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Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) in Massachusetts

Lion Heart Behavioral Health provides a structured intensive outpatient program (IOP) for adults throughout Massachusetts who need more support than traditional weekly therapy but do not require full-day or overnight care. As one of our behavioral health programs in Massachusetts, this level of care is licensed as “night treatment” in Massachusetts but is commonly referred to simply as an IOP.

Located in Raynham, we proudly serve individuals from across Bristol County, including Taunton, Brockton, Fall River, New Bedford, Attleboro, and surrounding communities. Our evening program combines evidence-based therapy, individualized support, and practical skill-building several days each week while allowing clients to continue working, attending school, and meeting family responsibilities.

What Is an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)?

An intensive outpatient program (IOP) is a structured level of outpatient care that provides more support than traditional weekly therapy while allowing individuals to continue living at home. IOP is often recommended for people recovering from substance use disorders, managing mental health conditions, or treating co-occurring disorders who need consistent clinical care without inpatient treatment.

At Lion Heart Behavioral Health, our IOP combines group therapy, individual therapy, evidence-based approaches such as CBT and DBT, skills-based programming, and individualized treatment planning. Clients typically attend multiple evening sessions each week, allowing them to receive comprehensive care while remaining connected to work, family, and their community.

Why Massachusetts Programs Call IOP "Night Treatment"

In Massachusetts, many intensive outpatient programs are licensed under the term “night treatment.” While the name is unique to Massachusetts regulations, the level of care is the same intensive outpatient program (IOP) offered throughout the country.

Because many insurance providers, referring professionals, and online resources use the term “IOP,” we’ve chosen to use both terms throughout this page. If you’re unsure which level of care your insurance covers or which program is right for you, our admissions team can help explain your options.

Who Is Intensive Outpatient a Good Fit For?

An intensive outpatient program (IOP) may be a strong fit for adults who need more structure than traditional weekly outpatient therapy but do not require 24-hour inpatient care. This level of care is often recommended for individuals who are making progress in recovery but still benefit from consistent clinical support, accountability, and evidence-based therapy several days each week.

An IOP may be appropriate if you:

  • Need consistent therapeutic support multiple days per week
  • Have a stable living environment and can return home after treatment sessions
  • Are stepping down from a higher level of care, such as a partial hospitalization program (PHP) or inpatient treatment
  • Are managing cravings, triggers, or mental health symptoms that are affecting daily functioning
  • Want structured treatment while continuing work, school, or caregiving responsibilities

Every person’s needs are different. During your assessment, our clinical team will evaluate your symptoms, treatment history, support system, and recovery goals to determine whether an IOP is the most appropriate level of care.

When IOP May Not Be the Right Level of Care

 

A higher level of care may be more appropriate if you’re experiencing medical instability, require medically supervised detoxification, or are in immediate crisis. Individuals whose symptoms cannot be safely managed outside of a highly structured setting may benefit from a partial hospitalization program (PHP) or another more intensive level of care.

If you’re unsure which program is right for you, our team will complete a confidential assessment and recommend the level of care that best supports your safety, recovery, and long-term success.

What to Expect in Our Intensive Outpatient Program

When you begin an intensive outpatient program (IOP) at Lion Heart Behavioral Health, you’ll start with a confidential assessment so our team can understand your history, symptoms, and goals. From there, we’ll recommend a plan that typically includes multiple evening sessions per week, combining group therapy, skills-based programming, and individual support for both substance use and mental health concerns.

Group sessions often focus on the practical tools people need to stay stable outside of treatment—coping skills, emotional regulation, relapse prevention, communication, and rebuilding healthy routines. You’ll also have space to process real-life challenges in a supportive environment with peers who understand what you’re navigating.

As you progress, treatment is designed to help you build consistency and confidence so you can continue your recovery while remaining connected to work, family, and the routines that matter most.

