According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), in 2021 nearly 20.4 million people in the United States were diagnosed with a substance use disorder. Sadly, only 10.3% of those people sought addiction treatment for their disorder. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), it is also estimated that nearly 9.2 million people suffered from co-occurring disorders in the same year. Clearly, there is a large need for people to get the help they need to better understand and overcome the symptoms of their disorder(s).
At Westwind Recovery® we offer a variety of treatment options to address each person’s individual symptoms and issues. Partial hospitalization programs are a treatment option that offers a more structured, intensive level of care while still letting the patient stay at home in the evenings. This allows people to have the comfort of sleeping at their own residences but still receiving the same support as an inpatient program.
What is a Partial Hospitalization Program?
A partial hospitalization program (PHP) is a type of structured outpatient treatment that can be an effective alternative to inpatient care, helping individuals in need access the necessary mental health and/or addiction services they require. PHP provides structure, support, and accountability while allowing them to stay connected with their daily lives.
A partial hospitalization program is designed to be a hybrid of inpatient and outpatient treatment options. Patients participating in a partial hospitalization program spend most of the day at a treatment facility where they receive individual therapy, group therapy, family counseling, and educational sessions with medical professionals. However, unlike an inpatient stay at a residential center, partial hospitalization programs allow patients to return home each night after their daily treatment session has ended. This helps them transition into recovery more smoothly.
What Can I Expect During a Partial Hospitalization Program?
During partial hospitalization, you’ll receive comprehensive care from a team of professionals, including doctors, psychiatrists, and addiction counselors. The day typically begins with breakfast followed by individual and group therapy sessions. After lunch, you may participate in recreation or art activities designed to help you build healthy coping skills. Finally, the program ends with dinner and more therapeutic activities before going home for the night.
PHPs are often seen as an effective step between inpatient treatment programs and traditional outpatient care. These programs offer a higher level of care than standard outpatient services but without requiring full-time residence in a treatment facility.
What Types of Therapy is Available in PHP?
Partial hospitalization programs offer the same types of therapy as traditional inpatient programs. Some of these include:
Individual Therapy: Experienced clinicians work one-on-one with clients to help them understand their addiction and develop strategies for lasting recovery.
Group Therapy: Group therapy sessions provide a supportive environment where patients can talk openly about their experiences in recovery and get feedback from peers.
Family Therapy: Family members of people struggling with addiction may participate in family therapy sessions to help them better understand their loved one’s condition and learn how to support them in recovery.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a form of therapy that helps individuals identify and replace negative thought patterns with more positive ones.
Psychoeducation: Psychoeducation sessions teach clients about addiction and recovery, allowing them to gain greater insight into their own condition and the best ways to manage it.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT): DBT helps individuals increase their emotional regulation, allowing them to better manage their triggers.
Adventure Therapy: Adventure therapy allows participants to engage in outdoor activities and team-building exercises, providing an opportunity for relaxation and connection with peers.
Trauma-Informed Therapy: Trauma-informed therapy provides a safe space to explore traumatic experiences and develop skills for managing triggers.
Holistic and Alternative Therapies: Holistic and alternative therapies such as yoga, art therapy, music therapy, and mindfulness can provide an additional level of support for those in partial hospitalization programs.
Westwind Recovery® offers partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) in California that are designed to provide comprehensive care to individuals who need more intensive treatment than what is offered through an outpatient program. PHPs offer an alternative to inpatient care, allowing individuals to stay connected with family and friends while still receiving the intensive treatment they need.
Where is PHP in the Continuum of Care?
PHP is intended to bridge the gap between inpatient treatment and traditional outpatient services. Typically, partial hospitalization programs will fall after detox and residential treatment. However, it’s not uncommon for someone to go straight from a detox program right to a partial hospitalization program. Additionally, if someone does not need detox treatment, they can start at the PHP level of care.
After someone has completed a partial hospitalization program, the next step would be an intensive outpatient program. However, it’s not uncommon that people move to standard outpatient care after a PHP, or even straight into aftercare. Treatment plans are customized to each individual so they can receive the care they need. This means you or your loved one may have a different treatment path than someone else.
How Long Does a Partial Hospitalization Program Last?
Most partial hospitalization programs last from 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the patient’s unique needs. Patients are generally required to spend 6-8 hours a day, 5-6 days a week in treatment and therapy. This is what makes a PHP such an intensive treatment option. The bulk of your days is spent in programs. This is because PHPs are meant to mimic the intensive nature of an inpatient treatment plan.
It’s not typically recommended that an individual attempt to keep a job or attend school if they are enrolled in a partial hospitalization program. This form of care requires full dedication to the treatment requirements which makes it difficult to take on other responsibilities. If you need more flexibility in treatment you should consider another form of outpatient treatment.
