A partial hospitalization program (PHP) is a type of outpatient treatment program meant to support those who need a structured therapeutic program. If you are wondering how long a PHP program lasts, you are not alone. Millions of parents of children with treatable mental health issues are wondering the exact same thing. This blog talks about the time commitment and length of a PHP program and its goals.
HillsidesCares is committed to helping your child’s depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorders, or other mental health conditions. Our adolescent PHP program is customized to your child’s symptoms and unique triggers. We will develop a complete recovery program that includes everything they need to manage their symptoms and triggers while continuing their education and development.
How Long Does a PHP Program Last?
A partial hospitalization program (PHP) is meant as a go-between from inpatient care to an outpatient treatment program. It uses the same therapies as in residential treatment, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy, as well as yoga, meditation, and other holistic therapies. If your child is given any medication, it will continue throughout the program.
How long does a PHP program last? A typical PHP program will last anywhere from 2-6 weeks, where clients work with a therapist for 6-8 hours a day, 5-7 days per week. This timeframe can vary, though, depending on several factors. Here are some of the determining factors that come into play:
Severity of Symptoms
The severity of your child’s symptoms will determine how long they stay in this program. Children with more intense symptoms who need more intensive therapy may need a PHP program that lasts longer than normal.
Progress of Treatment
Your child’s progress will come into play in determining the length of a PHP program. How well they respond to treatment, learn new behaviors, and respond to recognizing triggers will affect the program length. Children who respond well to therapy may spend only a few weeks in the program, while those with more severe symptoms may take longer.
Co-Occurring Disorders
If your child has developed a substance use disorder in addition to their depression or anxiety, it can be more complex to treat. Co-occurring disorders are more common than you think where one issue fuels the others. These will require more intensive treatment programs and may extend the program longer than normal.
Support at Home
PHP is an outpatient program where your child will come home each night. To do this, you will need to show that your child has a supportive home environment and that parents and siblings understand how to handle any relapse or crisis situations. If you do not have a supportive home environment, they may need to stay in therapy until you do.
Insurance Coverage
The type of insurance your child has will influence how long they can stay in the program. Check with your insurance provider about outpatient coverage, co-occurring payments, and deductibles to determine how long they can stay.
Does PHP count as hospitalization? Despite the name, it does not. A PHP program does not count as hospitalization, as your child is able to go home each night. PHP is an outpatient program that does not require 24/7 support. If your child still needs 24/7 care, they can re-enroll in an inpatient program.
What Is the Goal of a PHP Program?
The goal of a partial hospitalization program will depend on your child’s symptoms. Substance abuse, trauma-related disorders, and other mental health conditions all have unique symptoms and will require a tailored approach to treating them effectively. Here are the goals of a PHP program:
Better Management of Symptoms
Children will learn how to control their feelings and behaviors and learn new coping skills to do this. PHP can reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, and other behavioral issues that cause a disruption in their everyday lives. Clients participate in behavioral therapies to regain control of their emotions and learn how to recognize triggers and manage their behaviors.
Learning Healthy Coping Skills
Therapists work with children to teach them about distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and smart problem-solving skills. They use behavioral therapy to teach children how to recognize their triggers and prevent the negative behaviors they create. Common coping skills include:
- Deep breathing exercises
- Playing, walking, or running
- Mindfulness practices
- Listening to music
- Journaling
- Creative self-expression
Your child will learn several coping skills in a PHP program and learn to control their symptoms in healthy ways.
Improved Social and Communication Skills
One of the goals of a PHP program is to improve their social and communication skills. Children participate with other children in the group to learn new ways of expressing themselves. They learn to communicate their feelings in a way that people can understand and offer support and feedback that they can relate to.
Strengthen Family Dynamics
Another goal of PHP is to improve and strengthen family dynamics through family therapy. Parents and siblings can talk with a therapist about any lingering issues that can cause a relapse or crisis. They will learn to communicate better and create a stable and supportive home environment.
Enroll in HillsidesCares’ Adolescent PHP Program Today
How long does a PHP program last, and how do I enroll? HillsidesCares is a reputable mental health treatment center that welcomes Pasadena residents who need to enroll in our partial hospitalization program. We have a full complement of treatment programs to aid you in your journey, including residential treatment, partial hospitalization programs, and intensive outpatient programs. Our team will create a tailored program featuring behavioral and holistic therapies and medication-assisted treatment to ease any depressive or anxiety symptoms.
If your child needs a PHP program to continue their progress and improve their mental health, fill out our online form or call 323.641.4842 today to schedule a tour.