For those who are struggling with a mental health disorder, deciding to seek help is the first step to recovery. Mental health treatment can take many forms; the most common being partial hospitalization programs—or PHPs—designed to provide patients with a structured-yet-flexible system of healing and support.
Partial hospitalization programs provide many of the same benefits as inpatient programs and IOPs, though they have a unique structure that encourages the patient’s autonomy. With PHPs, patients are able to get started on their journey to recovery in a supportive, empowering environment.
With the right mental health institution, PHPs can drastically reduce symptoms in patients.
Partial hospitalization programs are outpatient programs designed to maintain a person’s mental health in such a way that prevents relapse or full hospitalization.
PHPs typically begins once a patient has completed residential treatment. With a solid mental health foundation already built, patients can focus on continuing their treatment while immersing themselves back in the community.
Patients enrolled in PHPs will take on a full schedule of therapeutic modalities they will be expected to attend. Outside of their treatment, they will reside at home or in another supportive housing environment. This gives them the chance to retrieve a sense of normalcy in their lives while still having access to the benefits of a full day of treatment.
PHP sessions generally occur during the week, as though the patient was attending a job. Session times may vary, but it’s common for treatment to last from the morning to late afternoon. Yet another perk of PHPs is that patients can use their weekends to relax, giving them the peaceful, free time they need to recharge and get into the right mindset for next week’s treatment.
Partial hospitalization programs can be tailored to fit the specific needs of a patient, and thus are suitable to treat a variety of mental disorders. This can include:
As structured outpatient programs that are meant to act as mental health maintenance, PHPs are less intensive than inpatient treatment. Because of this, PHPs are versatile programs that can prove beneficial to patients in a variety of ways.
Having a safe, familiar place to return to each night aids in the recovery of those with mental disorders such as anxiety or depression, as does frequent contact with supportive friends and family.
For patients with mental disorders that affect their social skills, PHPs are also an effective means of treatment. From interacting with a healthy support system to practicing coping techniques in likely scenarios, patients can improve their social skills in a safe environment before the need arises outside of treatment.
Partial hospitalization programs are also capable of helping people struggling with co-occurring disorders. Also known as dual diagnosis, co-occurring disorders are when a substance abuse disorder and mental illness overlap. In such cases, it is vital for treatment programs to offer addiction treatment on top of mental health services. At Acera, we are prepared to service our patient’s addiction to help them recover from their substance abuse.
Patients enrolled in a PHP generally begin their treatment first thing in the morning. Treatment is broken up into classes that patients will attend; classes may be focused on anything from education to therapy. With this structure, patients are able to take comfort in having an established rhythm to their day.
There are several different types of modalities that patients can expect during a PHP. Some common forms of treatment include:
Most institutions offer a variety of mental health treatment methods and will structure each day depending on the needs of the patient. Each modality has specific characteristics that prove to be beneficial for the patient, as outlined below.
Many PHPs utilize group therapy to benefit patients in numerous ways. Exposing patients to their peers can be a cathartic experience that ultimately leads to a very trusting and supportive environment. Additionally, they are given a chance to share their personal experiences and receive input from their peers, proving invaluable.
Education is another key component of PHP treatment. These classes underscore the importance of staying committed to the recovery process in the long term. Education sessions may provide patients with tips for managing depression and anxiety, discussions about trauma, or even resources that can be used once the PHP has ended.
Medication management is occasionally offered as part of a PHP. When this is the case, patients are carefully monitored for increased symptoms, and medication is adjusted accordingly. Because the medication is an essential part of recovery for many patients, this thorough monitoring may take up a portion of the time spent in treatment.
Patients’ socialization is often one of the biggest perks of enrolling in a PHP. Many patients struggle to maintain healthy relationships in their daily lives due to their conditions, and practicing social skills with their peers encourages improvement.
For those who struggle with mental disorders such as anxiety or depression, PHPs can have several positive effects outside of the treatment facility, including:
Partial hospitalization programs are typically designed to be short-term treatment, as the focus is placed on maintaining any mental health progress made in residential treatment. Ultimately, the goal is for patients to graduate to a lower level of care, such as an IOP.
The length of the PHP depends solely on the needs of the patient. Some spend only a few weeks receiving treatment, while others take months to move on to the next step.
While a formal evaluation from a mental health professional is the only way to determine in a PHP is the right course of action, patients who benefit from PHPs share several characteristics, including:
For more information about partial hospitalization programs, contact Acera Health today.
Successful trauma therapy involves a combination of tactics with an individualized approach to each patient. At Acera Health, we seek to only implement evidence-based therapy options with a proven track record.
Acera Health provides both residential and outpatient treatment in Costa Mesa, Corona Del Mar, and other Orange County locations. You can receive 24/7 supervision and care in one of our houses with everything provided in the program. On the other hand, you can schedule meetings 3-5 times a week with our therapist. We’ll recommend the best course of treatment for you after the initial diagnosis.
Care will also depend on your condition. Some people work best in a group, while others have more success getting treatment individually. With over 100 years of combined experience, we are ready to meet your needs. Contact us today, and we can begin creating a tailored plan for your situation. We are here to help you on the road to recovery.
Melody Stone is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who has over 17 years of experience in the field of behavioral health. She works as the Chief Clincal Officer (CCO) to Acera Health, where she is a strong leader focused on sustainable success.
To learn more about if Acera Health is right for you, and what to expect, contact us Today!
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