A Typical Weekly Schedule in an Intensive Outpatient Program

Most intensive outpatient programs (IOPs). follow a structured weekday format that balances therapy, skills development, and clinical support—without requiring daytime attendance. While each treatment plan is individualized, IOP typically meets several evenings per week.

Sample schedule (drop-in):

  • Monday: Process Group + Relapse Prevention Skills
  • Wednesday: CBT/DBT Skills Group + Coping Strategies for Stress and Triggers
  • Thursday: Trauma-Informed Support Group or Mental Health Skills Group
  • Individual Sessions: 1:1 therapy sessions scheduled weekly or biweekly based on clinical need

Every treatment plan is individualized. Your exact schedule will depend on your clinical needs, treatment goals, and whether you’re receiving care for substance use, mental health conditions, or co-occurring disorders.

Understanding the Differences Between IOP, PHP, and Outpatient Care

Program Type Hours per Week Schedule Lives at Home? Ideal For
Outpatient (OP) 1–5 hours 1–2 sessions/week Yes Mild symptoms, ongoing maintenance, or step-down care
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) 9–15 hours Evenings, 3–5 days/week Yes Moderate symptoms; balancing work/school/family with recovery
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) 20–30 hours Daytime, 5 days/week Yes More intensive support needed; transitioning from inpatient; high acuity

At Lion Heart Behavioral Health, we offer a range of treatment options to meet the unique needs of each individual. Two common programs we offer are a night treatment program and an outpatient program (OP). While both provide effective treatment for addiction and mental health issues, they differ in the level of care and commitment required.

  • Intensive outpatient program: IOP is designed for individuals who require more structured support than traditional outpatient care but do not need 24-hour supervision or residential treatment. It typically involves multiple therapy sessions per week, allowing individuals to focus on recovery while still maintaining their daily responsibilities. IOP is ideal for those with moderate to severe addiction or mental health concerns who need a higher level of care and support to stay on track.
  • Outpatient program: OP offers a more flexible approach to treatment, providing support through scheduled therapy sessions that typically take place once or twice a week. This program is ideal for individuals who have completed a higher level of care or those with less severe addiction or mental health challenges. OP allows participants to engage in therapy while continuing to live at home and maintain their daily routine.

Both the intensive outpatient and outpatient programs are essential components of a comprehensive recovery plan, and the choice between the two depends on the individual’s needs and the level of care required. At Lion Heart Behavioral Health, our team will work closely with you to determine the best treatment program that fits your recovery goals.

Intensive Outpatient Program for Substance Use Disorders

Our intensive outpatient program (IOP) for substance use concerns provides structured support several evenings per week—without requiring time away from work or family life. Programming typically includes relapse prevention, trigger management, coping skills, and recovery-focused group therapy, along with individualized clinical support. If you’re stepping down from a higher level of care or need more structure than weekly therapy, this level of care can help you build stability and momentum in recovery.

Intensive Outpatient Program for Mental Health Conditions

Our intensive outpatient program (IOP) for mental health offers intensive evening support for conditions like anxiety, depression, trauma, and other mood-related challenges. Treatment focuses on building practical skills—emotional regulation, distress tolerance, thought pattern work (CBT), and healthier routines—so symptoms become more manageable in daily life. For many people, this level of care provides the consistency needed to make real progress while still living at home.

Is an Intensive Outpatient Program the Right Choice for Me or My Loved One?

Choosing the right level of care can feel overwhelming, especially if symptoms have been building gradually or if previous treatment hasn’t provided enough structure. Many individuals consider IOP when weekly therapy no longer feels sufficient, but full-day treatment feels like too much.

If you’re noticing increasing difficulty managing stress, mood swings, cravings, or daily responsibilities, a structured evening program may provide the consistency needed to regain stability. For families, IOP can offer reassurance that their loved one is receiving regular clinical support without requiring overnight care.

If you’re unsure whether IOP, PHP, or traditional outpatient therapy is the right fit, our admissions team can walk you through your options confidentially and help determine the safest and most appropriate next step.

