Sometimes seeking addiction or mental health treatment can be an overwhelming process. There are many factors to consider along with personal goals and preferences including PHP vs IOP. Two of the more common forms of addiction treatment include IOP rehab (intensive outpatient program) and PHP rehab (partial hospitalization program). While both of these treat addiction and have similar features, they are very different from each other.
Regardless of which program works better for you, the important thing is that you take the first step towards treatment. While there are differences between PHP vs IOP, both have a great impact on one’s recovery journey and sobriety.
We’ll be taking a look at the differences between the two programs and how to determine which is best for you. At the end of the day, it’s about making a change in your life, free of drugs and stress. Fortunately, Behavioral Health Centers is here to help!
PHP vs IOP Picking the Right Program for You
Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) are outpatient mental health treatments. PHP is more intense than IOP, with therapy and medication services tailored to the individual’s needs and the severity of their condition.
At first, it can seem like a daunting task trying to figure out which program is best for you. It is a very important decision, one that could change your life. Some people may not even know where to begin or where to get help for that matter. A great place to start is to keep in mind several factors that will determine which program is best for you. These factors include:
- Your needs
- Your limitations
- Personal preferences
- Your financial situation
- How much time you have available
Each of these factors can have a big impact on which program you decide to go with. Some treatment options may be much shorter and manageable. Others may be longer but much more in-depth and comprehensive. The right choice for you depends on the above-mentioned factors and the severity of your addiction. Shorter addiction treatment programs last a minimum of 30 days (which is considered short-term). Long-term rehab programs, on the other hand, can be 90 days or longer.
But apart from time, one of the main things to consider is your financial situation. While the value of recovery outweighs any kind of value of money, it’s essential to be realistic. Inpatient mental health treatment can sometimes be expensive depending on the type of program. Luckily, many different programs can help you address both mental illness and addiction. Insurance can help cover the cost along with other state-funded grants that can aid in paying for the addiction treatment program.
Some of the most important aspects of picking the right form of treatment are preference and needs. Programs usually cater specifically to the person who needs them. It’s important to know your lifestyle and limitations when it comes to choosing the right form of treatment. This can come in the form of responsibilities like work or school, or other needs. This is what separates inpatient and outpatient treatment. Inpatient programs allow individuals to stay in a rehab center from day to day; outpatient allows individuals to continue living at home.
As the name suggests IOP treatment is a form of outpatient treatment. But, PHP treatment programs have also been grouped in with intensive outpatient programs. So, when it comes to the PHP vs IOP debate, you may be wondering what the difference is and which option is better for you.
What is Intensive Outpatient Program Treatment for Addiction?
Intensive outpatient program (IOP) is a commonly used addiction treatment program. An IOP is a type of outpatient program except with added elements. Outpatient programs typically involve a person attending weekly individual and group therapy sessions at a treatment facility. This is a change of pace from the usual residential/inpatient addiction treatment, in which a person lives at a rehab center for a period of time. IOP treatment and other outpatient treatments consist of weekly counseling, therapy, relapse prevention, or other sessions.
IOP treatment is strongly recommended for those who’ve gone through the stages of withdrawal and don’t require 24/7 supervision. Outpatient addiction treatment in general is also recommended only for mild to moderate cases.
If you or a loved one is suffering from a severe addiction and should be in an inpatient program, IOP treatment is not recommended. This is because intensive outpatient programs do not have the same supervision as inpatient treatment does.
Each case of IOP treatment is specified for the individual. The number of sessions and the hours per week are adaptable and personalized. As time goes on and treatment continues, these numbers may change according to improvements and progression.
With this in mind, IOP treatment typically takes longer than regular inpatient treatment because it’s not as continuous. Regardless, intensive outpatient treatment can be just as effective for recovery as a residential program. Research suggests that there is an equal opportunity for recovery and success as long as the individual continues through treatment.
Day-to-Day Life During IOP Treatment
Intensive outpatient treatment is a great option for those who have other responsibilities to handle. Some people may look at IOP treatment as a transition back into their regular lives. Individuals who attend school, go to work, or take care of their kids can continue getting treatment and staying sober. However, it’s important to be honest about your surroundings and your mental state when it comes to addiction treatment.
Transitioning back into your daily life can be a shaky and sometimes complicated process. If a person is going to be exposed to triggers or situations where they may use again, IOP treatment may not be recommended. Consulting a treatment specialist is highly recommended when choosing the right program. The individual must be honest about their situation before committing.
During these weekly treatment sessions, a person will meet with several qualified therapists, counselors, and staff. These can be individual therapy sessions or group sessions. Some people may be more comfortable around others while others may have a 1-on-1 session with a therapist. But, both types of therapy are important for individuals in recovery.
Overall, therapy is used to pinpoint certain negative emotions and thoughts while encouraging positive change. These sessions can also help a person create a set routine while staying sober for years to come.
What is Partial Hospitalization Program Treatment?
Partial hospitalization program (PHP) may be similar to IOP treatment, there are distinct differences when you take a closer look. Partial hospitalization is generally more intensive than IOP treatment. A PHP program requires more sessions every week (for longer periods of time). Some may compare it more to a residential program than an intensive outpatient program.
While in a PHP, people typically attend sessions for 5 days a week, with sessions lasting anywhere from 4 to 8 hours. These numbers depend completely on a patient-to-patient basis. PHP is a great option when someone is fresh out of residential treatment and may not be 100% ready to go back to their daily life. As a result of a more rigorous schedule, people may prefer PHP treatment over IOP because it can help them transition and create a safer routine.
For cases where a person doesn’t feel super stable, a PHP may be best. While it may take longer and require more visits, it allows a person to slowly transition while avoiding the signs of relapse.
Partial hospitalization is also recommended for those who need further detoxification services. While you can get detoxification help during IOP treatment, PHP allows for more comprehensive help throughout the whole process. With this in mind, if a person’s withdrawal symptoms are too intense to handle on their own, residential treatment may be the best course of action.
Getting the Most Out of PHP addiction treatment
Some may falsely look at partial hospitalization programs as a negative thing, a sign of weakness for going ‘too slow’. This couldn’t be further from the truth and shouldn’t discourage anyone from getting help.
Partial hospitalization programs should also not be rushed as the person will not receive effective treatment that way. PHP treatment is a recommended choice for those who have experienced intense addiction or overdose in the past.
Partial hospitalization program is also paired with other services in the form of individual and group therapy that aren’t completely associated with medical/psychiatric care. This is to ensure that a person can smoothly and effectively transition into their life. The first few weeks of life after treatment can be a vulnerable and shaky situation. This is why PHP and IOP treatment are both great options for keeping treatment going. Both of these are essential to maintaining a safe and healthy transition back into life and routine.
Behavioral Health Centers Offers Both For Substance Abuse And Mental Health Treatment
At Behavioral Health Centers, we believe in comprehensive and effective treatment for you and your family. Our trusted rehab center offers both mental health IOP and mental health PHP treatment.
Transitioning back into life can be an unpredictable and sometimes unstable situation. However, both PHP and IOP treatment is perfect for creating a stable routine with some flexibility in the process. If you or a loved one is suffering from addiction (or have tried treatment in the past), both of these options may be recommended.
Before committing to any form of substance use disorder treatment or behavioral health services, it is important to speak with a specialist to ensure the right decision is made – PHP vs IOP or even a residential treatment program.
At BHC, we’re happy to help you pick the best option while guiding you through the process. Don’t wait for your addiction to get worse, start living the life you and your loved ones deserve. Contact us today to learn more about our mental health facility in Florida and outpatient programs.
