There are many different treatment types to choose from if you or a loved one is struggling with addiction. A partial hospitalization program (PHP) might be an option for you depending on your specific needs and what substance is being misused. It is also a great option for continuing care treatment following inpatient rehab.
Understanding Partial Hospitalization
A partial hospitalization program (PHP) is a more involved level of care compared to outpatient care. It is still an outpatient treatment program that helps people who struggle with addiction. Though their addictions are more so mild to moderate or they have just been released from an inpatient rehab treatment facility. They still receive an extensive treatment plan and services along with medical monitoring during daytime hours. However, they do not stay overnight as they would in an inpatient treatment rehab facility.
During the day they offer day treatment programs for participation such as individual group therapies, drug counseling, access to medical care, and medication if needed. It is sometimes called a day treatment program even. If medical attention happens to be needed quickly, they work closely with the hospital to make sure patients get the help that is needed.
Being that PHP is a more intensive program unlike other outpatient programs who may only meet once or twice a week, a PHP can meet 3 to 5 days a week. Within those days you can expect to meet for up to 4 to 6 hours each day, even though you will be expected to return home at the end of the day.
After attending an inpatient rehab a case manager may set a patient up with a PHP afterward to continue treatment as a “step-down.” Sometimes this is beneficial for patients who still need a high level of support of which a partial hospitalization would be beneficial even though 24-hour supervision is not fully necessary.
Partial Hospitalization Services
The medical staff will evaluate and determine the individual’s needs and develop an individualized treatment plan prior to services beginning. It is based on the person’s substance abuse disorder and other co-occurring mental and/or physical health conditions.
Many different treatment professionals such as doctors, social workers, nurses, therapists, and psychiatrists work closely with people in a PHP program. These are the services offered typically in a PHP program traditionally:
- Detox: PHPs that offer detox typically only offer detox to those with mild to moderate withdrawal symptoms. Medically supervised detoxes are not offered by every facility. Although, some partial hospitalization programs will provide medications to aid in detoxing from drugs and alcohol. Those who have severe addiction or life-threatening withdrawal symptoms are required to have medical supervision offered by a professional detox facility before any enrollment in a PHP treatment.
- Medical services: Medications that are administered to treat any complications due to a result of substance abuse or other health conditions are dispensed by nurses and/or doctors.
- Medication management: FDA-approved medications have benefits to help decrease cravings, manage uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms, and block the rewarding effects in general. These medications serve as a benefit for people when recovering from certain types of substance abuse.
- Individual therapy: Working with a licensed therapist or drug counselor individually to combat unhealthy behaviors and to help work on maintaining long-term sobriety.
- Holistic treatments: Certain PHPs may offer special treatment options such as meditation, nutrition education, yoga, equine therapy, fitness classes, music therapy, as well as art therapy to help in the recovery process from substance abuse.
- Group counseling: A certified mental health professional will lead a group topic to focus on an individual topic or skill. These topics can be anything ranging from relapse prevention, stress management, life skills, coping skills, educational groups, team building, recreational activities, and family education.
- Aftercare planning: When leaving treatment a treatment plan is made by your treatment team. This is typically called your aftercare plan. It may include support groups to help ensure relapse prevention, 12-step programs, group or individualized counseling, and sober living homes for those who need shelter.
PHP along with other partial hospitalization programs is experienced in treating individuals with co-occurring disorders. It is common for those who have substance abuse disorders to also have mental illness conditions as well, which is what is referred to as co-occurring disorders. If someone you love or yourself has a mental health condition and also has a substance abuse disorder, a PHP program could be beneficial. It could meet the level of care needed to assist.
How Long Does a PHP Treatment Last For?
Depending on an individual’s needs the treatment program’s duration can vary. Every person is unique and each PHP has a different treatment approach for their patients. In order for treatment to be successful and most effective, it needs to be for an adequate amount of time. This is important so an individual can develop a new set of healthy patterns of behaviors and be able to implement them into their life.
When a person is enrolled in a PHP, you can typically expect they will attend treatment for about 5 days a week. For those days it will be about 4 to 6 hours a day, then afterward they will return home in the evening.
After completing a PHP they may consider transitioning to a standard outpatient program. An outpatient program may meet about 1 to 2 times per week at a minimum. This helps to continue support and maintain sobriety.
Reasons to Choose a PHP Program Near Me
Before deciding on any type of treatment, including partial hospitalization, do not forget that no same treatment is best for every individual equally. There are those who might benefit from a PHP and there are those who may not. There are some people who may not need 24-hour supervision and they may not be suffering from a relapse.
Generally speaking, a PHP is best for people who:
- Need more medical supervision closely, but are not in need of it 24 hours a day
- Are in need of more support than typical outpatient programs provide
- Have reliable transportation and stable housing
- At home, I have a strong support system
- Has responsibilities to continue working or going to school
- Only have mild to moderate withdrawal symptoms from their substance abuse
Partial Hospitalization Program Cost
PHP costs vary on many factors. For example, the length of the program itself and also how much insurance will cover it. There are also other considerations like the location and services offered. Partial hospitalization programs usually cost less than a residential or inpatient treatment program within a rehab facility. Considering you are not staying overnight in a rehab facility it tends to cost significantly less.
Insurance plans differ, but there is usually some level of coverage with insurance providers for addiction treatment. Especially now since it is considered an essential health benefit in the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Essentially this means they cover substance abuse treatment in the same way they cover any other medical conditions. However, some treatment facilities do not accept Medicare and Medicaid or other certain insurance providers nevertheless. Therefore, it is very important to check your coverage prior to choosing a program.
There are a variety of ways to finance your recovery even though paying for it, in general, can easily seem overwhelming. If you don’t have insurance or your insurance only provides some coverage there are other options:
- Sliding scale: Recovery programs may offer an individualized payment plan based on what you can afford to pay back. They understand the hardship of paying for treatment.
- Grants and scholarships: Sometimes there are grants and/or scholarships available based on a person’s needs and qualifications in which PHP facilities may offer.
- Payment plans: There are facilities that will be open to working with you to come up with creating a payment plan that is workable for you.
Finding a Partial Hospitalization Program Near You
Help is always available for you or someone you love who is struggling with addiction to drugs or alcohol. You can begin your sobriety and live drug and alcohol-free. Contact us, Better Tomorrow Treatment Center, at 844-989-1415 today! Let us help you find a better tomorrow! We have many treatment options and therapy services available.