Understanding Partial Hospitalization: A Comprehensive Guide for Patients
Looking for a level of treatment between inpatient and weekly outpatient visits?
Partial hospitalization programs are one of the most successful treatment types for people struggling with mental health disorders and drug abuse. The problem is most have never heard of them.
Here’s the deal…
A partial hospitalization program, sometimes called a day treatment program, is a highly structured program for patients that need more support than traditional therapy but don’t need to stay in a hospital overnight. It’s a way to get the best of both worlds.
Let’s dive into…
- What Is a Partial Hospitalization Program?
- Why PHP Treatment Works So Well
- Who Should Consider Partial Hospitalization?
- What to Expect During Treatment
What Is a Partial Hospitalization Program?
In short, a partial hospitalization program (PHP) is an intensive form of outpatient treatment for people who need more support than traditional therapy and support groups. Patients attend scheduled PHP treatment programs for several hours a day, typically 5 days a week, then return home each evening. It provides comprehensive care in a structured setting without overnight stays.
You can think of a partial hospitalization program as a middle ground for patients that need more support than traditional outpatient treatment but don’t need to be fully inpatient.
Patients with addiction who need more help than once weekly outpatient treatment, can seek out PHP addiction treatment in Fairfax VA to get the structured treatment that they need. A mix of evidence-based therapies are paired with a PHP level of care that has more flexibility than inpatient or residential programs. According to the National Association for Behavioral Healthcare, nearly 45% of NABH member organizations offer psychiatric partial hospitalization programs as a step-down level of care after a hospital stay or as an alternative to inpatient treatment.
A PHP blends individual and group therapy, medicine management, and other treatment activities. The end result is a well-rounded experience that addresses many different aspects of recovery.
Why PHP Treatment Works So Well
Partial hospitalization programs are successful because they bridge the gap between inpatient hospitalization and weekly outpatient treatment.
The key reasons PHP is so effective…
Structure and Intensity: Patients in a PHP treatment center receive treatment 5 days a week for an average of 20 hours a week. This ensures patients are getting regular treatment but also reinforces skills on a daily basis.
Real Life Experience: Instead of being in a hospital, PHP patients learn to use their new skills and tools in real world situations. They can practice healthy coping mechanisms in treatment during the day, and then again at home each night.
Family Involvement: Unlike inpatient treatment, family members can be a part of a person’s recovery journey through PHP. Family support is often the key difference in whether a patient successfully recovers or relapses.
Cost: PHP is very similar to inpatient treatment, but typically less expensive. Insurance will usually cover this level of care. The cost savings combined with the results makes PHP a very attractive level of care.
PHP isn’t an either/or situation. Patients can get the help they need without sacrificing other obligations.
Who Should Consider Partial Hospitalization?
Partial hospitalization is a great level of care for the right patient. It’s not for everyone but for the people that PHP is right for, it can be life changing.
Partial hospitalization may be a good fit for people that…
- Are coming out of detox or inpatient treatment and need step down care
- Need more care than weekly outpatient care
- Have a stable and supportive home life
- Are motivated to work hard and actively engage in recovery
- Don’t need constant medical supervision
PHP isn’t a good option for people that can’t commit to treatment daily or that need a higher level of care.
Patients must be able to make it to all their daily appointments and give it their all. There is a commitment needed with PHP treatment, but the results are worth it.
Most people that do well in a partial hospitalization program have moderate to severe mental health or drug use disorder. The PHP level of care provides the support necessary for significant change without upending their lives entirely.
What to Expect During Treatment
First PHP sessions can feel intimidating. Understanding the experience takes the edge off the anxiety.
PHPs include several different components, each one working in tandem to deliver the overall treatment program.
Morning Check-In: A group session in the morning where patients can review their progress and set goals for the day.
Therapy Sessions: Individual and group therapy, along with skill building workshops, where patients can work through the root causes of addiction and/or mental health issues.
Medication Management: For those who need prescriptions as part of their treatment plan, PHP also includes medication monitoring and adjustments.
Afternoon Activities: Experiential activities like art therapy, mindfulness, or other physical wellness therapies are often included in PHP programs.
End of Day Transition: Patients wind down their day and prepare to return home in the evening. They can discuss coping skills for what they might experience at home and learn to manage triggers.
Partial hospitalization program lengths vary, depending on the individual patient. It could be a matter of weeks. Other PHP patients may require months of intensive care. Teams will continually assess each patient’s needs to tailor and adjust care as necessary.
Making the Most of PHP
Active engagement is the key to success in PHP.
The best PHP patients tend to…
- Show up for every scheduled session
- Openly and honestly engage in their therapy
- Complete all assigned homework
- Communicate well with the treatment team
- Build supportive relationships with other patients
The community of people in a PHP should not be underestimated. Every patient is going through similar struggles so there is a built in support network that usually lasts long after the program ends.
Wrapping Things Up
PHP is a powerful level of care that fills an important gap in mental health and drug addiction treatment.
It provides the structure and support necessary for patients that need more than traditional outpatient therapy but don’t require around the clock supervision. PHP uniquely combines structured treatment with real life application and family involvement to form a strong treatment program.
Recovery is a long journey and not an easy one, but with the proper level of care it becomes possible to make progress.
PHP provides the tools, support, and structure patients need to build a solid foundation for recovery and long term wellness. The right level of care can make all the difference in recovery.
