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Comparing virtual IOPsShift as a Connections Outpatient alternative.
Both run virtual intensive outpatient programs for adults with substance use and co-occurring mental health. They run in different states. Here is the plain difference, from each program's own published information.
Where you sit when the group starts.
Connections Outpatient Centers publishes a Florida program and a Tennessee program. Its site says participants must reside in the state the program is held in. It says they must be physically located in that state during each session. It says they are asked for their address at the start of every session. Shift serves people in California, New York and New Jersey.
The short comparison.
Shift Support Network
Adults. Substance use and co-occurring mental health in California, DHCS certification 191663AP.
Mental health IOP also for people in New York and New Jersey.
Groups Monday to Friday, 5:30 to 8:30 PM Pacific. Fifteen group hours a week plus a weekly individual session.
Hybrid: weekly care by secure video, optional in-person intensives in California.
Out of network with commercial PPO plans. Benefits checked the same business day, cost in writing before the first session.
42 CFR Part 2 confidentiality for substance use records.
Connections Outpatient Centers
Its site says adults age 18 and older with substance use disorders, mental health disorders and co-occurring concerns.
Its site lists two programs: Florida and Tennessee.
Its site says the programs are state-based. Patients must be in that state during each session.
Fully virtual on a secure online platform, with no in-person option published.
Its site says a seven-week curriculum, repeated if someone stays longer, with cameras on for the whole group.
Its site offers a free benefit check with no commitment. It names Medicare and Ambetter among plans that do not cover virtual treatment.
How to choose.
When is Connections the better fit?
If you live in Florida or Tennessee. Shift is not certified to treat you there. Its published seven-week curriculum also suits someone who wants a fixed end date.
When is Shift the better fit?
If you are in California, New York or New Jersey. Evening groups built around a job, 5:30 to 8:30 PM Pacific.
Is Shift part of Connections?
No. Shift Support Network is an independent program run by Vanguard Labs LLC. It is not affiliated with Connections Outpatient Centers.
What is the difference in hours?
Shift runs 15 group hours a week plus a weekly individual session. Connections does not publish a schedule or a weekly hour count on its site.
Can I travel while I am in the program?
At Shift, tell your clinician. Connections' site says a patient who travelled out of state during programming hours cannot take part that day.
How fast can I start at Shift?
Benefits checked the same business day. Intake is usually the next business day.
Connections details are from connectionsoutpatient.com as of October 27, 2026. Connections Outpatient Centers is a trademark of its owner.