Addiction Recovery

Partial Hospitalization Program: What You Need to Know

October 25, 2021

Looking for a short-term program to help you deal with behavioral problems and substance misuse? A Partial Hospitalization Program may be what you need.

Mental health condition treatments are delivered in different types of settings. When it comes to the level of care provided by rehab centers, there is no one-size-fits-all approach.

The kind of environment where the treatment is given depends on several criteria. This includes the nature and severity of the person's mental condition, their general well-being, and the recommendation of their psychiatrist.

Some of the common treatment settings for receiving mental health care include inpatient, outpatient, and partial hospitalization. With all these options available, you may feel confused on which treatment you should go for.

To help you decide which route to take, we’ve compiled some facts about the partial hospitalization program.

Partial Hospitalization Program near me
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What is Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)?

Partial Hospitalization Program also referred to as PHP is an outpatient program designed to diagnose and treat a serious mental health condition. It aims to maintain a patient's functional level and prevent relapse or full hospitalization.

In addition to treating psychiatric issues, such as anxiety, mood disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, etc, PHP also helps individuals cope with co-occurring conditions like drug addiction or substance abuse.

A partial hospitalization addiction treatment program often consists of individual and group sessions scheduled several days a week. The duration of the program may last from a week to a month, depending on the patient's needs.

A group of healthcare professionals, including a psychiatrist, a registered nurse, licensed clinical social workers, and an activity therapist, often implements PHP.

The main objective of this program is to provide structure and support to the patient. It also helps eliminate the need or at least reduce the length of stay for full hospitalization.

What Happens in a Partial Hospitalization Program?

PHPs are offered by a hospital or a rehab center as outpatient treatment. Individuals participate in treatment sessions during the day and return home in the evening.

A typical day in PHP is facilitated by licensed mental health professionals and consists of activities including:

  • Individual and group therapy
  • Psychoeducation
  • Skill-building practice
  • Periodic evaluations

You'll be working in a warm and supportive environment with the goal of learning and developing new coping skills, as well as working through situations that prevent you from functioning optimally in everyday life. The program will also teach you to improve mood regulation and interpersonal communication.

PHP facilitators will help you understand how psychiatric medications work and how they can help you throughout your recovery. Matters related to identity and self-esteem may also be discussed, as well as psychological education.

Most importantly, topics related to addiction will be addressed, such as substances, toxic relationships, and habits. A staff psychiatrist may also organize medication management should medication be needed.

Treatment Methods of PHP

A partial hospitalization addiction treatment program uses elements that are quite similar to those of an inpatient program.

To identify the best approach for the individual, trained specialists conduct complete mental health and medical evaluation before admission.

Some of the common methods used in PHP therapy include, but are not limited to:

1. Detox Services

PHP treatments can manage withdrawal symptoms ranging from mild to moderate. However, patients that have intense withdrawal symptoms may need thorough medical detox in a more secure environment.

2. Medication Management

Some medications can help you recover from substance abuse, and they are usually prescribed alongside psychotherapy to support long-term sobriety. They aim to reduce cravings, manage withdrawal, and treat co-occurring disorders.

3. Medical Care

If the person has medical needs that require attention, trained professionals will care for them during a PHP treatment. Patients get access to nurses, doctors, and psychiatrists who will monitor their progress consistently.

4. Psychiatric Care and Evaluation

A research conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration also known as SAMHSA found that an estimated 9.2 million adults had co-occurring mental illness and substance use disorder in 2018.

For this reason, it is essential that partial hospitalization addiction treatment programs evaluate, identify, and treat co-occurring disorders at the same time.

5. Individual, Group, and Family Therapy

What is Partial Hospitalization Program
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Counseling is a vital component of every treatment. Individual, group, or family are some types of therapies that can be included in your treatment plan.

Individual therapy requires you to have one-on-one meetings with a counselor. This helps you understand the reasons behind your substance abuse and teach you to cope with triggers in a healthy manner.

In group therapy, the counselor leads a group of people. Patients form bonds with other members who have the same struggle.

Family therapy involves all affected family members. With the assistance of a therapist, patients recover from negative emotions and codependent behaviors, allowing them to return to a healthy and supportive environment.

6. Personal Development Training, Relapse Prevention, and Educational Programs

There's always a possibility of relapse for drug-dependent individuals. By implementing preventive measures and learning more about addiction, you can avoid this and live full and productive lives.

7. Holistic Methods

Aside from medications and therapy, PHP treatment programs also offer supplemental activities such as:

  • acupuncture
  • art therapy
  • equine-assisted therapy
  • massage and chiropractic therapy
  • nutrition planning
  • spa treatments
  • yoga and other mindfulness meditation

PHP vs IOP: The Right Program for You

Partial Hospitalization Program and Intensive Outpatient Program referred to as IOP are two popular types of outpatient care. Individuals that undergo either of these treatments can continue living off-campus. The only key difference between the two is the time the patient must spend in the program.

In an IOP, a patient only needs to spend around 10 to 15 hours a week in treatment. Meanwhile, partial hospitalization may require the patient to attend sessions lasting 6 to 8 hours a day, at least five times a week.

What is PHP treatment? It is a full-time treatment option that allows patients to live independently while they are not in therapy. However, specialists are monitoring their progress and stability throughout the day.

Both IOPs and PHPs do not require patients to stay in the facility overnight, making them less restrictive than residential programs, which go around the clock.

Outpatient and partial hospitalization programs are ideal for those who have recently completed a full hospitalization program but still want additional rehabilitation time before returning to their regular lives.

Where to Find the Best Partial Hospitalization Program Near Me

PHP vs IOP
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PHP treatment is a great option whether you are just starting your recovery journey, shifting from residential treatment, or getting help following a relapse.

If you're looking for a facility, Another Chance can best meet your needs. We offer holistic, evidence-based treatment to address your addiction and co-occurring mental health condition. Our individualized programs aim to empower patients to make fulfilling changes and live a fuller, substance-free life.

PHP treatment strikes a perfect balance between personal responsibility and clinical supervision.  It includes all the benefits of an inpatient program without needing to stay in the facility for an extended period.

If you want to learn more about our partial hospitalization program, feel free to reach out to us at Another Chance. We're happy to provide more information or walk you through the process if you're ready to get started.