Understanding how different levels of care compare can make the decision feel clearer. You can learn more about the difference between PHP and IOP and how each level of care fits into the recovery process.

Why Structured Care Matters

When symptoms or substance use patterns start to disrupt daily functioning, structured clinical support multiple times per week can make a meaningful difference. The statistics below highlight why many people benefit from a structured level of care between weekly therapy and inpatient treatment.

Finding an Intensive Outpatient Program in Bristol County

If you’re looking for an intensive outpatient program (IOP) in Massachusetts, Lion Heart Behavioral Health provides evidence-based evening treatment from our Raynham location, serving individuals throughout Bristol County and the surrounding communities. Many of our clients come from Taunton, Fall River, New Bedford, Attleboro, Brockton, and nearby towns because they want structured care while remaining close to home.

Our location makes it convenient to attend treatment several evenings each week while continuing to work, attend school, or manage family responsibilities. If you’re unsure whether an IOP, a partial hospitalization program, or traditional outpatient care is the right fit, our admissions team can help you determine the most appropriate level of care through a confidential assessment.

Conveniently located in Raynham, Massachusetts, Lion Heart Behavioral Health proudly serves individuals across Taunton, Brockton, Fall River, New Bedford, and surrounding areas of the South Shore and Bristol County.

Substance Use Disorders We Treat

Our intensive outpatient program provides structured support for individuals navigating substance use concerns at a moderate level of severity. Treatment focuses on relapse prevention, trigger management, emotional regulation, and rebuilding stability in daily life.

We commonly treat:

 

  • Alcohol Use Disorder

  • Opioid and Opiate Use Disorders

  • Benzodiazepine Dependence

  • Cocaine and Stimulant Use Disorders

  • Methamphetamine Use

  • Prescription Drug Misuse

 

Treatment planning is individualized and may include both substance use and mental health support when co-occurring conditions are present.

Mental Health Therapies We Offer

Our IOP integrates evidence-based therapies to support individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, and co-occurring substance use concerns. Treatment is structured and skill-focused, helping clients build tools they can apply in daily life.

Core therapeutic approaches include:

 

  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) – Builds emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness.

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Helps identify and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors.

  • EMDR and Trauma-Informed Care – Supports safe processing of traumatic experiences.

  • Mood and Anxiety-Focused Treatment – Structured support for managing depression, anxiety, and stress-related symptoms.

 

  • The focus of care is not just symptom reduction, but building practical coping strategies that support long-term stability.

Does Insurance Cover IOP? What Does Treatment Cost?

The cost of an intensive outpatient program (IOP) depends on several factors, including your insurance coverage, the length of treatment, and the services included in your individualized care plan. Because IOP does not require overnight stays, it is generally more affordable than inpatient or residential treatment while still providing a high level of clinical support.

Many insurance plans cover IOP for substance use disorders, mental health conditions, and co-occurring disorders when treatment is medically necessary. Our admissions team can help verify your benefits, explain any expected out-of-pocket costs, and answer questions about your coverage before you begin treatment.

If you do not have insurance or need help understanding your payment options, our team can discuss available solutions and help you determine the next step. Use the form below to verify your insurance or call (774) 341-4502 to speak with our admissions team.

Intensive Outpatient Program FAQs

An intensive outpatient program (IOP) provides structured treatment while allowing greater flexibility for work, school, and family responsibilities. A partial hospitalization program (PHP) involves more hours of treatment each week and offers a higher level of clinical support. The right level of care depends on your symptoms, treatment goals, and clinical needs. If you’d like to learn more, see our guide comparing PHP and IOP.

Most people attend several evenings per week. Your exact schedule is based on your assessment and treatment needs.

Length varies by person. Many individuals participate for multiple weeks, with step-down planning as stability improves.

Yes. Evening scheduling is designed to support recovery while maintaining daily responsibilities.

Yes. Many people experience mental health symptoms alongside substance use concerns, and treatment planning accounts for both.

Our team will recommend the safest, most appropriate option after a confidential assessment.

