What are the Benefits Of Partial Hospitalization Programs?

by | Jul 14, 2022 | Treatment | 0 comments

When it comes to rehab for substance abuse or mental health disorders, there are several options to choose from — residential programs that can be short- or long-term or outpatient programs. Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) fall under the outpatient option because they do not provide the round-the-clock supervision of a residential treatment program.

What is a Partial Hospitalization Program?

A PHP offers a structured environment during the day for someone needing help managing substance abuse or mental health issues. The person attends the program during the day and returns to their home in the evenings. Some people opt for this form of care after they have already completed an inpatient program and they still feel a need to continue their treatment.

Like other forms of rehab available, PHP treatment is customized for the individual, depending on several factors, including:

  • Type of condition being treated
  • Length of treatment needed
  • Intensity of treatments
  • The medical treatment plan that has been created
  • The severity of the person’s addiction
  • If there are mental health treatment needs

Additionally, what the person’s insurance will cover may influence the treatment they receive. PHP may be referred to as an intensive outpatient program (IOP) or a day program.

What Does A Partial Hospitalization Program Include?

Programs can vary, but most PHPs offer standard services like behavioral services, medication management, and aftercare planning.

Individual counseling (psychotherapy), group therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), contingency management and mental health counseling fall under the category of behavioral therapy services.

The individual will work with a case manager during PHP to craft a relapse prevention plan. This plan will identify triggers for that person and provide a list of relapse warning signs and steps to take to counteract any triggers.

Support groups and medication management are included in this type of treatment. Many PHPs offer other holistic treatments like yoga, animal therapy, or art therapy. Depending on the person’s treatment needs, they may also need to be monitored for medication to aid them in their care. Finally, because a person’s body undergoes many changes during detox and may have been damaged during their addiction, a partial hospitalization program often provides nutritional and fitness counseling and support.

Finally, aftercare planning gives the person the tools they need to manage their substance abuse or mental health after completing PHP. This can include resources like counseling and support groups to reach out to as needed or even the option of continued treatment.

Benefits of Partial Hospitalization Programs

There is no one-size-fits-all solution for addiction or mental health issues. That is why each person needs to determine the best treatment for their needs. Partial hospitalization programs work well for those with less severe addictions or issues that also have a supportive home environment. People with families they need to continue to care for often opt for a PHP.

In addition to being able to stay in their own home, PHPs offer these benefits:

  1. Regular access to a range of health specialists, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and psychologists
  2. A less expensive option than inpatient care because room and board are not needed
  3. Some insurance plans may cover more PHP sessions, meaning the person receives care for a more extended period
  4. A slower and safer transition from inpatient care to real life
  5. Time to practice the skills learned while in treatment out in the real world
  6. Greater flexibility in terms of scheduling so that people can stay employed, in school or continue caring for their family
  7. Expert lead educational classes

Finding the Right Treatment

A professional assessment can help the person determine the best path forward for their needs. PHP treatment is viewed as a middle ground for someone who doesn’t need the constant supervision of an inpatient facility but who would like more care than a part-time program would provide.

PHPs can last for several weeks or even several months. As with everything connected to addiction treatment, the ‌time someone attends a program will vary and is dependent on their personal needs.

When considering a PHP, the following questions can help the person make their choice:

  • What types of addictions do they treat?
  • Are they prepared to treat co-occurring disorders if necessary?
  • What kinds of therapies do they use?
  • What are their patient policies?
  • Do they provide case management and comprehensive aftercare?
  • Do they accept your insurance?
  • What are the payment options?

Effective PHP treatment will be readily available to the person seeking help. It also should address all aspects of the person’s substance abuse or mental health issues — medical, psychological, social, vocational, and legal. Other factors to consider on whether a program is suitable for an individual is if it’s appropriate to their age, gender, ethnicity, and culture.

Finally, no treatment program should be stagnant. The best care constantly changes and evolves to meet the individual’s ongoing needs. Regular assessments provide insight into what aspects of the PHP care are still working and what needs to be modified.

Bridges of Hope’s treatment philosophy is based on a comprehensive and integrated approach to addressing all issues related to substance use and mental health disorders. Utilizing therapeutically proven, evidence-based clinical practices, Bridges of Hope provides superior patient care in Indiana through its all-inclusive treatment services.