If you or someone you love is struggling with mental health and addiction, a partial hospitalization program could be the answer. When it comes to overcoming things like alcohol and drug abuse, it’s rarely something that a person can do on their own.
Thankfully, there are treatments in place that are designed to help individuals who are struggling to cope with their issues. If you’re considering going into a medical program for addiction, take a look at the information below.
What Is a Partial Hospitalization Program?
A partial hospitalization program is a mental health treatment that lasts numerous hours every day for about three to five days a week. Individuals who undergo this treatment have sessions during the day and they go home at night.
This treatment is an alternative to 24-hour care in a hospital setting. It’s also a good choice for individuals who prefer not to have inpatient hospital treatment.
How Do You Know If You Need Partial Hospitalization?
A partial hospitalization program is for those who have a mental health condition, but can still function on their own. Before getting enrolled into treatment, it requires an evaluation from a health professional to decide if the program is a good fit for you. This type of medical program is best for the following types of individuals:
- Medically stable
- Not a threat to themselves or others
- Has decent support from loved ones
- Motivated to have success with the treatment
- Have difficulty focusing at school or work
- The individual has co-current mental health and substance abuse disorders
If you are experiencing any of the issues above, is a good idea to seriously consider enrolling in a partial hospitalization program.
Standard Treatments in Partial Hospitalization Program
The majority of partial hospitalization programs (PHP) are coordinated by medical staff members and certified addiction therapists. This type of medical program includes various therapies for addiction and mental disorders. Here are the most common treatments used in PHPs:
Behavioral Therapy
One of the standard treatment methods for addiction is cognitive-behavioral therapy. It’s designed to help individuals to notice negative thought patterns that result in unhealthy habits and behaviors, such as abusing drugs and alcohol.
Also, it includes dialectical behavioral therapy, which is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy. It assists individuals with dealing with their emotions and incorporating positive coping methods.
Group Therapy
Group therapy allows enrollees to connect and bond with other individuals who are struggling with the same issues. Group therapy is run by a counselor and it gives the group a chance to develop their relationship and motivate each other to succeed. It’s also an opportunity for attendees to hear other people’s stories and understand that they’re not alone in their struggles.
Individual Counseling
While group therapy is great, not every person feels comfortable sharing in a group setting. In a partial hospitalization program, each person receives one-on-one time with a therapist.
During solo sessions, the therapist can go deeper and get to the bottom of what triggered the substance abuse. Enrollees will also work with the counselor to set goals to prevent relapse.
Support Groups
They’re also other types of functions that enrollees can experience during their partial hospitalization program. Support groups create an environment where individuals can discuss their personal issues and own up to how their behavior has affected others around them.
Sometimes these group talks involved the enrollee’s family members and friends. Also, support groups generally continue even after the program is over. It’s used as a way to receive long-term support and recovery.
Fitness and Nutrition
Health is wellness, and that something that many PHPs offer. Many hospitalization programs provide recreational activities as well as nutrition plans. When a person feels their best physically, it also leads to better mental health instability.
Physical activities are also a good outlet for people who are suffering from a mental disorder.
Art Therapy
This type of therapy is a bit unorthodox, but it’s effective. It helps individuals to express their emotions in a different way. If a person isn’t able to express themselves by talking to others, many times they can get their emotions out through art.
Art is a therapeutic technique that helps to release strong emotions and provide deeper insight into therapy.
Who Shouldn’t Enroll Into a PHP?
A partial hospitalization program isn’t for everyone. There are some individuals who would need to undergo intensive therapy that requires 24-hour assistance. Below is a list of individuals who would not benefit from a PHP:
- Individuals with family members who suffer from substance abuse
- Individuals who have experienced multiple relapses
- Those who don’t have a strong support system outside of treatment
- Those who have been the victim of trauma or abuse
- Those who have co-current disorders
It’s important to note that even if you have experienced any of the issues above, that doesn’t mean that you can’t at some point enroll in a PHP. But if you are in the initial stages of treatment, it’s usually best to do an inpatient hospitalization first. A PHP is for a highly motivated individual who can handle the pressures of being in the outside world while receiving treatment.
Take Advantage of a Partial Hospitalization Program
The good thing about a partial hospitalization program is that the enrollees do not have to spend the bulk of their time in an inpatient setting. If you or your loved one is someone who has children or a job, a PHP allows the flexibility to work and have a social life, while also receiving therapy. It’s a great choice for those who can handle the outside world as they go through treatment.
If this information was helpful, take a look at more of our blog posts. We cover a variety of topics, so there’s plenty of content for you to read and explore.
