Mental Health: Day Treatment Program or PHP

Day treatment program or partial hospitalization program (PHP) is the next step down from inpatient treatment and step up from intensive outpatient program (IOP). In most mental health day treatment programs, patients spend several hours each day at the treatment facility.

PARTIAL HOSPITALIZATION PROGRAM OR DAY TREATMENT

Patients tend to directly enter into PHP after completing their detoxification or inpatient treatment. In most cases, PHP requires the patient to be available for treatment on a daily basis. The main difference is that more of the patient’s time is required each day compared to the IOP. PHP programs usually last about 5-6 hours per day, 3-5 days per week.

PHP programs have significant amounts of individual and group therapy where they are taught better coping mechanisms to deal with their stress as alternatives to turning to alcohol and drug abuse for solace or self-medication. It is with regard that PHP is sometimes referred to as day- treatment, to capture the idea that a patient will be receiving care on a nearly full-time basis during the day and allowed to go home in the evenings.

In addition, more supervision including the monitoring of psychiatric symptoms and intake of medication is associated with PHP than with IOP, but this is also subject to your insurance cover limit that could determine the range of services that you will receive.

Day Treatment Schedule

Day Treatment Programs are ideal for people needing a high amount of support and structure, but able to live at home and benefit from community interaction. PHP is ideal for clients who do not need 24-7 care and inpatient treatment. PHP programs vary greatly, but in general include the following:

• Participants live at home or in sober or transitional living accommodations.
• Attend 25 or more hours of programming per week: 5-6 hours per day, 3-5 days per week.
• Programs are generally 4-6 weeks
• Curriculum often includes 1 on 1 therapy, group therapy, family therapy, clinical diagnosis, vocational / academic training, substance abuse counseling and alternative therapies.

PHP VS IOP: WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE?

While the recovery journey is different for every person, there are levels of treatment for each problem, depending on how severe the symptoms are:

The difference between an IOP and a PHP is subtle but important. The program that’s right for you will depend on many factors, including whether you’ve been in treatment before and whether you have a strong support system at home. The most important difference between IOP and PHP is that:

• PHP programs usually last about 5-6 hours per day, 3-5 days per week.
• IOP programs usually last approximately 3-4 hours per day, 3-5 days a week.

If you’ve been through inpatient treatment recently and you’re looking for the next step in your recovery journey, a PHP could be the ideal next step.

If you experience moderate mental health or addiction problems, IOP treatment might be sufficient as a first step on your recovery journey. 

Reading to discover the difference between PHP and IOP addiction treatment is important, but always consult with the doctor for an initial assessment, so that your physical and mental health situation can be effectively gauged.

IS PHP PROGRAM RIGHT FOR YOU?

Whether a PHP day treatment is right for you depends on your stage of the recovery and healing process.

If you’ve been through inpatient treatment recently and you’re looking for the next step in your recovery journey, a PHP could be the ideal next step.

If you experience moderate mental health or addiction problems, IOP treatment might be sufficient as a first step on your recovery journey. 

The difference between living in a partial hospitalization treatment facility and living at home can make for a more significant treatment experience. Even though you’re undergoing treatment during the day in another program—under constant supervision—once you get home, you’re no longer supervised. This can make it tough to stay sober, strong, healthy, and maintain gains.

PHP treatment is designed to bridge the gap between residential treatment and home, but may also be appropriate for people who do not need a residential level of care.

If you need FREE help please contact the National Helpline about mental and/or substance use disorders, prevention, treatment, and recovery in English and Spanish.