Addiction treatment programs offer several levels of care to accommodate the changing needs of people struggling with addiction as they make strides toward recovery. Clients typically begin at a high level of care, such as inpatient rehab or partial hospitalization (PHP), before stepping down to lower levels of care like intensive outpatient (IOP) and regular outpatient (OP).

A partial hospitalization program is designed to provide structured treatment and support for individuals who require intensive therapeutic services but do not need 24-hour supervision. It offers a comprehensive approach with daily therapeutic interventions, medical monitoring, and support to help clients manage their addiction while transitioning towards greater independence and stability in their daily lives.

This article will explore the benefits of partial hospitalization programs for those in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. You will learn:

  • What a partial hospitalization program is
  • The benefits of PHP in substance abuse treatment
  • How PHP can support people in recovery

What is a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)?

A partial hospitalization program or PHP is the highest level of outpatient care in substance abuse treatment programs. Clients commute to the treatment center five days a week and spend five to six hours a day participating in therapy and other support services. Many people go to a PHP after completing inpatient rehab, but others attend PHP as their sole form of treatment.

PHPs offer highly focused and personalized treatment plans that address the root causes of addiction while encouraging clients to practice healthy coping skills in their daily lives. Services offered in partial hospitalization programs include:

  • Individual therapy
  • Group therapy
  • Family therapy
  • Holistic therapies (art, yoga, music, nutrition, etc)
  • Case management
  • Relapse prevention therapy
  • Aftercare planning
  • Life skills therapy

5 Benefits of Partial Hospitalization Programs for Those Struggling With Addiction

There are many advantages of attending a partial hospitalization program:

1. PHP makes it easier to transition out of a residential program

Abruptly shifting from inpatient to outpatient treatment can come as somewhat of a shock, making individuals susceptible to relapse. It’s better to transition slowly. A PHP offers all-day treatment, but slightly more flexibility than inpatient programs do, ensuring a gradual transition. After PHP, individuals can continue stepping down to intensive outpatient programming (IOP) and outpatient programming (OP).

2. It’s more affordable than inpatient rehab

Inpatient addiction treatment programs can be expensive because you not only pay for the treatment, but also for room and board, meals, and 24-hour care. Since partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) don’t have a residential requirement, they are more affordable–especially if you’re paying out of pocket for a significant portion of your treatment.

3. Practice recovery skills in your everyday life without giving up support

Returning home after rehab can be triggering. Going back to work and other stressors associated with daily life can make it difficult to maintain sobriety. However, attending a PHP gives you access to a structured, supportive environment throughout the day, increasing your resilience against relapse. You can start practicing the skills you’ve learned in rehab while you’re at home, then reflect on them the next day with your therapist. This reinforces healthy coping skills and lifestyle changes.

4. PHPs provide intensive treatment without requiring a residential stay

Residential addiction treatment isn’t the best choice for everyone, particularly those who are single caregivers who can’t commit to an inpatient stay. Fortunately, PHPs offer a suitable alternative as an intensive treatment option for those struggling with moderate to severe substance use disorders.

PHPs have all of the vital therapeutic components of residential programs. They offer personalized individual, group, and family therapy as well as case management. Clients still spend all day at the treatment facility surrounded by sober support. The only difference is that they return home at the end of the day.

5. Your insurance may cover PHP if it won’t cover inpatient treatment

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) mandate insurance providers in the United States to offer coverage for substance abuse treatment. However, some companies are more inclined to cover a PHP rather than a residential program due to the cost. PHPs provide long-term treatment at a lower cost and are often covered by insurance.

Find out if a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) is Right for You

First Step Behavioral Health offers a full continuum of care, including partial care options. Our PHP is best for those who have already detoxed, are transitioning away from residential care, or need intensive therapy but do not meet the criteria for inpatient hospitalization.

The admissions counselors at First Step Behavioral Health can assess your situation and help you determine whether or not our PHP in Pompano Beach, Florida is the right addiction treatment program for you. To learn more about our treatment programs or get started with a confidential, risk-free assessment, please contact us today!

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