Many plans provide coverage. We can verify your benefits and explain any expected out-of-pocket costs.

Take the Next Step with Confidence

Choosing the right level of care is an important decision, and you don’t have to make it alone. Whether you’re exploring treatment for yourself or someone you love, the team at Lion Heart Behavioral Health can help you determine whether an intensive outpatient program (IOP) is the right fit based on your needs, goals, and circumstances.

From your first conversation through every stage of treatment, you’ll receive individualized recommendations, compassionate support, and evidence-based care designed to help you move forward with confidence. Call us today or verify your insurance online to get started.

Tom believes that meaningful change begins with feeling heard, respected, and genuinely understood. His therapeutic approach is grounded in compassion, authenticity, and trauma-informed care, creating a safe, supportive, and judgment-free environment where clients feel empowered to explore challenges, build resilience, and move toward lasting healing.

As a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor II (LADC II), Tom has experience working with individuals facing a wide range of mental health and substance use concerns across multiple levels of care. He is passionate about helping clients recognize their strengths while developing practical tools to navigate life’s challenges with greater confidence, emotional awareness, and self-compassion. Tom views therapy as a collaborative partnership, tailoring his approach to meet each person’s unique experiences, goals, and values.

Currently pursuing a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Bay Path University with a concentration in Trauma-Informed Care, Tom is committed to continually expanding his clinical knowledge and providing evidence-based, culturally responsive care. He has a particular passion for working with LGBTQ+ individuals, supporting men’s mental health, and helping adolescents and young adults navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, and identity development.

Known for his calm presence, genuine empathy, and approachable style, Tom strives to foster meaningful therapeutic relationships built on trust, respect, and collaboration. He believes that healing occurs when individuals feel accepted for who they are while being encouraged to discover who they can become.

Outside of the therapy room, Tom enjoys spending time with family and friends, camping, weightlifting, and staying active. He believes that maintaining balance, practicing self-care, and prioritizing overall wellness enhances his ability to support others as they pursue healthier, more fulfilling lives.

Arielle is a compassionate mental health clinician who believes that meaningful change begins with feeling safe, heard, and genuinely understood. As a Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW), she is dedicated to creating a welcoming, collaborative therapeutic environment where clients feel empowered to explore their experiences, build on their strengths, and move toward lasting emotional wellness.

Arielle’s approach is rooted in authenticity, empathy, and trust. She believes the therapeutic relationship serves as the foundation for growth and strives to balance compassion with thoughtful accountability. By helping clients recognize patterns, deepen self-awareness, and develop practical coping strategies, she supports individuals in creating meaningful, sustainable change both inside and outside of the therapy room.

Working collaboratively with each client, Arielle tailors treatment to meet their unique needs, values, and goals. She has experience supporting individuals navigating anxiety, depression, stress, and major life transitions, meeting clients where they are while encouraging growth at a pace that feels both supportive and achievable. Her person-centered approach emphasizes resilience, self-compassion, and empowering clients to develop the confidence and skills needed to navigate life’s challenges.

Arielle earned her Master’s degree from Salem State University and completed her undergraduate education at The Pennsylvania State University. She is passionate about helping individuals discover their strengths, cultivate resilience, and create fulfilling lives built on hope, healing, and personal growth.

Jill is a dedicated behavioral health clinician who believes that healing begins when individuals feel truly seen, heard, and accepted for who they are. Since beginning her career in behavioral health in 2015, she has been honored to support children, adolescents, adults, and families through some of life’s most challenging moments. Her diverse clinical experience has reinforced her belief that meaningful and lasting change begins with genuine connection, compassion, and a therapeutic relationship built on trust.

Throughout her career, Jill has served in a variety of clinical roles, including high school intervention specialist, family specialist and outreach worker, program clinician in a children’s emergency residence, and Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) clinician before joining Lion Heart Behavioral Health in 2026. These experiences have provided her with a broad understanding of the unique challenges individuals and families face across the lifespan while strengthening her commitment to providing personalized, client-centered care.

