Partial Hospitalization Program –Benefits, Expectations & More
Managing one’s mental health can be quite a task. With so many treatment options out there, there’s a chance of getting confused about which would reap more benefits.
For some people, outpatient therapy does not suffice. In case like this, inpatient hospitalization would be considered. However, this option can be quite expensive.
This is where partial hospitalization programs (PHP) come in. People who need better intensive care than outpatient therapy offers but cannotafford the more expensive inpatient option will find PHP to be a good substitute.
In this article, we’ll be discussing every important thing you need to know about this alternative.
What Are Partial Hospitalization Programs?
PHP is an outpatient treatment program that is specifically meant to treat and manage severe mental health conditions. Typically, partial hospitalization programs often involve different healthcare providers from psychiatrists, therapists, and so on. The major difference between PHPs and outpatient treatment is the intensity of the program.
The programs are usually tailored to meet the patient’s peculiar needs. There are specific programs meant for specific conditions. For instance, if the patient is struggling with an eating disorder, they’ll be admitted for an eating disorder PHP.
While the patient isn’t hospitalized, they’d have to spend a significantamount of time in the hospital. The hours spent may depend on the institution to the severity or peculiarity of the case. It iscommonto see programs that last about 4-8 hours every day for 5 days in a week.
The length of the program can be anywhere from a couple of weeks to months. This is determinedby the patient’s symptoms and the peculiarity of their case.
When Does a Person Need PHP?
Healthcare professionals would typically recommend a partial hospitalization program for patients with severe mental health issues. These people often need extra care that a regular outpatient treatment will not provide.
Sometimes, this option is recommended as a substitute for inpatient hospitalization. Also, it could be used to help patients who have just completed their inpatient treatment to adjust to their normal lives. This way, they will have the support they need to stay fit while easing back into their lives.
If you get this recommendation, then it means your healthcare provider has noticed things that led them to believe this is the best option for you. It could be that they recognize your need for more intensive care. It could also be because they believe the program will help improve your condition or prevent any form of relapse.
Whatever the case may be, if PHP is recommended to you, you need to consider it and not brush it off.
Mental Health Issues PHP Treats
PHPs can be used for the treatment and management of several conditions. This includes anxiety disorder, suicidal thoughts, substance abuse, PTSD, eating disorders, major depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, and so on. Read this article to learn more about these disorders. The kind of PHP a patient will be admitted for would depend on the condition they have.
Benefits of Partial Hospitalization Programs
It is okay to be skeptical about any form of treatment. What matters is to overcome the skepticism you have. This is why we’ll now discuss some benefits of this program to help you overcome whatever doubts you have.
Comprehensive Care
PHPs offer comprehensive care as they cover various aspects such as medication management, therapy, and so on. It is having all your mental health needs in just one place. Different types of professionals work together to ensure you get adequate care while tackling all the areas of concern.
Lower Costs
Not everyone with a serious condition can afford inpatient treatment. PHPs are a less expensive alternative to this. It ensures the patient gets all the care they need even on a budget.
Flexibility
Patients may have other commitments like school, work, and even their social lives. Inpatient care makes it impossible for them to attend to these commitments. However, with partial hospitalization, the patient does not stay overnight. This affords them the chance to attend to other things.
What to Expect in a Partial Hospitalization Program
If you are considering enrolling for a PHP, you may be anxious about what would happen. Well, the things you’d be required to do will be determined by your needs. These programs are typically tailored to fit the needs of the patient so we can’t specifically tell you what to expect.
However, PHP treatment often offers one-on-one therapy, skill training, group therapy, family therapy, medication management, care coordination, and so on. Creative arts are also known to help with mental health. Visit https://www.verywellmind.com/ to learn more about this. So, some programs incorporate creative therapies depending on the patient’s condition.
You’ll get a schedule detailing your daily treatment activities. All of which will aim at meeting the treatment goals.
Conclusion
PHPs are a great alternative for inpatient treatment. It offers the same benefits and is cost-efficient. You can ask your healthcare provider for more information about it before you get admitted. This way, you’ll be aware of the entire details before you enroll.