PHP vs IOP: Which One is Right For Me?

Substance use disorder (SUD) is a complex condition that requires comprehensive treatment. Each person has unique needs during each stage of recovery. Finding the right level of care to meet a person’s needs is critical.

This article will explore the differences between two outpatient levels of care: intensive outpatient programs (IOP) and partial hospitalization programs (PHP). You will learn:

• What to expect in a PHP
• What happens in an IOP
• The differences between PHP and IOP
• How to determine which level of care is right for you
• Where to find comprehensive substance use disorder treatment

If you or a loved one lives with SUD, you are not alone. Find the comprehensive, supportive treatment you need at Blue Star Recovery. Contact our specialists today to learn more about our programs or schedule an intake appointment.

What is a PHP?

A partial hospitalization program (PHP)  is an outpatient level of SUD treatment. These programs offer the most intensive type of outpatient SUD treatment.

A PHP schedule is similar to that of inpatient treatment. People in a PHP typically attend treatment sessions several hours a day, most days of the week. Participants may spend up to 35 hours in treatment each week.

What to Expect in a PHP

A partial hospitalization program provides comprehensive therapies to address the roots of SUD. A PHP treatment plan may include:

• Medication management sessions
• Behavioral therapies
• Individual, family, and group counseling
• Holistic therapies, including exercise, mindfulness, creative therapies, and more
• Relapse prevention education
• Coping skills
• Aftercare planning and support

This intensive level of treatment provides structure, evidence-based therapies, and a supportive environment. People typically attend treatment sessions and then return home in the evening.

Because of a PHP’s intensive schedule, people may need to take a leave of absence from work or school while receiving treatment.

What is an IOP?

An intensive outpatient program (IOP) is a type of outpatient SUD treatment that provides comprehensive therapies. People may attend an IOP after completing an inpatient or partial program. People may also participate in an IOP after determining the need for additional support while attending outpatient programs.

What to Expect in an IOP

An IOP provides structure, support, and therapies for those with substance use disorder. Intensive outpatient treatment programs may include:

• Behavioral therapies
• Individual, group, and family therapy
• Relapse prevention education
• Holistic therapies like yoga, exercise, mindfulness, and more
• Aftercare planning and support

Intensive outpatient programs may offer treatment sessions several days or evenings per week. In some cases, people may continue working, attending school, or managing other daily responsibilities while receiving the treatment they need.

The flexible scheduling and intensive treatment may be best for people who have completed inpatient treatment but require additional support to maintain their recoveries.

PHP vs IOP: Which is Right For Me?

PHPs and IOPs offer high-quality, intensive substance use disorder treatment. However, there are some significant differences between these levels of care. Knowing these differences can help you make the best decisions about your care.

Time in treatment

A PHP requires a larger time commitment than an IOP. People in a PHP may spend 35 hours or more engaging in treatment, while people in an IOP may attend sessions that total 25 hours per week. A PHP’s rigorous schedule may impact people’s daily activities, including work or school.

Services

A partial program is a more intensive level of care than IOP treatment. A PHP may be a good treatment option for those with mental health and medical issues. It offers a higher level of care and treatment intensity than an IOP.

People in a PHP have continuous access to medical assessments and treatment. They may have regular medication management appointments in addition to other therapies. An IOP may not provide a high level of medical care or continuous access to treatment.

Who may benefit

Generally, a partial program provides more intensive treatment that is best for those who:

• Have completed an inpatient or residential treatment program
• Require intensive treatment to prevent relapse
• May not be able to avoid relapse independently
• Have co-occurring mental health conditions requiring intensive treatment
• Have experienced relapses in lower levels of care

An intensive outpatient program may be best for people who:

• Do not have intense withdrawal symptoms
• Do not have intensive medical needs
• Have minimal or infrequent cravings
• Do not need significant treatment for co-occurring mental health conditions
• Have adequate support in the community
• Do not need consistent supervision or support to avoid relapse

Each person has unique needs during SUD recovery. Finding the right level of care to meet your unique needs is critical.

What to Expect in an Assessment

Finding the level of care to meet your unique needs is critical. Before you start treatment, a doctor or substance use disorder specialist will assess your needs. This assessment will include:

• Information about past and current substance use
• Family history of substance abuse and mental health conditions
• Physical and mental health history
• A physical exam
• Lab testing

This information will help your treatment team determine which level of treatment is right for you. It will also help them create the most effective treatment plan.

Find Treatment Now

If you or someone you love is on a recovery journey, find the support you need at Blue Star Recovery. Our treatment center offers holistic, effective treatment programs that can help people with SUD maintain their daily commitment to recovery.

Contact our intake specialists to learn more about our programs or to schedule an appointment.