Hours and focus
- IOP (Level 2.1): 9 to 19 hours a week, mainly counseling and psychoeducation.
- PHP (Level 2.5): at least 20 hours a week, with a greater focus on psychotherapy.
- Both are clinically managed, which means clinical staff lead treatment planning.
Why you may also see "high-intensity outpatient"
The Fourth Edition of the ASAM Criteria calls Level 2.5 "High-Intensity Outpatient (HIOP)." Virginia’s Medicaid regulation calls the same ASAM level "partial hospitalization services (ASAM Level 2.5)," so you will see both names for one level of care.
Which one fits
The right level comes from a multidimensional assessment, not from preference alone. The ASAM Criteria also say admission should be based on your needs rather than arbitrary prerequisites such as having "failed" a lower level of care first. Under the same criteria you move along the continuum as you progress, so a PHP stay can be followed by IOP or standard outpatient care.
Sources
- ASAM Criteria, Fourth Edition, Volume 1: Adults (overview), American Society of Addiction Medicine
- 12VAC30-130-5100, partial hospitalization services (ASAM Level 2.5), Virginia Administrative Code
Sources checked November 2, 2026. This page is general information, not medical or legal advice. Your clinician, your health plan, and (for VASAP) your court order and ASAP case manager set what applies to you.