PHP vs IOP: What’s The Difference?
Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) and intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) both offer an array of benefits, but neither program is ideal for every patient. When you understand the difference between PHP vs. IOP, you’ll be prepared to have an informed conversation with your provider about which level is right for you.
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Defining the Programs: PHP vs. IOP
Before we discuss the differences between PHP vs. IOP, it’s helpful to review the fundamental features of each program. We’ll first explore where each option fits within the continuum of care. Then, we’ll look at each program individually.
Continuum of Care
Mental health treatment is commonly provided at five levels, starting with the most restrictive or intensive services. The levels then move down to those offering increasingly greater flexibility
- Inpatient treatment
- Residential care
- Partial hospitalization program (PHP)
- Intensive outpatient program (IOP)
- Outpatient program (OP)
At the inpatient and residential levels, you will live at the facility where you’re receiving treatment.
Inpatient treatment is typically a short-term experience to help people achieve stabilization, while residential programs usually offer longer lengths of stay, often 28 days or more.
The next three levels, PHP, IOP, and OP, all fall under the outpatient umbrella. None of these programs have a residential component, though some treatment centers offer supported living options for PHP and IOP patients.
Partial Hospitalization Program
Partial hospitalization programs can be ideal environments for people who can benefit from full days of treatment, but whose needs are not severe enough to warrant round-the-clock care.
Some patients step down to a PHP for additional help after completing inpatient or residential care, while others enter treatment directly at this level.
When you’re enrolled in a PHP, you will usually be at the center five or six hours per day, five days per week. For example, at New Mind Wellness Center, our PHP is in session Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day (including two short breaks and an hour for lunch).
Similar to what occurs at the residential level, PHPs often offer a variety of therapies and support services, such as:
- Medication management
- Individual and group therapy
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Skills development sessions
- Experiential therapies
- Holistic therapies
Intensive Outpatient Program
As with PHPs, some patients step down to an intensive outpatient program after completing a higher level of care, while others begin treatment in an IOP.
When you’re in an IOP, you will usually take part in two or three hours of treatment per day, two to five days per week. The amount of time you spend in sessions at the IOP level can vary depending on the parameters of the program as well as your specific needs.
Group therapy usually plays a significant role in treatment at this level, though some IOPs also offer individual and family sessions. At New Mind Wellness we offer many mental health services to our patients at both a PHP, IOP, and Outpatient level of care. Common therapeutic approaches at the intensive outpatient level include CBT and DBT. IOPs may also offer educational activities such as skills development sessions.
Since IOPs offer fewer daily and weekly hours of treatment, you may be able to work, volunteer, attend school, or otherwise engage in a healthy independent lifestyle while still benefitting from focused clinical services.
Differences Between PHP vs. IOP
Some of the more significant differences between PHPs vs. IOPs include:
- PHPs usually provide about twice as many hours of care on a daily basis.
- PHPs are usually in session five days each week, while an IOPs schedule may range from two to five days per week.
- PHPs are designed to treat patients with more acute needs than IOPs.
- With more treatment time each day and each week, PHPs typically offer a broader scope of services than IOPs do
- IOPs offer a greater degree of flexibility. In addition to variations in how many days per week patients need to attend treatment, some IOPs also offer both morning and evening options.
- IOP patients have more opportunities to practice their developing skills in real-world environments.
- IOPs are usually less expensive, since patients attend fewer sessions per week.
How to Choose a PHP or IOP
The best way to decide if you should be in a PHP vs an IOP, or another type of program is to complete a thorough evaluation with a qualified healthcare provider.
After reviewing your history, assessing your current symptoms, and discussing your short- and long-term goals, the professional who conducts your evaluation can recommend the level of care and types of services that are ideal for you.
If you are considering multiple treatment centers, asking the following types of questions can help you find the place that’s right for you:
- How will you decide which level or levels of care are best for me?
- Once I’ve started treatment, how will you determine when (or if) I should transition to a different level of care?
- How long will I need to be in treatment?
- What are the qualifications of the professionals who staff your PHP and IOP?
- What types of therapies, educational opportunities, and support services do you offer at the PHP and IOP levels?
- How do you define success for patients in your PHP or IOP?
- What happens if my symptoms return or worsen after I complete your PHP or IOP?
- Do you offer discharge planning or aftercare support for your patients?
- Does your center accept my insurance – and if you do, can someone on your team coordinate directly with my provider?
Find Outpatient Mental Health Treatment in Philadelphia.
New Mind Wellness is a trusted source of outpatient mental health care in the greater Philadelphia area.
Our center serves patients whose lives have been disrupted by anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and a range of other mental health concerns. We will work closely with you to review your needs, help you set meaningful goals, and develop a customized plan just for you.
Throughout your time in our PHP or IOP, you can expect to receive quality clinical care and compassionate support from a team of highly skilled professionals. We understand the many ways that mental illnesses can undermine a person’s life, and we are committed to helping you find your path toward a healthier and more hopeful future.
When you’re ready to get started, the New Mind Wellness team is here for you. To learn more or to schedule a free assessment, please visit our admissions page or call us today.
Begin Healing at Our Mental Health Rehab in Philadelphia
If you are ready to take the first step towards a healthier mind, contact us today. You will be connected with someone who can help guide you through our simple and straightforward admissions process. Learn more about our mental health programs in Philadelphia and begin your journey towards lasting wellness.
