A partial hospitalization program (many times called PHP) provides professional medical supervision and care when a person enters into addiction treatment.
Partial Hospitalization is not a term you hear in everyday language. However, it’s a term commonly used in the rehab and insurance industry. Another aspect of a PHP program is that it sounds very similar to an Intensive Outpatient Program (sometimes called IOP). Intensive Outpatient is one step down from Partial Hospitalization. I know it can sound a bit confusing. Hang with me because there’s a section on that below.
Entering a PHP Program
People who are checked in and admitted directly to a PHP will have a psychiatric evaluation. These people typically meet with the Psychiatrist for medication management. They will be involved in the same kind of therapy and activities as Inpatient (Residential) patients.
Patients in the partial hospitalization program, typically move into the residential program after getting the medical treatment they need. After entering the residential program, they will once again undergo a psychiatric evaluation. Once again, their psychiatrist will provide appropriate medication management based on their situation. Depending on the person this can mean no medication at all.
How a Combined Residential Program can Help PHP
The best way that a residential program helps is through an intensive treatment plan. The patients will be involved in therapeutic activities that give them the tools to cope with addiction.
Since everyone’s needs will be different, there’ll be a personalized plan of activities and treatments that will be the most effective for the individual. If the patients’ physical health doesn’t allow them to engage in certain activities, then alternatives are provided so that they can still reach their recovery goals.
Treatment Sessions That Get to the Root of Addiction
In addition to the intensive treatment sessions and personalized activities, the program also provides assistance by identifying the reasons for the addiction. Then they can be given the tools to overcome those underlying causes that are making it easy to keep taking the substance.
After time spent in the hospital, entering the residential program will provide the participant with the opportunity to give up substance abuse and start living a sober lifestyle
Why Partial Hospitalization Works
The combination of residential treatment works for a few different reasons, which includes:
- Customized treatment plans that are designed around your needs
- Identification of different key problems that contribute to substance abuse
- Professional support that helps guide you to reach your goals
- Creation of realistic goals based on your current health and needs
- By focusing the treatment plan on your needs and goals, it is possible to fight against the addiction and win the uphill battle.
Where It Occurs
The partial hospitalization program starts out in the hospital, where you receive medical treatment, and then shifts into the treatment facility. During the residential program, you will stay in the facility and undergo treatment.
Recovering from an addiction is challenging, but the help of professionals in a residential program can help. By getting personalized treatment, you are able to work through the problems that contribute to addiction and find solutions that allow you to give up the substance.
Programs are not just for drug addiction
Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) are for mental health disorders as well as chemical and alcohol dependency. These programs may be used as an additional option from traditional outpatient therapy. The programs may also be used with traditional inpatient mental health or chemical dependency programs. Treatment programs usually meet for four to six hours per day, allowing patients the flexibility to slowly reintegrate back into their family in the evenings.
PHP provides an intense structure each day to support patients as they slowly return to their community or begin their path into other forms of therapy. Today there are a variety of day programs available, which include family therapy, individual therapy, skills-building, medication management, recreational therapy, and process-based and psychoeducational group therapies.
These therapies are used to help patients achieve or maintain their optimal level of functioning in their social, academic, vocational, interpersonal, and personal lives.
Chemical dependency PHP is designed for people who struggle with alcohol or drug addiction. Addiction can occur along a continuum of severity; some patients will need the constant support of inpatient detox and rehab while others are able to work on their recovery in a structured outpatient setting.
For patients who do not require the level of care of an inpatient program, partial hospitalization programs are available for chemically dependent patients.
These programs can meet, seven days a week and offer the same level of care and intensity as inpatient drug addiction programs. Chemical dependency (also called substance abuse or just plain drug addiction) PHP offers frequent and random drug screening to ensure patients are maintaining their sobriety while outside our doors.
This is Confusing – What’s the difference between PHP and IOP?
Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) are two options for people who have either completed residential (inpatient) treatment or for various reasons, others who personally or professionally, require an outpatient setting.
Unlike residential or inpatient treatment where patients spend 30 days or more at the facility, those in an outpatient program are not required to spend the night. Treatment sessions in both PHP and IOP are administered during the day, with the difference being the number of hours and days spent at the facility.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
A Partial Hospitalization Program is good for individuals leaving residential treatment who understand that while they have more work to do in addiction recovery, an around-the-clock setting is no longer necessary.
It’s typical for patients to move down to PHP after inpatient treatment and sometimes again to IOP. For others, PHP might be a needed resource after a relapse of symptoms. Though programs vary, PHP is generally 6 hours a day, 5 days a week.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
In an Intensive Outpatient Program, therapy sessions are typically 3 hours a day, 3 days per week. While IOP can include one on one counseling, there is more of an emphasis on group therapy.
These sessions aim to help participants develop relapse avoidance skills, as well as learn therapeutic techniques, depending on each person’s needs. The lengths of IOP programs differ from person to person as they start to manage a successful recovery from addiction. It is also going to vary depending on the rehab or treatment center.
In both PHP and IOP, patients sometimes have unique treatment plans designed to their special needs. Treatment is provided by doctors, psychologists, nurses and other healthcare professionals.
Cost Considerations
Both PHP and IOP programs are more affordable than a residential recovery program, but they all share the same goal of sobriety and relapse prevention. Not everyone who misuses substances or alcohol are considered addicted. However, they may be at risk of becoming addicted. Outpatient programs can help them before it’s too late.