If you’re thinking about starting treatment but aren’t sure how to begin, you’re not alone. Many people in the Sterling area are ready for help but feel stuck at the starting line. At Sterling Crossroads, we want to make that first step as easy as possible. Whether you’re exploring support for substance use or co-occurring mental health concerns, we’re here for your family. To learn more about our IOP services and get help today, reach out to our compassionate team—we’ll guide you through every step.
When it’s time to start an IOP
An intensive outpatient program (IOP) is often a good fit if you’re seeking structured, consistent support while continuing to live at home. Unlike inpatient programs, an IOP allows you to keep up with family, work, or school responsibilities while attending treatment during the day or evening. Many people start an IOP after stepping down from inpatient care, while others begin IOP as their first treatment experience.
You might consider an IOP if you’re:
- Experiencing substance use challenges that are interfering with daily life
- Looking for a step up from weekly outpatient therapy
- Ready to commit time and energy to recovery, but can’t pause your life to enter residential care
- Living with both mental health and substance use conditions (also known as co-occurring disorders)
The need is real in Kentucky. As of 2024, Kentucky has one of the highest rates of substance use disorder (SUD) in the U.S., with nearly one in 10 adults reporting drug or alcohol dependence.¹ But support is available—and starting that support doesn’t have to be complicated.
How to enroll in an IOP at Sterling Crossroads
- Call or fill out the online form
- Speak with our admissions team
- Discuss insurance and payment options
- Come in for your intake assessment
- Begin treatment
Step-by-step: How to enroll in an IOP at Sterling Crossroads
How do you enroll in an intensive outpatient program in the Sterling, KY, area? You don’t need a referral from a doctor or therapist to start outpatient mental health or substance use treatment at Sterling Crossroads. You can reach out directly—and we’ll take it from there. Here’s what to expect.
1. Call or fill out the online form
The first step is simply to contact our team. You can call our Mount Sterling office or fill out a form online to let us know you’re interested in treatment.
2. Speak with our admissions team
An admissions team member will contact you to gather basic information, answer your questions, and schedule your intake assessment. We’ll discuss program options, including IOP, and help you decide what makes the most sense for your needs.
3. Discuss insurance and payment options
Before your intake appointment, we’ll review insurance and payment options and help you understand what your insurance covers. We accept plans from major providers like Aetna, Humana, and Anthem BlueCross.
4. Come in for your intake assessment
Your intake is usually scheduled within 1–2 days of your initial call, depending on availability. We try to move quickly—because we know when you’re ready for help, you shouldn’t have to wait long.
5. Begin treatment
Most patients start attending IOP sessions the same week as their intake. Programs are typically scheduled for several hours a day, multiple days per week. The exact schedule depends on what’s best for you.
What happens during your intake assessment
The intake assessment is a one-time appointment where we get to know you. A trained provider will sit down with you—or meet virtually, if needed—to discuss your medical and mental health history, your substance use patterns, and what’s going on in your life right now.
The goal isn’t to judge—it’s to understand.
We use this assessment to create a treatment plan tailored to you. That might include:
- Intensive outpatient program (IOP): Group and individual therapy several times a week
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT): Medications like Suboxone or Vivitrol to manage cravings and withdrawal
- Counseling or mental health therapy: To help you work through co-occurring concerns like anxiety, trauma, or depression
- Additional resources: Life skills training, peer support, parenting classes, and more
This is also a great time to ask questions. Do you want to know how long the program usually lasts? Do you need to coordinate around a work schedule? We’ll work with you to make sure the plan fits your life.
Ready to Start?
Call Today or Request an Assessment Online.
Get help starting today
You don’t need a referral. You don’t need everything figured out. You just need to take the first step.
Sterling Crossroads offers IOP and outpatient support right here in the Sterling area—just 40 miles east of Lexington. Our team understands the unique challenges faced by Kentuckians, and we’re here to support your path forward. Whether you’re living with substance use issues or co-occurring conditions or just know something needs to change, we’re here for your family.
Call 888.991.1476 to speak with our admissions team and get started. Overcoming addiction is possible. Restoring health and well-being to individuals strengthens families and communities—and that’s what we’re all about.
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