Jill earned her Master of Science in Psychology with dual specializations in Educational and Counseling Psychology from Capella University and her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Forensic Psychology from Kaplan University. Her therapeutic approach is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), integrating evidence-based interventions with warmth, authenticity, and genuine curiosity about each client’s unique experiences.

Known for her compassionate and approachable style, Jill creates a welcoming, nonjudgmental environment where clients feel safe exploring challenges, identifying strengths, and developing practical skills to navigate life’s obstacles. She recognizes the courage it takes to seek support and considers it a privilege to walk alongside individuals as they build resilience, foster self-understanding, and work toward meaningful, lasting recovery.

Jill is passionate about helping every client leave therapy feeling empowered, supported, and hopeful. She believes that with the right support, meaningful change is always possible and is committed to helping individuals discover the confidence and resilience needed to create fulfilling, purpose-driven lives.

Kevin brings a unique combination of professional expertise, lived experience, and genuine compassion to his work as a therapist. Since beginning his own recovery journey in 2016, he has remained committed to helping others discover that lasting recovery is not only possible, but transformative. His personal experiences have shaped his deep understanding of addiction, resilience, and the courage it takes to create meaningful change.

Over the past seven years, Kevin has dedicated his career to working with individuals navigating substance use disorders and recovery. He earned his Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor II (LADC II) credential in 2024, further strengthening his clinical knowledge and commitment to evidence-based care. Clients appreciate Kevin’s authenticity, empathy, and ability to build trust through genuine connection. His approach is grounded in the belief that every individual possesses the strength and capacity for growth, regardless of where they are in their recovery journey.

Kevin’s work is driven by a passion for empowering others to rediscover hope, develop confidence, and build fulfilling lives in recovery. He recognizes that healing extends beyond sobriety and focuses on helping clients develop the tools, insight, and resilience needed for long-term success.

Outside of the therapy room, Kevin is a devoted husband, father, brother, son, and friend. He has also been deeply involved in music throughout his life, performing as a lead vocalist with local bands for more than 30 years. His love of music, combined with his personal and professional experiences, allows him to connect with people from all walks of life in an authentic and meaningful way.

Kevin believes that some of life’s greatest challenges can become the foundation for purpose, healing, and personal transformation. His warmth, humility, and unwavering commitment to those he serves make him a trusted guide for individuals seeking lasting recovery and a renewed sense of hope.

Nicole brings nearly a decade of experience in substance use disorder treatment, having worked across multiple levels of care since 2015. With a background in psychology and extensive experience supporting individuals throughout their recovery journeys, she has developed a compassionate, person-centered approach that recognizes there is no single path to healing. Nicole believes that every individual’s lived experience is unique and deserving of respect, understanding, and individualized care.

Throughout her career, Nicole has been dedicated to helping clients move beyond symptom management by exploring the underlying patterns that contribute to substance use. She works collaboratively with individuals to strengthen emotional regulation, develop effective coping strategies, and build the insight and resilience necessary to support long-term recovery. Her therapeutic approach considers the whole person, recognizing the powerful connection between thoughts, emotions, behaviors, relationships, and life experiences.

Known for her calm presence, genuine empathy, and ability to foster meaningful therapeutic relationships, Nicole creates a safe and supportive environment where clients feel empowered to explore challenges, celebrate progress, and embrace lasting change. She is passionate about helping individuals discover their strengths, restore hope, and build lives that reflect their values and recovery goals.

Nicole believes recovery is about more than achieving sobriety—it is about creating a fulfilling, balanced life built on self-awareness, resilience, and purpose. She is committed to walking alongside each client as they navigate the challenges of recovery while helping them develop the confidence and skills needed to sustain meaningful, lifelong change.

