Call Now
In seeking addiction treatment, finding the right treatment option that meets your needs or the recovery needs of a loved one is essential. Getting help is already overwhelming, and you shouldn’t have to spend your precious energy wondering if you selected the most appropriate program and level of care.
In this article, you will learn the differences between partial hospitalization programs (PHP) and intensive outpatient programs (IOP). If you or a loved one needs to pursue addiction recovery, NuLife Behavioral Health Illinois is here to guide you in deciding “PHP vs IOP.”
How to Determine Best Fit: PHP vs IOP
Let’s say you’ve decided to start treatment and landed on NuLife Behavioral Health Illinois. This was a significant step, but now you’re stumped–do you start in a PHP or an IOP?
PHP and IOP have advantages, whether you’re receiving treatment for substance abuse disorders, mental health issues, or both. While both programs are beneficial, there are several factors to consider when choosing between PHP vs IOP:
- The intensity of your addiction or mental health concerns
- Your personal preferences for treatment or what has helped (or not helped) in the past
- Your motivation for recovery and personal growth
- Your budget or what insurance will cover for treatment
- Your need to maintain employment while in treatment
PHPs and IOPs are both forms of mental health treatment that support people who do not require full-time inpatient care but still need structured and intensive therapy. However, there are differences between the two in terms of the level of care, intensity, and the time commitment required for treatment.
PHP vs IOP: Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP)
Partial hospitalization programs (PHP) are for people who need more support than an outpatient program but don’t require 24/7 care. PHP typically involves attending a full-day program with individual and group therapy.
The partial hospitalization program (PHP) at NuLife Behavioral Health Illinois provides comprehensive outpatient care for individuals with substance use disorders, mental health conditions, or both.
PHP Level of Care
Partial hospitalization programs are a higher level of care than an intensive outpatient program. PHP involves more hours of treatment each day and more days per week. Patients in a PHP treatment program may attend treatment for most of the day but return home or to a stable living environment in the evenings.
PHPs provide focused care and intensive therapies without overnight stays. Clients attend individual therapy as well as group therapy. Additionally, at NuLife Behavioral Health in Chicagoland, participants benefit from evidence-based treatments like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).
PHP Treatment Intensity
PHP is typically more intensive and structured. It may involve a full day of therapy, including individual and group therapy, addiction therapy, medication management, and other therapeutic activities.
The PHP settings offer ample social support as clients build a support community within the PHP, with clients experiencing similar concerns that brought them to treatment. Spending considerable time together provides opportunities to practice healthy coping skills.
A PHP can serve as an addiction recovery or mental health treatment due to the more intense nature of the treatment setting.
PHP Treatment Duration
PHP programs often last several weeks, but the duration can vary depending on an individual’s progress and needs. NuLife Behavioral Health Illinois clients typically participate in the program five days weekly, for several hours each session. This schedule allows people to receive comprehensive, evidence-based treatment while maintaining their personal lives more than inpatient treatment.
Flexibility of PHPs
Both PHP and IOP can treat people who have substance abuse disorders, mental illness, or both—a condition referred to as dual diagnosis.
While PHPs offer a transition between inpatient treatment and outpatient therapies, PHPs are more structured than an IOP or other outpatient treatment formats. PHPs employ a more rigorous treatment schedule, making it challenging for those with full-time work or family to maintain their responsibilities.
Attending a PHP vs IOP can impact the client’s families or partners more due to needing to shift more responsibilities at home onto the partner who is not in recovery.
PHP vs IOP: Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)
Intensive outpatient programs (IOP) are for people who need more support than what regular outpatient therapy can offer but do not require 24/7 or full-day support. IOP programs consist of approximately 12 hours of therapeutic programming a week.
IOPs at NuLife Behavioral Health focus on helping clients build healthy coping skills and learn to live sober after transitioning back to their everyday lives.
IOP Level of Care
IOP is a lower level of care than PHP. It involves fewer hours of treatment per day and fewer days per week. IOP provides more flexibility for people with work, school, or other daily commitments.
