Partial Hospitalization Program vs IOP: Which One Is Right For You?

If you are struggling with mental health or addiction challenges, and are deciding between partial hospitalization program vs IOP, read on to learn more.

What Is a Partial Hospitalization Program vs IOP?

A partial hospitalization program (PHP) is a structured mental health treatment program. It is for individuals with substance use disorders or severe mental health conditions.

An intensive outpatient program (IOP) can help treat the same disorders, but it often requires less time spent at the facility. Figuring out whether a partial hospitalization program vs IOP is important in getting the care you need.

What to Know About These Programs

Partial hospitalization program vs IOP both have unique advantages. It is vital to understand the differences between them.

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

A PHP is generally five days to a week of structured mental health care every week. The individual will spend six to eight hours daily in the program. They will receive support from a highly-trained clinical team.

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

An IOP is a treatment designed to help individuals integrate into daily life. It involves less intensive support when compared to a partial hospitalization program.

The individuals in an IOP will engage in the program for three to five days weekly. It provides support that benefits individuals looking for a flexible approach to treatment.

Overview of Partial Hospitalization Program vs IOP

A partial hospitalization program vs IOP are both offered by mental health facilities. A partial hospitalization program is for treating severe cases of mental health conditions, while an intensive outpatient program often helps individuals with less severe mental health conditions.

A PHP involves attending structured therapy sessions. The programs may last four to twelve weeks, depending on the individual’s needs. During a partial hospitalization program vs IOP, patients receive comprehensive care from professionals.

How Is an IOP Structured?

Medical practitioners recommend an IOP for individuals with less severe mental health or substance use symptoms. It is a treatment program for individuals that do not need hospitalization care or around-the-clock services.

IOP involves attending a structured therapy session. The session may last for two to three hours daily and two to four days weekly.

The IOP program may last for eight to twelve weeks, depending on the individual’s needs. The individual will receive comprehensive health care from professionals during the partial hospitalization program vs IOP.

Partial Hospitalization Program vs IOP: What Treatment Is Best for Individuals Struggling With Addiction?

The best treatment program for individuals with addiction depends on the individual’s needs. A partial hospitalization program offers individuals a high level of support. It is also a full-time commitment program.

An intensive outpatient program is less intensive when compared to a partial hospitalization program.

The intensity of an IOP may vary depending on the individual’s circumstances and needs. Deciding on the treatment program that is best for an individual requires an assessment by a medical professional.

How Does an IOP Work?

A qualified addiction treatment professional guides the individual when choosing the treatment program. The best treatment program for addiction is the one that provides comprehensive support. It should also offer enough care that ensures long-term recovery.

Some treatment services in a partial hospitalization program include individual and group therapy. These services enable the individual to build the knowledge and skills they need during recovery.

It helps them handle addiction in a productive and healthy way. A partial hospitalization program vs IOP both offer a recovery environment for the individuals to develop healthy coping skills.

What Levels of Care Are Offered?

An intensive outpatient program does not offer the same level of care as PHP. It is important to know that an IOP may not include medication-assisted treatment, but it depends on the treatment center.

In 2015, a study showed that most diagnoses within IOP were substance use related. If you require MAT, make sure you research a program that has one.¹

A partial hospitalization program provides the highest level of care available. When comparing a partial hospitalization program vs IOP, a PHP may be best for individuals struggling with more severe symptoms of substance use or mental health disorders.

Factors to Consider When Determining the Appropriate Level of Treatment

There are multiple factors you should consider when looking for the appropriate level of treatment for your needs and symptoms. These will be detailed below.

Cost and Duration of the Treatment Program

One of the factors worth considering when choosing a treatment program is the cost and duration of the treatment. Longer and more intensive treatment programs will generally cost more.

There is health insurance that can help cover the cost of the treatment program. It is advisable to research and ensure the individual’s insurance will cover the necessary costs before beginning a treatment program.

A partial hospitalization program vs IOP varies in duration depending on its structure and intensity. Most programs last between a few weeks to a few months.

Severity of Substance Use Disorder

It is advisable to consider the severity of your or your loved one’s substance use disorder when determining the appropriate level of treatment.

Individuals with more severe levels of substance use symptoms tend to need an intense form of treatment.²

Treatment Approach Available at the Facility

Research the treatment approach offered by the potential treatment facility. Although some facilities, such as True Life Care Mental Health, offer a combination of traditional and holistic interventions, some don’t.

Knowing the treatment options offered at the facility before starting a program is vital.

How Can a Partial Hospitalization Program vs IOP Treat Varying Mental Health Disorders?

A partial hospitalization program vs IOP are both designed to provide treatment for individuals dealing with mental health disorders.

Both treatment options offer similar services, but with different levels of intensity and requirements. Some common mental health disorders that can be treated at either a partial hospitalization program vs IOP include:

Depression

A partial hospitalization program vs IOP can both be effective in treating depression by providing individuals with the tools and support they need to manage their symptoms.

Both treatment options offer evidence-based therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which can help individuals identify negative thought patterns and replace them with more positive ones.

In addition to therapy, a partial hospitalization program vs IOP can offer medication management. A psychiatrist or other mental health professional can evaluate an individual’s symptoms and prescribe medications if necessary. Medications can be used in combination with therapy to reduce symptoms of depression.

Peer Guidance and Support for Depression

Both programs can also provide support groups, which can help individuals feel less alone in their struggles. By talking with others who are going through the same thing, individuals may find it easier to cope with their depression.

