Mental health treatment programs include residential and outpatient options. Among outpatient options, there are two main types: a partial hospitalization program (PHP) and an intensive outpatient program (IOP). Understanding the difference between a PHP and an IOP is crucial for the parents of children, teens, and adolescents struggling with mental health concerns.
HillsidesCares welcomes youth from ages 6 to 17. Our intensive outpatient program is tailored to your child’s unique symptoms and will include behavioral and holistic therapies and medication to ease any disruptive symptoms. Reach out today to learn how we can serve your child’s mental health needs.
What Is PHP?
A partial hospitalization program, or PHP for short, is an intense, therapeutic care program. It gives clients more flexibility than residential care and supports the transition back to their regular lives.
Some key details of PHP include:
- Intensive treatment – Clients will spend 6-8 hours a day, 5-7 days a week in group and private therapy sessions. PHP typically lasts anywhere from 2-6 weeks. In some cases, clients may stay for a longer duration and be monitored around the clock if their mental health conditions are severe.
- Structured environment – Clients work with a professional therapist who uses a variety of evidence-based therapies and holistic approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), mindfulness meditation therapy, and equine therapy. The PHP provides a highly structured treatment regimen tailored to the client’s needs and goals.
- Accountability – The partial hospitalization program is often a step down from residential treatment but is still intended for those with serious mental health issues. High levels of supervision and accountability are necessary.
PHP can help individuals with depression, social anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bipolar disorders, and other treatable disorders. It can help those recovering from substance use disorders by continuing to provide a structured environment where they can talk about their experiences and practice coping and communication skills. It is not uncommon for clients to step down to an IOP from a PHP as they make progress in their treatment.
What Is an IOP?
An intensive outpatient program (IOP) is less demanding than PHP, yet just as crucial for those in a recovery program. It often follows a PHP program and offers a scheduled regimen of treatment where you will spend more time at home and school and less time in therapy.
Some key features of an IOP include:
- Less time in therapy – Clients spend 2-4 hours a day in therapy for 3-5 days per week. This program can last 4-12 weeks but can continue if necessary.
- Structured therapy sessions – Clients continue to participate in group and private therapy sessions to talk about their experiences and how well they use their coping skills.
- More flexibility – Clients can return home and go back to school while still attending therapy sessions where they can practice and fine-tune coping skills.
IOP is less intensive than PHP but is essential for your child’s full recovery.
Is PHP the Same as IOP?
While the programs share some similarities, they also have some unique differences. Both are outpatient programs that can treat many mental health conditions. They use the same therapeutic methods to treat mental health conditions and give clients a way to manage their symptoms and triggers. Still, there are some key differences between PHP and IOP that you should be familiar with.
Key Differences Between PHP and IOP
If you are considering enrolling in either a partial hospitalization program or an intensive outpatient program, there are some key differences between PHP and IOP. Here are some of those differences you should be familiar with:
Level of Care
Both programs use evidence-based therapies like CBT, DBT, or medication-assisted treatment that benefit each child. However, one key difference between PHP and IOP is the level of care they offer.
During a PHP, they spend 4-8 hours a day, 5-7 days per week, in group and private therapy sessions. In IOP, they only spend 2-4 hours a day, 3-5 days per week, talking and working with a therapist and their peers.
Who Does It Support?
PHP is a transitional period during which clients move from inpatient to outpatient care. It helps them adjust to having more flexibility while providing structure and accountability as they work on coping skills.
An IOP is often a step down from a more demanding PHP and continues working with clients who complete the PHP and are ready to spend more time at home and school. An IOP can also support those who need to begin working with a therapist without the need for inpatient care.
Medication-Assisted Treatment
In some cases, a teen or adolescent may present with a substance use disorder in addition to any mental health concerns. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) uses FDA-approved medications to help clients manage withdrawal symptoms while also undergoing therapy for their mental health conditions.
Which Program Is Right for You: PHP vs. IOP?
Deciding which program is right for you or a loved one is determined by a professional who has experience in diagnosing children with a mental health condition.
A PHP is for children who:
- Have moderate to severe mental health issues and completed residential treatment and are ready to graduate to outpatient care
- Need a structured support program to prevent hospitalization due to self-harm or suicide attempts
- Need to continue taking regular medication along with psychiatric monitoring
- They can commit to therapy for 4-8 hours a day, 5-7 days per week.
An IOP program is for children who:
- Have completed a PHP program but still need to work with a therapist in a structured program
- Experience mild to moderate symptoms that do not cause frequent disruptions to daily living
- They can participate in therapy sessions 2-4 hours per day, 3-5 days per week
- They can self-manage their medication or are no longer taking any medication
- Are ready to go back to school and home full-time while still working on improving their communication and life skills
When you talk with a therapist about your child’s mental health, they will craft a comprehensive treatment plan to help them reach their recovery goals.
Enroll in Our Intensive Outpatient Program Today at HillsidesCares
HillsidesCares is a full-service mental health treatment center that supports children and adolescents who can benefit from our outpatient treatment programs. When you first arrive with your child, we will run a complete health assessment to determine their treatment needs and devise a tailored treatment plan.
To learn the difference between PHP and IOP, complete our online form or call 323.641.4842 today to schedule a tour of our treatment center. We’re ready to help your child find hope and healing.