Partial hospitalization programs are an alternative to regular hospitalization for people struggling with addiction issues. There are epidemic levels of drug and alcohol abuse in the United States. Large numbers of folks struggle with addiction, but not everyone needs full-time hospitalization.
- In 2015, about 15 million adults 18 years and older reported having an alcohol use disorder (AUD). Only 7% of these Americans received treatment.
- In 2014, about 20 million Americans reported having a substance use disorder.
- In 2014, approximately 8 million Americans reported having both a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder (dual diagnosis).
Millions of people need addiction care. For many, residential rehab is too high a level of treatment care, but outpatient treatment is not enough. The better choice in these cases may be a PHP or partial hospitalization program.
What is a PHP?
PHP, short for Partial Hospitalization Program, offers treatment care for substance abuse issues and mental illnesses. People in a PHP live at home outside of rehab hours. They travel to a treatment center to receive rehab services on a regular schedule. PHPs typically provide between 3 to 5 days of rehab services each week. PHP clients attend for the entire day or a minimum of 4 to 6 hours each session.
PHPs provide a wide range of treatment services:
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Social and psychological education classes
- Vocational counseling
- Life skills training
- Medication-assisted treatment
- Medical evaluations
- Mental health services
PHPs may also provide other services such as:
- Trauma-informed therapy
- Anger and stress management classes
- Treatment for any co-occurring disorders, like:
- Substance use disorder and depression
- Alcohol use disorder and anxiety
A major benefit of attending a PHP is that it can provide the comprehensive clinical benefits of inpatient treatment while offering a flexible schedule and freedom of movement outside of treatment.
Where Do PHPs Take Place?
Although the name itself has the word ‘hospital’ in it, the majority of PHPs take place outside of hospital settings. Substance abuse treatment centers are the most common places you’ll find PHPs.
Partial hospitalization programs can be just as effective as inpatient residential programs if you have good support and your living conditions are suitable for recovery. PHPs are great follow-up or aftercare treatments after a residential rehab and can help prevent relapse.
Is a PHP Right for You or Your Loved One?
A PHP may be the best fit for you or a loved one when outpatient services are needed to treat serious substance abuse or mental disorders. If you believe a more structured program (compared to outpatient services) is needed to prevent relapse and maintain sobriety, a PHP may be the better choice.
If you or your loved one has a support system outside of treatment and a stable home setting, a PHP for recovery could be a good fit. Otherwise, inpatient rehab may be the better choice.
Most importantly, if you want to stay independent for a large part of your rehab schedule but would like to spend a good portion of it in intensive treatment too, a PHP is a good option.
Do You Need a More Protected Environment for Treatment?
If mental health issues are one of your concerns, PHPs can provide a protective environment. The safe setting PHPs offer can help you or a loved deal more effectively with psychiatric and substance abuse symptoms.
If you or a loved one are considering substance abuse or mental health treatment, consider PHPs. Talk with your doctor, therapist, or a treatment center to get an assessment that can help you make these crucial decisions for the most effective care. A partial hospitalization program could be the key to your recovery.