Anxiety

A partial hospitalization program vs IOP are also effective in treating anxiety disorders by providing individuals with evidence-based therapies, medication management, and support in managing their symptoms.

Therapy Utilized in PHP and IOP for Anxiety Treatment

Through therapies such as CBT, DBT, or holistic therapies, individuals can learn coping strategies to manage their anxiety, such as relaxation techniques and exposure therapy.

Exposure therapy is a technique where individuals gradually expose themselves to the things they fear to help them overcome their anxiety in a safe and controlled environment.

A PHP or IOP can help improve an individual’s quality of life by providing effective treatment options to address their anxiety.

Substance Use Disorder

A partial hospitalization program vs IOP can help individuals struggling with substance use disorder (SUD) to overcome their addiction.

Both PHP and IOP utilize evidence-based therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing.

Motivational interviewing is a counseling technique that aims to stimulate an individual’s intrinsic motivation to change their addictive behaviors.

MAT Opportunities for SUD Recovery

PHP and IOP can also provide individuals with medication-assisted treatment (MAT), which uses medication to reduce the symptoms of withdrawal and cravings when appropriate to do so. This is a very common treatment for those with substance use disorder.

PHP and IOP programs also commonly involve family members or other support systems to help create a support system that can assist an individual in recovery.

Trauma or PTSD

Trauma-focused treatment in a partial hospitalization program vs IOP offers a safe and supportive environment for individuals to work through their trauma and manage their symptoms.

Various therapies modalities aim to help individuals reprocess the traumatic memory, reducing the power of the memory and its impact on the individual’s daily life.

Evidence-Based Treatment Opportunities for Trauma Recovery

EMDR can help individuals process and reframe memories through eye movements or other rhythmic stimulation, assisting in the healing of traumatic memories.

A partial hospitalization program vs IOP and their trauma-based treatment options often work in conjunction with other therapies, such as group therapy and medication management.

These programs may also include art therapy, mindfulness techniques, and other forms of somatic therapy to provide a comprehensive and holistic approach to treating trauma-related disorders.

Combining PHP and IOP for Treatment of Substance Use and Mental Health Conditions

Combining a partial hospitalization program vs IOP helps create an effective treatment approach by providing comprehensive care. It allows clients to address the underlying causes of their mental health and substance use issues.

The combination of PHP and IOP also helps these individuals develop the skills to maintain sobriety.

Comprehensive Healing Approach

During this type of treatment, the individuals work through their issues by participating in group therapy and other therapeutic activities.

It is a comprehensive approach that helps people gain insight into their behavior. A partial hospitalization program vs IOP also enables the individual to stay on track with recovery.

The combination of these two-treatment approaches helps to foster long-term sobriety. It also brings about an improved quality of life.

Primary Goals of Each Program

The primary goals of a partial hospitalization program and intensive outpatient program are:³

To reduce symptoms and improve functioning
To prevent re-hospitalization or hospitalization
To stabilize mental health conditions
To develop a structured environment for recovery
To allow the individual to transition from inpatient to outpatient care
To promote long-term recovery
To maintain sobriety

To develop the skills required for an independent life
To develop healthy coping mechanisms

How True Life Care Mental Health Offers Different Levels of Structure and Supervision

True Life Care Mental Health offers varying levels of structure and supervision that aids recovery. Our medical facility ensures that patients receive treatment tailored to their needs.

Our healthcare professionals are trained in providing evidence-based therapies for individuals struggling with substance use or mental use disorder.

Our passionate staff is here to help you every step of the way during your recovery. We are the place for anyone in the recovery community.

Programs Offered at True Life Care Mental Health

Some of the programs offered at True Life Care Mental Health include:

Intensive outpatient program: This program provides structured counseling and therapy on an outpatient basis. An IOP often involves several hours of structured therapy daily.
Partial hospitalization program: This is a treatment program for individuals experiencing severe mental health or substance use disorders. A PHP helps stabilize symptoms and prevent relapse.
Outpatient program: These programs are great for individuals seeking help with substance use. It is also effective for individuals with mental health issues or behavioral problems. The program provides support services and treatment on a part-time basis.
Aftercare program: After treatment, an aftercare program provides individuals with recovery. It provides the individual with the resources for transitioning from treatment to recovery. The program enables individuals to develop strategies and skills to reintegrate into society. According to the National Council on Crime and Delinquency, the report of a five-year evaluation showed the effectiveness of the aftercare program in maintaining sobriety.⁴

Get in Touch With True Life Care Mental Health

True Life Care Mental Health will provide individualized care that will treat each of your symptoms with the care and support you deserve. We provide treatments for patients struggling with mental health disorders and addiction.

Get in touch with us today, and we will help you work through the root of any symptoms. We are here to make sure you recover safely and holistically.

Resources

https://www.cga.ct.gov/ph/bhpoc/AQ/related/20160101_2016/20160617/IOP%20-%20Evaluation%20of%20a%20Prominent%20Level%20of%20Care%20within%20the%20CT%20Med%20Behavioral%20Health%20Service%20System.pdf
https://www.thenationalcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/SA-IOP-appi.ps_.201300249.pdf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2848466/
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/library/publications/implementation-and-outcome-evaluation-intensive-aftercare-program-final-report

Questions About Treatment?

If you or a loved one have questions regarding recovery, or are to begin regaining autonomy over your health and well-being, don’t hesitate to reach out to True Life Care for support. We are here to empower you to lead the happy, healthy, and fulfilling life you deserve.