A partial hospitalization program, sometimes called a PHP, is a type of mental health treatment that provides intensive therapeutic services during the day but allows patients to return home in the evening. PHPs are structured programs that typically last for six to eight hours per day, five or six days per week. Treatment services may include individual therapy, group therapy, medication management, and other services designed to help patients recover from serious mental illness.
PHPs are usually recommended for people who need more intensive treatment than what can be provided through weekly outpatient therapy appointments but who do not require 24-hour care in a psychiatric hospital. In general, PHPs are considered to be a step down from inpatient treatment and a step up from outpatient treatment.
What Does Treatment Look Like in a PHP?
Treatment in a PHP typically includes group therapy, individual therapy, and medication management. Group therapy may be focused on skills development, such as coping and problem-solving skills. Individual therapy may be focused on exploring emotions and practicing new skills. Medication management may include working with a psychiatrist to find the right medication or dose, monitoring side effects, and making sure the medication is working well.
PHPs may also offer other types of therapies, such as art therapy or animal-assisted therapy. Some programs offer family therapy to help family members understand the person’s mental health condition and learn how to support recovery.The goal of treatment in a PHP is to reduce symptoms enough so that the person can return to their normal routine and activities.
Benefits of Partial Hospitalization Programs
PHP can provide many benefits over traditional outpatient care, including increased structure and support, more intensive treatment services, and a higher level of care if needed.
Partial hospitalization programs can be an excellent step-down from inpatient treatment or a way to avoid hospitalization altogether. For people who have been hospitalized for their mental illness, a PHP can provide a smooth transition back into the community with less risk of relapse or decompensation.
Another benefit of partial hospitalization is that it can be tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual. Since every person experiences mental illness differently, no two treatment plans should be exactly alike. Some people may respond well to medication management while others may need more cognitive behavioral therapy or skill-building workshops.
Who Would Benefit From a PHP?
PHPs can be helpful for people who need more support than what outpatient treatment can offer but do not need the intensity of inpatient treatment. PHPs are often used to treat mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and bipolar disorder. They can also help people who are having a difficult time managing their symptoms and need additional support in order to avoid hospitalization.
If you are struggling with your mental health, you may benefit from enrolling in a partial hospitalization program (PHP). PHPs provide intensive care for people with mental health conditions on a short-term basis, usually lasting for a few weeks or months. Treatment in a PHP typically includes group therapy, individual therapy, and medication management. Some programs also offer other types of therapies, such as art therapy or animal-assisted therapy. If you think a PHP could be beneficial for you, talk to your mental health provider about whether it would be appropriate for your situation.
