Partial Hospitalization Programs, also known as PHP treatment, deliver intensive behavioral health treatment without requiring overnight stays in a medical facility. The popularity of these programs, particularly in drug and alcohol treatment, has grown a great deal in the past 10-15 years. One of the reasons for this popularity is the flexibility this type of treatment offers. Most patients benefit from a longer period of time in treatment. PHP programs make longer lengths of stay more practical and accessible to more people. By enabling patients to stay overnight in a sober living environment or even at home, the overhead cost is reduced. Patients can get a similar, full day of intensive treatment they would at an inpatient program. A PHP program generally includes many of the elements patients are looking for. Individual and group therapy, specialty tracks, dual diagnosis care, and more.
PHP Programs can make it possible for patients to have more days of treatment overall. They also allow for more flexible housing arrangements that may make it possible to spend time with family as treatment continues. Partial Hospitalization is not the right choice for everyone though. Most patients dependent on drugs or alcohol will want to begin with a medical detox for example. Detox is usually done on an inpatient basis, however, there are outpatient detoxes and Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) programs that can fulfill the needs of some. Some patients may require the 24/7 medical attention an inpatient clinical environment provides. People who have more acute co-occurring psychiatric issues, severe trauma, or lack any sort of stable home environment or support system may need more care. Each individual case is different, and it is best to ask for professional advice when deciding on what kind of addiction care is right for you.
The choices of behavioral health care for substance abuse are broader than ever before. This can make the decision on what type of care to get a little confusing. The benefits outweigh the complexity, however. The result is that it is much easier for most people to find treatment arrangements that meet both their needs and their means. Many people attend PHP treatment following detox and residential care, for example. Others may have already been detoxed and are able to begin with PHP and gradually move on to Intensive Outpatient and finally Outpatient care. The most important thing is that the patient gets the help they need with as little compromise as possible. It has become increasingly popular for patients to remain in some form of outpatient care for several months or even as long as a year. The movement towards a longer, sustained relationship between patient and program is results-driven. Research has shown that extending that engagement beyond the traditional 30-day model yields better outcomes. Patients who participate in 3 months or more of IOP or OP treatment are more likely to remain sober a year after treatment is completed. (1)
If you or someone you care about is looking for treatment, you are welcome to call us to discuss the options. Our staff will be happy to explain the different levels of care, verify insurance benefits and help you to make an informed decision.
(1) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1852519/