What are the Signs I Should Choose a PHP?
If you’re looking for an intensive partial hospitalization program in California, then it’s important to assess if your symptoms meet certain criteria. Generally speaking, a partial hospitalization program is appropriate when someone is not stable enough to be treated on an outpatient basis but does not require the 24-hour care of an inpatient psychiatric program.
The most common signs that someone should consider partial hospitalization include:
- Recently experienced a suicide attempt or other self-harming behaviors
- Experiencing frequent and severe episodes of distress with suicidal ideation
- Inability to manage daily activities without help due to mental health issues
- Struggling with substance abuse issues and being unable to function without substances
- Experiencing difficulty maintaining relationships with family and friends
The primary benefit of a partial hospitalization program (PHP) is that it provides intensive, structured care for mental health issues in a partial hospital setting, allowing those struggling to maintain their usual daily activities while receiving the treatment they need. PHPs provide an individualized treatment plan tailored to each person’s needs and goals through multiple levels of care.
What are the Benefits of a Partial Hospitalization Program?
Partial hospitalization programs offer a range of benefits, including:
- A safe environment where individuals can receive structured and intensive care while being monitored by professional medical staff.
- A structured support system in a partial hospitalization program allows individuals to focus on their treatment without the distractions of everyday life or triggers that could lead to relapse.
- Patients benefit from evidence-based treatment approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), medication management, and psychodynamic therapies.
- Groups are led by experienced clinicians who help participants identify patterns and behaviors that need to be addressed through individualized treatment plans.
- Unlike inpatient services, partial hospitalization programs allow patients to live at home while still receiving the intense, structured care they need.
- Studies have shown partial hospitalization programs to be incredibly effective in treating a wide variety of mental health issues including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and substance abuse disorders.
- There is a strong focus on relapse prevention and symptom management to help people learn to structure their lives effectively after treatment is complete.
The effectiveness of partial hospitalization programs has been supported in research studies that show that PHPs provide an effective means for providing quality care that can lead to improved patient outcomes. If you’re looking for partial hospitalization programs in California, Westwind Recovery® is here to help.
What is the Difference Between PHP and Other Forms of Treatment?
Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) are more intensive than an intensive outpatient program (IOP) but less intensive than residential treatment. PHPs provide structure, support, and therapy on a daily basis for anywhere from 4 to 8 hours per day. While IOPs typically last between 6 and 12 weeks, partial hospitalization can last up to three months or longer depending on the individual’s needs.
Studies have shown that partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) are highly effective in helping individuals with substance abuse disorders to recover and remain sober. Studies have also indicated that PHPs provide better outcomes than intensive outpatient programs (IOPs). In fact, research has found that patients who attend a partial hospitalization program for an extended period of time are more likely to complete their treatment plan, remain abstinent from drugs and alcohol, gain employment, and live successful, productive lives.
Will My Insurance Cover PHP? How Much Does it Cost?
Yes, insurance can cover a partial hospitalization program. Your specific coverage will depend on your insurance plan and the program you choose. At Westwind Recovery®, we accept most major insurance plans and do our best to work with clients to ensure that everyone can access the help they need. If you’re confused by the insurance jargon in your insurance, contact us today. Our admissions team is well-versed in insurance language and can help you decipher what it means and what you may be looking at in terms of additional costs (if any).
Westwind Recovery® Can Assist You with a PHP Today!
At Westwind Recovery®, we believe in providing clients with the best partial hospitalization program in California. Our partial hospitalization program takes place on our beautiful campus and provides a safe and supportive environment for individuals as they navigate their recovery process.
The program includes personalized therapeutic approaches, holistic therapies, and psycho-educational modules tailored to the individual’s needs. Our partial hospitalization program is designed to help individuals gain insight into their substance use disorder and learn new skills for managing stress, triggers, and cravings.
If you are interested in a partial hospitalization program for you or a loved one, contact us today for more information.
Dr. Deena is the Chief Clinical Officer of Westwind Recovery®, an award-winning outpatient treatment center in Los Angeles where she oversees the clinical and administrative program and treatment methods. Dr. Deena is a doctor of psychology and licensed clinical social worker since 1993. LCSW #20628. Originally from the East Coast, Dr. Deena has worked running treatment centers, worked as a therapist in psychiatric hospitals as well as school settings and currently has a thriving private practice in the LA area. Dr. Deena has appeared regularly on the Dr. Phil Show as an expert since 2003. She has also been featured on many other TV shows, podcasts and has contributed to written publications as well as podcasts.
