Professional Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) in Whitefish, MT

Trailhead’s Whitefish Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is rooted in the therapeutic culture that shaped the foundation of our organization. As the flagship location, Whitefish offers a uniquely relational, high-touch recovery experience supported by a close-knit mountain community. Clients receive structured care grounded in local expertise, long-standing clinical leadership, and the restorative setting of the Flathead Valley.

IOP Services for the Whitefish Community


Whitefish’s Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is shaped by the steady pace, close relationships, and outdoor-centered lifestyle that define the town. Clients receive structured group therapy, individual counseling, relapse-prevention support, and community-rooted guidance - all designed to fit naturally into life in the Flathead Valley.


We serve:

  • Working professionals who need trauma-informed support while balancing demanding schedules.
  • Local college students and returning learners seeking recovery while continuing their studies.
  • Parents and caregivers rebuilding emotional stability and strengthening family routines.
  • Individuals in early recovery seeking structure, accountability, and a supportive therapeutic environment.
  • Residents navigating transitions, stress, or relationship changes who need flexible but dependable outpatient care.


Trailhead Counseling & Recovery Center builds on the long-standing recovery culture of Whitefish - offering a high-touch, relationally driven program that helps residents heal without leaving their community support systems.


Whitefish IOP group session focusing on recovery, support, and skill-building at Trailhead Counseling & Recovery Center.

What Is an Intensive Outpatient Program?

An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) offers a higher level of care than weekly counseling while allowing clients to live at home. 


Whitefish, as Trailhead’s original location, provides a well-established support network, including group sessions, individual therapy, relapse-prevention tools, and holistic modalities designed for long-term stability.

Challenges IOP Helps Address

  • Disrupted routines and lack of structure
  • Anxiety, depression, trauma symptoms
  • Emotional overwhelm and stress
  • Family/relationship strain
  • High relapse-risk environments

The Local Recovery Ecosystem in Whitefish


Whitefish provides a distinct recovery environment shaped by outdoor living, small-town support systems, and collaboration across the Flathead Valley. Clients are connected with:


  • Whitefish and north-valley peer-support meetings
  • Recovery-friendly outdoor activities (lakes, trails, ski culture)
  • Local clinicians and medical teams familiar with the region
  • Community hubs that offer stability and belonging


The result is a deeply supportive ecosystem where recovery naturally integrates into daily life.

Outdoor wellness and recovery activities in Whitefish, including group hiking, yoga, and mindful nature reflection as part of Trailhead Counseling & Recovery Center’s local recovery ecosystem.

How to Enroll in the Program

Getting started is simple. Call Trailhead today to schedule your intake for our Intensive Outpatient Program in Whitefish, MT. During your intake, you’ll complete an assessment, meet with a licensed clinician, and receive a personalized treatment plan.


Call (406) 404-6096 or use our secure online form to begin your recovery journey.

Key Benefits of Outpatient Treatment

Clients in the Whitefish IOP experience key benefits that support stability, connection, and long-term recovery:

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Small, Private Groups

Groups of 8–10 clients create trust and comfort.

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High Therapist-to-Client Ratio

4:1 ratio ensures individualized care.

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Holistic Recovery Approach

Mindfulness, movement, and trauma-informed integration.

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Community Support in Recovery

Peer connection strengthens accountability.

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Flexible Scheduling

Designed for the rhythms of mountain-town work, recreation, and family life.

Evidence-Based Treatment Modalities

Trailhead’s Whitefish IOP integrates evidence-based therapies rooted in trauma treatment, relational healing, and longstanding clinical experience in the Flathead Valley.

  • Trauma-Informed CBT

          - builds coping skills for anxiety, trauma triggers, and emotional distress

  • EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing)

          - supports deep trauma resolution

  • DBT Skills Training

          - strengthens emotional regulation and distress tolerance

  • Attachment-Based Group Work

          - supports relational healing in a close-knit community

  • Mindfulness & Nature-Assisted Practices

          - integrates Whitefish’s outdoor-centered culture

  • Relapse-Prevention Planning

            - reduces risk through structure and accountability

  • Psychoeducation for Recovery Stability

            - improves insight and long-term resilience


Clients benefit from an approach grounded in the tight community bonds and restorative environment unique to Whitefish.

How to Begin the Whitefish IOP Program

Step-by-Step Process:

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01. Call to schedule intake 

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02. Complete intake info + consent.

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03. Meet with clinician for assessment.

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04. Attend orientation + join your group.

Other Services Offered in Whitefish Area

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Meet Our Whitefish Care Team


Whitefish is home to Trailhead’s founding clinical team, built from the combined experience of Gable Counseling and Big Sky Recovery. This location continues to carry Trailhead’s original relational, trauma-informed culture - one rooted in collaboration, empathy, and the close-knit values of the Flathead Valley.


Whitefish Team Values:

  • Genuine empathy and client-centered collaboration.
  • Confidentiality, professionalism, and discretion.
  • Integrative approaches blending therapy, mindfulness, and education.
  • Deep commitment to Whitefish’s supportive, community-oriented culture.


Frequently Asked Questions

  • How does the Whitefish IOP support people living in small, close-knit communities?

    Whitefish clinicians understand the dynamics of a close community and prioritize confidentiality, small groups, and a supportive environment. Clients benefit from relational, connection-focused care built around community awareness and privacy.

  • 2. Can I participate in IOP if I work seasonal jobs in tourism or outdoor recreation?

    Yes. The Whitefish team regularly works with clients balancing seasonal shifts. Scheduling options allow you to maintain employment while staying engaged in treatment.

  • 3. Is family involvement part of the Whitefish IOP?

    Family participation is available when clinically helpful. Trailhead can include family sessions to address communication patterns, boundaries, and support systems.

  • 4. What makes the Whitefish IOP different from standard outpatient counseling?

    IOP offers more weekly structure, more frequent therapy sessions, and group work designed for people needing consistent support without entering residential treatment.

  • 5. Is the Whitefish program a good fit if I prefer a nature-based or relational recovery approach?

    Yes. Many clients in Whitefish appreciate integrating outdoor reflection, relational healing, and trauma-informed practices that align with the region’s lifestyle and values.

Find Trailhead Counseling & Recovery Center – Whitefish

Address:  309 Wisconsin Ave, Whitefish, MT 59937
Phone: +1 406-404-6096
Email:  info@trailheadmt.com

Hours: By appointment
Serving: Whitefish, Kalispell, Columbia Falls, Lakeside, Bigfork, and the greater Flathead Valley.