Many young adults living with co-occurring mental health and substance use conditions have experienced trauma that shapes their daily lives. A trauma-informed Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is designed to meet these complex needs with care and understanding. By creating a safe, supportive environment, these programs help young adults heal—not just from immediate symptoms but from the underlying experiences that drive them.

A trauma-informed Intensive Outpatient Program is a structured treatment program that addresses both past trauma and current challenges with mental health or substance use. Unlike traditional treatment programs that focus solely on current symptoms or behaviors, a trauma-informed IOP recognizes that what appears as ‘problem behavior’ – like substance use or anxiety – often stems from emotional, physical, or psychological trauma.

This approach focuses on creating a safe and respectful environment where clients feel heard, supported, and empowered. Where traditional approaches might ask ‘What’s wrong with you?’, trauma-informed care shifts the conversation to ‘What happened to you?’ Therapists and staff are trained to recognize how trauma affects behavior, thinking patterns, and emotional responses. For example, someone who experienced childhood neglect might struggle with trust in relationships or cope with stress through isolation.

In a trauma-informed IOP, young adults attend therapy several days a week—usually in the evenings—to allow for greater flexibility with work, school, or other responsibilities. Treatment includes individual therapy, group sessions, skill-building workshops, and wellness activities. Every component is designed to reduce re-traumatization, build trust, and help clients develop healthy coping strategies.

Trauma can take many forms—from physical or emotional abuse to accidents, natural disasters, or witnessing violence. When left unaddressed, these experiences often contribute to the development of both mental health conditions and substance use disorders, known as co-occurring disorders.

Trauma, including physical or sexual abuse, accidents, natural disasters, and violence, can leave deep emotional scars. When left unaddressed, these experiences often contribute to the development of both mental health conditions and substance use disorders, known as co-occurring disorders.

• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Depression and mood disorders
• Anxiety and panic disorders
• Adjustment disorder
• Personality disorders
• Dissociative disorders
• Substance use disorders

The connection between trauma and substance use is particularly significant. Studies show that the vast majority of individuals (95% of individuals) seeking treatment for substance use disorders have experienced at least one traumatic event, often using substances as a way to cope with overwhelming memories and emotions.

Trauma’s impact isn’t limited to mental health. Many survivors also experience physical complications, including chronic pain, hormonal imbalances, and cardiovascular issues.

This deep interconnection between trauma and both mental and physical health has revolutionized treatment approaches. Modern recovery programs recognize that addressing trauma alongside co-occurring conditions offers the best chance for lasting healing.

The science of trauma recovery has evolved significantly in recent years, revealing why traditional treatment approaches often fall short for many young adults. Research in neuroscience shows that trauma actually changes how our brains process information, regulate emotions, and respond to stress. This understanding has revolutionized addiction and mental health treatment.

When treatment is trauma-informed, it leads to better outcomes because:

• Recovery plans align with how the brain naturally heals from trauma
• Treatment activities consider your unique stress responses and triggers
• Staff understand the biological basis of trauma reactions, reducing shame and stigma
• Therapeutic approaches match your brain’s current capacity for change
• Skills are taught in ways that account for trauma’s effects on learning and memory

Recent studies show that young adults who receive trauma-informed care are:

• More likely to complete their treatment program
• Better able to maintain recovery long-term
• More successful at rebuilding healthy relationships
• Better equipped to manage stress without substances
• More confident in their ability to create positive change

Addressing trauma isn’t just helpful—it’s essential for creating lasting positive change. When treatment considers the whole person, including their neurobiological responses to trauma, real healing becomes possible.

A trauma-informed IOP is designed to provide structured support while honoring the unique needs of individuals who have experienced trauma. It offers a safe, respectful environment where healing can begin—not just from mental health and substance use but from the emotional wounds that often lie beneath them. Here are some of the key features that set trauma-informed IOPs apart:

• Safety and Trust – The foundation of a trauma-informed program is creating both emotional and physical safety. Our staff is specially trained to create a welcoming, non-judgmental space where you feel secure, heard, and respected. This includes clear boundaries, predictable schedules, and options that give you control over your treatment experience.
• Clinical Staff Trained in Trauma Care – Our entire care team undergoes specialized trauma training to understand how past experiences shape current behaviors and needs. Through evidence-based approaches, staff create supportive interactions that avoid triggers, respect boundaries, and empower you to engage in treatment at your own pace.
• Individual and Group Therapy – Through both one-on-one counseling and group sessions, clients learn to process trauma safely while building connections with others who understand their experiences. Both settings use evidence-based approaches like CBT and DBT to build emotional awareness, identify triggers, improve relationships, and develop effective coping strategies that support long-term recovery.
• Flexibility for Daily Life – Our program offers treatment hours that work around typical work and school schedules, with multiple program days to choose from each week. When transportation or distance presents challenges, virtual care options are available. For unexpected conflicts, flexible make-up sessions ensure continuity of care. This practical approach reduces stress and supports long-term engagement in treatment.
• Focus on Empowerment and Choice – Trauma often strips away a person’s sense of control and agency. Our program deliberately returns that power through client-directed care. You choose which coping skills to develop, set your own recovery goals, and help shape your treatment plan. Staff members ask permission before introducing new topics, respect your right to decline participating in certain activities, and celebrate your decisions as steps toward healing. This approach helps rebuild confidence and creates a foundation for lasting recovery.
• Support for Co-Occurring Conditions – Our integrated treatment approach addresses both mental health and substance use challenges simultaneously, recognizing their deep connection to trauma. Through specialized therapy methods, clients learn to understand how past experiences influence current struggles, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and work through underlying trauma while building recovery skills. This coordinated care ensures that all aspects of healing—from processing trauma to managing anxiety to maintaining sobriety—receive proper attention and support.
• Whole-Person Approach – Our program recognizes that healing requires more than traditional therapy alone. We integrate mindfulness practices like guided meditation and breathing exercises to help regulate emotions alongside practical stress management tools and crisis planning strategies. Through comprehensive life skills training, clients learn essential abilities like communication, boundary-setting, and time management. We also emphasize physical wellness through nutrition guidance, sleep hygiene education, and exercise recommendations—understanding that mental and physical health are deeply connected. Creative expression through art therapy and journaling offers alternative ways to process emotions, while community connection helps build crucial social support networks for lasting recovery.

These features work together to create a treatment experience that is not only effective but also deeply respectful of each person’s story. For young adults healing from trauma and co-occurring conditions, this kind of care can make all the difference.

At Portum Behavioral Health, our evening IOP programs provide comprehensive, trauma-informed care for young adults ages 18-35. If you’re ready to begin your healing journey while maintaining your daily responsibilities, we’re here to help. Contact us today to learn more about how our program can support your path to recovery.