Emily is a Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW) dedicated to helping individuals navigate mental health challenges, substance use disorders, and the path toward lasting recovery. She earned her Master of Social Work, with a Certificate in Trauma Practice, from Simmons University in 2024 and has continued to expand her clinical expertise through advanced training in co-occurring disorders and evidence-based treatment. Emily completed a Substance Use Disorders Certificate in Assessment and Treatment Strategies with Teens and Adults through Bridgewater State University and is currently pursuing a Certificate in Substance Abuse Counseling at Bristol Community College to further strengthen her clinical knowledge and specialized skills.

Emily’s therapeutic approach is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), integrating practical, evidence-based interventions with genuine compassion and collaboration. She works alongside clients to better understand the relationship between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors while helping them develop healthier coping strategies, strengthen emotional regulation, and create meaningful, sustainable change. Emily believes that healing begins with feeling understood, and she is committed to creating a safe, supportive environment where every individual feels empowered to grow at their own pace.

Known for her warmth, authenticity, and positive energy, Emily quickly builds strong therapeutic relationships founded on trust, respect, and encouragement. She is passionate about helping clients recognize their strengths, overcome life’s challenges, and move toward lives that are aligned with their values and goals.

Outside of the therapy room, Emily is an accomplished lacrosse coach at both the club and collegiate levels. Having played competitively throughout high school and college, she enjoys mentoring athletes and helping them develop confidence, resilience, and leadership skills that extend far beyond the field. In her free time, Emily enjoys reading and creating diamond art, finding creativity and balance through these hobbies.

Emily believes that growth is possible for everyone and is honored to walk alongside clients as they build resilience, discover hope, and create lasting change.

Amanda Campbell, MSN, PMHNP-BC, is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based psychiatric care to adults experiencing a wide range of mental health and co-occurring conditions. 

Amanda provides comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and ongoing treatment planning as part of a multidisciplinary team. She believes in partnering with patients through shared decision-making, recognizing that each individual’s experiences, goals, and recovery journey are unique.

Amanda is committed to fostering a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental therapeutic environment where patients feel heard and respected. She emphasizes evidence-based treatment, patient education, and practical strategies that empower individuals to build resilience, improve daily functioning, and achieve lasting mental wellness.

Nicole Hunter serves as Program Director with a leadership style rooted in authenticity, compassion, and lived experience. She has been in recovery from substance use for several years, and while recovery is the foundation of the life she has built, it is far more than something in her past—it continues to shape who she is, how she leads, and why she is so deeply passionate about helping others find their own path forward.

Nicole remembers what it felt like to walk into treatment, unsure of what life could look like on the other side. She also understands that recovery isn’t something we simply “graduate” from. Even years later, there are seasons when we need to reconnect with the tools, principles, and support that keep us grounded. Having experienced her own mental health challenges alongside recovery, she understands that healing is rarely one-dimensional. This perspective allows her to genuinely relate to individuals navigating both substance use and mental health, meeting them with empathy instead of judgment and hope instead of shame.

For Nicole, this work has never been just a career—it is deeply personal. Her passion comes from walking alongside people who are making one of the hardest and bravest decisions of their lives: choosing to rebuild. She believes there is something incredibly powerful about witnessing someone begin to believe in themselves again, often before they are able to see their own potential. Being trusted to share in that journey is something she never takes for granted.

Nicole believes every person deserves to feel seen, heard, and valued—not for who they might become someday, but for who they are the moment they walk through the door. No two clients are the same, and she is committed to ensuring treatment reflects the unique strengths, challenges, goals, and experiences of each individual. She believes healing happens through individualized care, genuine connection, and creating an environment where people feel safe enough to be honest and supported enough to grow.

Nicole’s clinical philosophy combines evidence-based practices with the belief that the therapeutic relationship itself is one of the most powerful tools for change. Throughout her years working in behavioral health across a variety of clinical and leadership roles, she has developed a flexible, person-centered approach that meets individuals where they are while empowering them to discover where they are capable of going. She celebrates every step forward, knowing that meaningful progress is often made through small, consistent victories rather than dramatic breakthroughs.

