Addiction treatment centers offer multiple levels of care, giving clients the opportunity to step down from higher levels of care to lower ones as they progress through their treatment program.
Clients often begin at a high level of care, such as inpatient detox or residential rehab. When they demonstrate the ability to stay sober without 24/7 support, they may transition to a partial hospitalization program (PHP) or another less intensive care option.
Residential rehab and PHPs are very similar, but there is one key difference. In residential treatment, clients are expected to reside at the treatment facility within a structured, supervised environment. PHP clients spend the majority of their days at the treatment facility. They can return home or to a sober living facility in the evening.
If you or a loved one are considering attending an addiction treatment program, exploring the differences between residential treatment and PHP is key to determining which program is right for you.
What is Residential Rehab?
Residential rehab, also known as inpatient rehab, is a form of addiction treatment that involves residing at a specialized facility. Clients participate in individual and group therapy as well as educational workshops and support groups.
Typically, healthcare professionals recommend inpatient rehab for individuals with severe substance abuse issues, co-occurring disorders, or other addictions that require intensive, structured treatment in a supportive environment.
In a residential treatment program, individuals receive around-the-clock care and support from trained professionals, including therapists, counselors, and medical staff. The clinical team tailors treatment plans to meet the unique needs of each client. Treatment plans may include a combination of individual therapy, group therapy, medication management, educational sessions, and holistic approaches such as yoga or meditation.
The structured nature of inpatient treatment helps individuals develop coping skills, address underlying issues contributing to their addiction, and learn to live a sober lifestyle. It also provides a safe and stable environment away from triggers and temptations that could lead to relapse.
Residential rehab programs typically last anywhere from 30 days to several months. The length of treatment depends on the client’s needs and progress in treatment. After completing a residential rehab program, individuals may continue treatment by transitioning to PHP or an intensive outpatient program (IOP).
What is a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)?
A partial hospitalization program (PHP) is a structured form of short-term treatment that provides intensive, comprehensive care on an outpatient basis. It is designed for people who require more support than outpatient rehab but do not need 24-hour supervision in a residential setting. PHPs offer a higher level of care than traditional outpatient programs. However, they still allow participants to return home in the evenings.
Individuals in PHP typically attend group and individual treatment sessions at the facility during the day. Sessions usually run five days a week, for several hours each day. Treatment may include a combination of behavioral therapies, family therapy, medication management, educational sessions, and other therapeutic activities.
PHPs are designed to address a wide range of mental health or substance abuse issues, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), addiction, and eating disorders. Participants in a PHP receive an individualized treatment plan tailored to their specific needs and goals. The goal of a PHP is to stabilize symptoms, improve coping skills, and support individuals in their recovery journey.
Highlighting the Differences Between Residential Rehab and PHPs
There are three primary differences between inpatient rehab and a PHP.
- Inpatient programs provide 24-hour care while clients in PHP are permitted to go home at the end of the day.
- Clients in PHP are not required to reside within the treatment facility.
- Inpatient programs tend to be more expensive than PHPs due to the nature of the programs.
Who Should Go to Residential Treatment?
Residential addiction treatment is an excellent option for people seeking highly structured and intensive treatment. Residential treatment may be right for you if:
- You lack a sober, supportive living environment
- You’re still experiencing withdrawal symptoms
- You have a severe substance use disorder
- You have co-occurring mental health disorders
- You’ve been unsuccessful with lower levels of care
Who Should Go to a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)?
PHPs can be an effective option for individuals who require more support than traditional outpatient therapy but do not need the level of supervision provided in residential treatment. They offer flexibility for individuals to continue with their daily responsibilities while still receiving intensive treatment and relapse prevention services.
If you want to attend PHP, you must have a healthy sober living environment and a strong support group so you’re able to maintain your sobriety without 24-hour supervision.
Find the Right Treatment Program for You
Finding the right addiction treatment program is essential for your success in recovery. While there are many types of treatment out there, residential rehab and PHP offer the highest levels of care with the most support. Structured programs like these can help you establish a firm foundation for the rest of your recovery.
If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction and interested in learning more about your treatment options, please contact our team at First Step Behavioral Health today.