Depending on your schedule, you’ll participate in therapy sessions during the day or evening while maintaining your work or school commitments. IOPs also use individual and group therapy models. An education component is a crucial part of IOPs as well.
Individual therapy sessions offer clients focused attention with a licensed therapist. In this private setting, clients can explore issues and triggers they may not wish to share in group therapy.
IOP Treatment Intensity
IOPs, while more intense than other outpatient options (e.g., attending a therapy session once a week or every other week), are considerably less intensive than PHPs. Clients in IOP usually attend therapy sessions for a few hours a few days a week. It may include group therapy, individual therapy, and educational sessions.
By gradually reducing treatment intensity, clients can feel encouraged, self-confident, and on the road to long-term recovery and mental wellness. Clinical support in IOPs is provided as needed.
IOP Treatment Duration
IOP programs are typically more extended than PHP, ranging from a few weeks to several months. The duration also depends on the individual’s progress and treatment recommendations. NuLife Behavioral Health Illinois clients typically attend an IOP for six to twelve weeks, for 1 to 3 hours per session. IOPs usually meet once or twice weekly, depending on the specific program.
Attending an IOP as a step-down from PHP or inpatient treatment can help you maintain your progress. Additionally, you can continue strengthening your coping skills as you continue with treatment and create lasting new behaviors.
Flexibility of IOPs
IOP offers more flexibility for clients to continue their daily activities and responsibilities, such as work or school while receiving treatment. IOP participation can often be scheduled for evenings after work or school.
The flexible nature of IOPs fosters client independence and the ability to apply new healthy strategies and behaviors in the “real world.”
Treatments Offered in PHP and IOP
Both IOP and PHP offer these evidence-based therapies:
Individual Counseling: One-on-one sessions with a licensed professional help you explore the underlying issues contributing to your addiction. This is often combined with other forms of therapy for a more holistic approach.
Group Therapy: In group settings, you can share experiences and coping strategies with others who live with similar struggles. Peer support is a crucial element in long-term recovery.
Family Therapy: Addiction affects the individual and their loved ones. Family therapy aims to repair these relationships and involve family members in recovery.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This form of psychotherapy helps you identify and change negative, harmful thought patterns that contribute to your addiction. CBT is one of the most effective treatment methods for substance abuse disorders and mental health issues.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Beneficial for those dealing with emotional regulation and anxiety management, DBT teaches mindfulness and stress management skills.
Holistic Healing: Beyond traditional therapies, NuLife also offers experiential therapies like art therapy, music therapy, and even pet therapy to provide a well-rounded treatment experience.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment: Dual diagnosis treatment is designed for those with co-occurring mental health issues like depression or PTSD and substance abuse disorders. NuLife offers specialized treatment plans for treating dual diagnosis.
Relapse Prevention: An essential part of any treatment plan, relapse prevention strategies are integrated into all levels of care at NuLife. This includes education on triggers and coping mechanisms.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). TMS is a research-supported, non-invasive treatment approved by the FDA for use with several disorders, including PTSD. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation uses powerful, focused magnetic fields to stimulate groups of nerves within the brain that are underactive or inactive. TMS therapy takes place on an outpatient basis and requires no downtime. A person can have a TMS session and return to their daily routine.
Insurance Verification: Before starting any treatment program, NuLife will verify insurance to help you understand your coverage and any out-of-pocket costs you may incur.
Takeaway
The choice between PHP vs IOP depends on a person’s specific mental health issues, the severity of their condition, and the level of support required. Additionally, treatment plans may change as individuals progress in their recovery journey.
At NuLife Behavioral Health Illinois, we want to create the best possible treatment fit for each client’s unique needs. There’s no “one-size-fits-all” approach in life, let alone in addiction recovery or mental health treatment.
NuLife Behavioral Health Illinois is here to help with personalized treatment programs. If you or a loved one could benefit from a PHP or an IOP here at NuLife, reach out. We can assist you in determining the best fit and in getting started with your healing journey today.
