Are you battling addiction, mental illness, or substance abuse? Taking control doesn’t mean you have to leave the comfort of your home or be admitted to a hospital. For many, flexible treatment options can help them without uprooting their daily lives. Two highly effective programs designed for individuals living outside a treatment facility are Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP).
At first glance, these two programs may seem very similar, as both offer structured care and support. However, they cater to different levels of need and provide varying degrees of intensity and oversight. Understanding the differences between Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) is crucial when deciding which treatment is best suited to your unique circumstances. By learning more about these programs, you can make an informed choice that aligns with your recovery goals.
Who Should Enroll in a Partial Hospitalization Program?
PHP programs are considered step-down transition treatment once a person has gone through detox and completed rehab while staying in a treatment center. Enrollment in a PHP in Dallas, TX is also recommended for the following:
- Anyone who is in the early stages of substance abuse treatment but isn’t able to be hospitalized for treatment or wishes to avoid hospitalization.
- Those with a high risk of relapse.
- Those with severe addiction and difficulty remaining sober.
- Patients who have overdosed or experienced extreme episodes of substance abuse.
- Patients who may not yet be “willing” to fully commit to sobriety.
Who Should Enroll in an Intensive Outpatient Program in Dallas
Typically, patients transition to an IOP program once they have completed a partial hospitalization program and their addiction is moderate to mild. However, some people choose to begin an IOP directly after detox or as a first step in their recovery. This is sometimes the case with professionals who need or wish to continue working during the day while receiving treatment at night and on weekends. Often, an Intensive Outpatient Program is recommended for individuals who are:
- Highly motivated to stay sober
- Have completely detoxed
- Are less likely to relapse
Living Arrangements for PHPs and IOPs
One of the similarities between a Partial Hospitalization Program and an Intensive Outpatient Program is where the participant lives. In both cases, the participant lives at their home or in a sober living home. Staying at a Sober Living Home is highly recommended for those enrolled in a PHP.
Length of Treatment in PHP and IOP Programs
The length of treatment in either program will depend on the patient’s recovery needs. That said, PHP is considered a full-time treatment that lasts four weeks. An IOP is part-time. However, these programs typically last 8-12 weeks.
Time Commitment for PHP and IOP Programs
A Partial Hospitalization Program will be more of a time commitment than an IOP program. PHPs are considered full-time treatment because enrollees participate in at least five hours of group therapy 6+ days a week along with individual therapy. The Lighthouse Recovery PHP includes one weekly psychiatric visit and outside Recovery Coaching.
An Intensive Outpatient Program is more flexible in scheduling and is usually three days a week, with nine hours of group therapy. At Lighthouse Recovery, we also include one individual meeting a week with a therapist and one or more sessions with a recovery coach.
Is IOP Better Than PHP?
You can determine which treatment is better depending on the specific situation of the individual facing substance abuse. Something to be mentioned is that PHP is a higher (more intense) level of care and people looking for a less structured treatment may decide to start an IOP program instead.
Types of Therapy Used in a Partial Hospitalization Program in Dallas
All patients in a Partial Hospitalization Program will participate in group and individual therapy. The types of therapy used are customized to each individual and their needs. Therapies that may be used include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
- Experiential Therapy
- Psychiatric Care
- Life Skills Training
- Mindfulness Training
In the early stages of detox and recovery, a person may receive medical treatment or be prescribed medications while enrolled in a Partial Hospitalization Program. In some cases, family counseling may also be included as a part of the PHP therapy.
Types of Therapy Used in an Intensive Outpatient Program in Dallas
Many of the same types of therapy that are used in PHP are also used in IOP group therapy and individual therapy sessions. They include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
- Experiential Therapy
- Life Skills Training
- Mindfulness Training
If you believe you can benefit from one of these programs, contact Lighthouse Recovery first. One of our trained professionals can provide a free assessment to determine which type of treatment will be best on your road to recovery based on your illness, needs, history, and support system.
Find out which program is best suited for your unique needs:
