions per week and a tighter structure—great for step-down or when you need extra support.

Can I keep working while in OP?

Yes. We’ll schedule sessions around your work, school, and family responsibilities.

Do I have to stop medication to be in OP?

No. If you’re on methadone, buprenorphine/Suboxone, or naltrexone, we coordinate therapy with your medication plan.

How long does OP last?

It varies by person. Many continue several months, then transition to as-needed check-ins or community support.

Can family be involved?

Absolutely—family education and joint sessions can be included when helpful and clinically appropriate.

Voices from Recovery

“OP kept me grounded. I could keep my job while still having a place to check in, learn skills, and stay accountable.”

Keep Your Progress Going

Our Wilmington team can help you enroll in OP, coordinate with your current providers, and verify insurance.