Watching a loved one experience mental health struggles can be extremely saddening. Seeing a loved one struggle with the complex effects of co-occurring disorders can bring about more unique challenges. It can be beneficial for friends and family to learn about effective treatment options for substance use disorder (SUD) and mental health disorders. Learning about the benefits of a partial hospitalization program (PHP) may be paramount.
At 12 South Recovery, we offer several levels of outpatient treatment for those seeking recovery. Becoming familiar with these programs and how they differ from one another can be beneficial for friends and family. This way, they can help their loved one get the treatment they need.
What Is a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)?
PHP is a type of outpatient program. More specifically, PHP is the most intensive form of outpatient treatment. These programs are structured to provide effective outpatient psychiatric care, sometimes as an alternative to inpatient psychiatric care. One of the main goals of PHP is to improve a client’s symptoms and overall functioning enough to transfer to a lower level of care.
According to the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), “The treatment program of a PHP closely resembles that of a highly structured, short-term hospital inpatient program. It is treatment at a level more intense than outpatient day treatment or psychosocial rehabilitation.”
Many individuals struggle with severe symptoms of mental health or SUD yet are unable to commit to an inpatient or residential treatment program. This could be because they have personal responsibilities to tend to, such as work or childcare. Alternatively, they may not need around-the-clock monitoring or may not have the means to pay for a more intensive option. PHP offers flexible programming, allowing individuals to reside at home and tend to other responsibilities while getting quality treatment.
At 12 South Recovery, our PHP requires six hours of daily on-site programming (Monday through Saturday).
How Does PHP Differ From Other Treatment Programs?
According to a publication by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), substance use and mental health treatment exists on a continuum. This system allows clients to enter treatment at the level deemed most appropriate for their needs. From their initial entry point, clients can step “up” into more intense treatment or “down” into less intense treatment as needed.
Understanding the Levels of Care
The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) coined five levels of care in the continuum of care for substance abuse treatment. These levels include:
- Level 0.5: Early intervention services
- Level I: Outpatient services
- Level II: Intensive outpatient programs (IOP) and partial hospitalization programs (PHP)
- Level III: Residential/inpatient services
- Level IV: Medically managed intensive inpatient services (including detoxification services)
Stepping Down
As one can see, PHP is a less intense level of care compared to detoxification and residential treatment. In a PHP, clients do not reside at the treatment facility. However, they still engage in similarly intensive programming compared to residential treatment. For example, clients can expect to participate in treatment groups as well as one-on-one case management and therapy sessions. In this way, PHP can be used as a step-down service from residential and detox treatment.
Stepping Up
On the other hand, PHP is a more intense level of treatment compared to general outpatient programs and IOPs. IOPs still include group and individual therapy sessions. However, clients meet for shorter and less-frequent intervals. Outpatient programs are the most flexible treatment option, typically suggested as a means of long-term aftercare. In this way, PHP can be used as a step-up from outpatient programs and IOPs when an individual needs more care than those programs are equipped to provide.
The Value of PHP for a Loved One Seeking Recovery
Family and friends seeking effective treatment for their loved one may find a perfect fit in a PHP. Learning about the benefits of this program can help encourage a loved one’s participation in treatment. PHP is valuable in many respects, including the following.
Bridges the Gap Between Inpatient and Outpatient Care
One of the most significant benefits of PHP is that it can ease people through the transition from inpatient to outpatient care. According to The Psychiatric Hospital, “For some patients, the availability of partial hospitalization may shorten the length of stay of full hospitalization or serve as a transition from inpatient to outpatient care. It may allow some patients to avoid hospitalization.” PHPs foster greater accountability and psychological assistance. This is especially helpful for those who do not feel ready to take on the challenges of their recovery without professional guidance.
A More Affordable Treatment Option
There is no question that cost can be a barrier to treatment. Fortunately, compared to residential treatment, PHP is a more affordable option. Many individuals qualify for insurance coverage. At 12 South Recovery, individuals can verify their insurance benefits and coverage in the areas of addiction or mental health treatment.
Offers Flexible Scheduling
To reiterate, PHP offers highly-flexible programming, which can be especially useful for individuals who must keep up with personal responsibilities. Additionally, individuals can benefit from returning home after a day of treatment to directly apply the skills they are learning.
Individuals considering any kind of outpatient program must ensure their home environment is both safe and recovery-supportive. This process will involve removing substance use and mental health triggers from the home. It will also include building a reliable support system of loved ones who can be available throughout their recovery journey.
PHP is a level of treatment that offers flexible yet highly structured programming for individuals seeking recovery. At 12 South Recovery, we offer a range of outpatient treatment options, including general outpatient programs (OP), intensive outpatient programs (IOP), and partial hospitalization programs (PHP). These programs can be tailored to meet the unique and individualized needs of you or a loved one. At 12 South, we rely on evidence-based treatments as well as complementary holistic treatments to ensure that every person achieves lasting healing of their whole person. To learn more about our treatment programs or what to expect from a PHP, give us a call today at (888) 830-8374. We look forward to walking with you as you heal.
