Substance Use IOP · Adults 18+

Fairfield and New Haven Counties · Telehealth statewide

Is your drinking
affecting your job?

The Progressive Institute is an intensive outpatient program for working adults who are ready to do the work, without leaving their job, their family, or their life behind. No referral needed.
Instant Pre-screen.

  • In-network with most major commercial insurance plans
  • Quick confidential pre-screen
  • AM and PM tracks
Calm, light-filled waiting area with modern chairs and large windows overlooking trees

48 to 72h

to treatment. Most start treatment the same week.

You are not alone.

The hardest part is admitting it. You've already done that. Now help is available.

Most of the working adults who walk through our doors have been quietly carrying this for years. They have jobs. They have families. They are not weak. They are exhausted.

29.5M

U.S. adults experienced a substance use disorder in the past year. Most suffer alone.

Source · SAMHSA NSDUH

9 out of 10

Adults with a substance use disorder never receive the help they need.

Source · SAMHSA

76%

Of people with Alcohol Use Disorder are employed. You don't have to choose between your career and recovery.

Source · NIAAA

— The program

A structured outpatient program built for adults with real lives.

IOP runs 3 days a week for 8 weeks. Intensive enough to support real change, flexible enough to fit around work and family. Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) is built in for clients who qualify.

01·IOP

Intensive Outpatient Program

Three group sessions a week, individual therapy, recovery coaching, and a structured curriculum built on the 8 dimensions of wellness. Designed to interrupt the pattern without removing you from your life.

02·MAT

Medication Assisted Treatment

For alcohol and opioid use, MAT is the standard of care. Our prescriber works alongside your clinician. No separate appointment, no extra referral, no waiting list.

03·Approach

Harm reduction, not abstinence only

We meet clients where they are while prioritizing safety, stabilization, and progress. For some, the goal is abstinence. For others, the first step is reducing harm, engaging in treatment, and using MAT when clinically appropriate.

04·Continuum

Continuum of care

IOP, group, individual, recovery coaching, alumni support. One team, one record, one place, for as long as you need it.

"I can't afford it."

We are in-network with the major commercial insurers in Connecticut, including Aetna, Anthem, Cigna, ConnectiCare, Optum, and Oxford. We verify your benefits during the pre-screen so you know your out-of-pocket before the intake. Self-pay options are available.

"I don't have the time."

Pick AM or PM. Our evening track was built for people with full-time jobs. Most of our clients keep working through the entire program.

AM Track

9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Monday, Wednesday and Friday. For overnight or non-traditional schedules: second shift, healthcare workers, shift workers, parents.

PM Track

5:30 PM to 8:30 PM

Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. For full-time professionals, court-mandated clients, and parents handling daytime childcare.

— What to expect, 8 weeks

An 8-week curriculum built on the 8 dimensions of wellness.

Each week of IOP focuses on one dimension. Click any week to see what we cover, who you will meet, and what the room actually looks like.

Week 01 · Stabilization and safety

The emotional dimension

We start where you are. The first week is about getting you steady. That means medical clearance, MAT options if appropriate, and the language to describe what is happening.

  • Whole-person assessment with a licensed clinician
  • Medication Assisted Treatment evaluation, if appropriate
  • Personalized weekly plan with AM or PM track
Person in denim shirt journaling with a pen in warm light

— Trust signals

Real words from people who completed the program.

We are proud of the work we do and the trust we build with our clients. The cards below are reserved for verified Google reviewers who have given us permission to feature their words. Pull the latest at any time.

GOOGLE REVIEW

Progressive Institute in Shelton has been extremely influential in my mental health recovery and has helped me get back on track to rediscovering life and stepping into a better version of myself. Whether it be my career, social life, or future goals, I can attribute the foundation I built to grow off to their highly trained and educated staff. They actually care about every individual, individually. Remember, the programs are built for those willing to change and aren't a magic wand so be ready to grow. It's truly about the individual and how willing you are to accept some helpful guidance. Blessings on your recovery and know you've chosen wisely.
J

Jake

GOOGLE REVIEW

Progressive was the first program I attended where someone actually listened to me and didn't cram a treatment plan down my throat. I went there voluntarily (no court orders) and based on a recommendation from my doctor. The staff was amazing, I interacted with all of them at some point. Wonderful people! My assigned therapist is the only person I have laid everything out for, and I actually look forward to our sessions. If you are invested in recovery this is the place for you.
B

Brian 

GOOGLE REVIEW

This is most definitely the best program I have ever been to. Unfortunately, I have been to a lot of programs due to my addiction, but this one is the only one that actually shows they care! If you miss a day, they are calling to check in on you and make sure you're okay. They are so organized, most places I've been to are so short staffed and half the time either they show a movie or just make stuff up as they go, but not at TPI! They give you a booklet before you start their 8-week outpatient program, to me this was a game changer! It's something I get to keep and look back at. Also, it's not just focused on substance abuse it really gets into the mental factors of everything which to me is huge. I know for me personally my mental health is part of the reason I would use so figuring out ways to cope with mental health without using drugs/alcohol is very important. This is just an amazing program and if you're serious about your recovery, I would strongly recommend coming here.
J

John

G4.9 / 5 from verified Google reviews. 

— How it works

Three short steps. Most start within 3 days.

No referral required. No long forms. A real person on the other end, usually the same day you reach out.

  1. 01

    Reach out

    Call us, text, or send a short message. One question is enough to start.

  2. 02

    Quick pre-screen

    A 10 to 15 minute phone call with our admissions clinician to make sure we are the right fit and to verify your insurance.

    SAME DAY, MON-FRI

  3. 03

    Begin treatment

    A 90-minute in-person intake with a clinician. We diagnose, build a plan, and most clients begin IOP that week.

    90-minute meeting, in office

When you are ready, we are an easy step away.

Pre-screens are free, confidential, and answered by a clinician, not a call center.

Recovery coaching conversation