If you are one of the millions of people in the United States living with substance use disorder (SUD), comprehensive treatment can help you work toward a healthier, sober future. People have different needs throughout their recovery journeys. There are several levels of care and types of addiction treatment. Finding the right treatment for your needs is critical.
This article will explore the differences between two levels of care: intensive outpatient programs (IOP) and partial hospitalization programs (PHP). You will learn:
- What to expect in an IOP
- What to expect in a PHP
- The differences between these levels of care
- How to find the right level of care to meet your needs
If you or someone you love struggles with substance abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Contact the intake team at Agape Behavioral Health to learn about our programs or schedule an intake appointment.
What to Expect in an IOP
An intensive outpatient program (IOP) is a type of outpatient addiction treatment that offers intensive, comprehensive therapies. People may attend an IOP after completing an inpatient or residential program. Or, people may attend an IOP after seeking lower levels of care like outpatient therapy and discovering they need more support.
An IOP can meet the needs of people with substance abuse or addiction. Intensive outpatient treatment programs may include:
- Behavioral therapies
- Individual, group, and family therapy
- Relapse prevention education
- Holistic therapies like exercise, nutrition support, mindfulness, art therapy, and more
- Aftercare planning and support
Intensive outpatient programs offer treatment sessions several days a week. Some treatment programs offer evening treatment options. People may continue going to work or school while receiving care.
Participating in an IOP can support people as they transition from a residential treatment program into their daily responsibilities.
What to Expect in a PHP
A partial hospitalization program (PHP) offers the most intensive level of outpatient treatment. People in a PHP typically attend treatment sessions several hours a day on most days of the week. They may spend up to 35 hours a week engaging in treatment.
A PHP treatment plan may include:
- Medication management
- Mental health treatment
- Behavioral therapies
- Individual, family, and group therapy sessions
- Holistic therapies like exercise, mindfulness, nutrition support, and more
- Relapse prevention education
- Coping skills
- Aftercare planning and support
These rigorous treatment programs provide structured care in a supportive environment. A PHP’s schedule is similar to the schedule of an inpatient program. However, people in a PHP return home in the evening.
The intensive schedule of a PHP may keep people from working or attending school as usual while receiving treatment. However, they provide valuable, comprehensive treatment that supports long-term recovery from addiction.
What is the Difference Between IOP and PHP?
PHPs and IOPs offer high-quality, intensive substance use disorder treatment. There are some significant differences to know about these programs. Knowing what sets these treatments apart can help you make the best decisions about your care.
Time commitment
A PHP offers more hours of treatment per week than an IOP. People spend up to 35 hours engaging in treatment in a PHP. In an IOP, people typically spend up to 25 hours per week in treatment sessions.
Services
A PHP typically offers more intensive medical and mental health treatment than other outpatient levels of care. People in a PHP may have regular access to medical care, mental health treatment, and medication management services. Those participating in an IOP may not receive intensive mental health or medical treatment, depending on the type of program they join.
Level of care
Generally, a PHP provides more intensive treatment than an IOP. A PHP may be best for people who:
- Have completed residential or inpatient treatment
- Require intensive treatment to prevent relapse
- Are not confident in their ability to avoid relapse independently
- Have co-occurring mental health conditions requiring treatment
- Have not been able to avoid relapse with lower levels of support
An IOP may be best suited for people who:
- Do not have acute withdrawal symptoms
- Are medically stable
- Do not experience intense or frequent cravings
- Do not require intensive treatment for co-occurring mental health conditions
- Do not require supervision most hours of the day
People have different needs during addiction recovery. Finding the right level of care to meet your unique needs is critical.
A doctor or addiction specialist will assess your needs before starting a treatment program. This assessment will include information about your substance use, family history of SUD, physical and mental health, and more. Gathering this information will allow your treatment team to recommend the right level of care to meet your needs.
Find Treatment Now
If you or someone you love lives with substance abuse or addiction, find comprehensive treatment at Agape Behavioral Health. Reach out to our intake specialists to explore your treatment options or to schedule an intake appointment.