Whether she is supporting clients or leading the multidisciplinary team at the program, Nicole lives by the principle of unconditional positive regard. She believes people grow when they feel respected, challenged, supported, and genuinely believed in. She strives to create a culture where clients and staff alike feel empowered to learn, take healthy risks, and recognize their own strengths.

Above all, Nicole believes that recovery is possible, healing is possible, and that every person deserves individualized care, unwavering respect, and the opportunity to build a life they are proud of. Her goal is simple: to help create a space where people feel safe enough to be honest, supported enough to grow, and empowered enough to realize that lasting change is within reach.

Bill Abbate brings more than 16 years of experience in the substance use disorder field, along with over 17 years of sustained recovery, providing him with a unique combination of professional expertise and lived experience. Throughout his career, Bill has remained deeply committed to helping individuals and families discover hope, healing, and lasting recovery through compassionate, person-centered care.

Beginning his career as a Recovery Aide, Bill gained invaluable hands-on experience across the continuum of addiction treatment, developing a comprehensive understanding of the challenges individuals face at every stage of recovery. His dedication, leadership, and passion for serving others have guided his progression into his current role as Director of Patient & Family Services.

At Lion Heart Behavioral Health, Bill leads the Patient and Family Services Department, overseeing the Family Support and Recovery Coaching Program. He is responsible for developing and coordinating recovery coaching services, supporting and training family coaches, and ensuring patients and their loved ones receive consistent, evidence-informed care throughout the recovery process. Bill believes that lasting recovery extends beyond the individual and that empowering families is an essential component of long-term healing.

Bill holds credentials as a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor II (LADC II), Certified Addiction Recovery Coach (CARC), and National Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist (NCPRSS). His leadership style blends clinical best practices with the power of lived experience, allowing him to build authentic relationships while fostering resilience, accountability, and hope among both patients and staff.

Known for his warmth, authenticity, and unwavering commitment to the recovery community, Bill is passionate about helping individuals recognize that recovery is not only possible—it can become a foundation for a fulfilling and purpose-driven life.

Outside of his professional role, Bill remains actively involved in recovery communities and enjoys attending recovery-focused events across the country. When he’s not supporting others, he enjoys traveling, motorcycling, surfing, and snowboarding. He is also a proud father who values family, connection, and living a life rooted in gratitude and service.

From the beginning of her career, Liz Forgue-McRae has believed that the best leaders are coaches first.

Her passion for helping others began long before entering the counseling profession as a competitive swim coach and manager at the YMCA, where she coached and mentored nearly 200 swimmers. Known for her unwavering encouragement and enthusiasm, Liz spent years helping young athletes push beyond perceived limitations, celebrate accomplishments, and develop confidence both in and out of the water. That same philosophy continues to shape her leadership and clinical approach today.

Liz earned her Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth before completing her Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling at Bridgewater State University. She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in both Massachusetts and Rhode Island and is a Certified Clinical Supervisor through the Massachusetts Mental Health Counselors Association (MAMHCA).

With more than a decade of experience across the behavioral healthcare continuum, Liz has provided leadership and clinical services within inpatient, outpatient, partial hospitalization (PHP), intensive outpatient (IOP), and community-based treatment settings. Her professional experience includes program development, clinical supervision, staff training, compliance and quality improvement, and multidisciplinary leadership.

Liz has extensive experience working with first responders, active-duty service members, veterans, healthcare professionals, and individuals navigating co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. She is passionate about creating environments where individuals feel supported, empowered, and equipped to achieve lasting recovery and personal growth.

As Clinical Director, Liz is dedicated to fostering a culture of clinical excellence through compassionate leadership, evidence-based treatment, and meaningful collaboration. She believes exceptional care begins with exceptional teams and is committed to mentoring clinicians while ensuring every client receives high-quality, individualized treatment.

Whether leading a clinical team, developing innovative programming, or supporting individuals through life’s most difficult challenges, Liz remains guided by the same principle that first inspired her career: helping people recognize their strengths, overcome obstacles, and realize their full potential.