If you are not sure what a partial hospitalization program is, you’re in the right place. This guide put together by Epiphany Wellness will explain what it is and how it works. If you need more information regarding drug addiction or mental disorder treatment, you can check out their website at https://epiphanywellness.com/.
It’s important to know that you have options regarding the treatment for addiction, mental illness, or both. You may have been diagnosed with a co-occurring disorder (known as a dual diagnosis). Let’s take a look now at what a partial hospitalization program can do for you or someone you know.
What is a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)?
A partial hospitalization program or PHP is designed to give a patient hours of therapy and skill-building during the day. This is something that will occur on a daily basis. You’ll be able to do your routine treatments as part of the program and be able to go home afterward.
These are designed for those who are dealing with drug addiction, mental disorders, or both. This is believed to be a level below the 24-hour care that is required in severe cases (i.e., in a psychiatric hospital or drug treatment center). If an inpatient stay is not needed, this can be one of the best treatment options available.
When is partial hospitalization necessary?
If you or someone you know may need partial hospitalization, it’s important to know when it may be necessary. That’s why you’ll want to consider the following factors:
- Adequate support at home, including a stable family relationship
- Unable to function at school, work, or while performing other activities
- Has medical stability
- Willing to participate in a treatment program
- Not a risk of harming other people or themselves
As you may notice, a typical PHP candidate will not be a serious risk. They are aware of their situation and will be willing to follow through with the treatment plan provided. They know they will receive support from family and members of their support group.
What does a partial hospitalization program entail?
A regular day for a PHP session will last anywhere from six to eight hours. Several things will occur during the day, including the following:
- Therapy sessions: These will be individual and group sessions. These may alternate days (i.e., Individual sessions on Monday, group sessions on Tuesday, etc.)
- Transportation: Most facilities will arrange transportation to and from your session. These are covered under the expenses you may pay out of pocket.
- Skill-building practice: These include dealing with regular life skills while dealing with mental disorders.
- Psychoeducation: Learning more about your mental disorder and how you can manage it safely.
- Evaluations: Done periodically. But additional activities may take place on days when an evaluation doesn’t happen.
- Meals: You may be responsible for your own meals. But the treatment facility may serve lunch on a regular basis.
- Extracurricular activities: These can include art therapy classes, yoga, meditation, and similar activities that will help enrich your health.
How long does a PHP last?
A partial hospitalization program can last anywhere from a few weeks to about six months. This will depend on the severity of the issue you’re dealing with. The treatment duration may be set at the discretion of the professionals you are working with.
Regardless, a PHP’s purpose is to help you get the care you need. At the same time, they will help make your mental disorder manageable (and your addiction treatment a success). Also, the length of time will be used to put together a plan for aftercare.
What are the financing options for PHP?
There are plenty of financing options available for PHP. For example, the facility may be open to payment plans. Be sure to ask questions regarding this while considering PHP for you or someone you know. You may also self-fund the treatment as well through your own money.
You can also have it covered entirely under Medicare Part B if needed. This is if you meet the requirements for the program. However, if you use original Medicare, you may pay the approved amount and have to take care of the copay amount.
Keep in mind that some factors will go into paying your bill. These include but are not limited to how much they charge, the type of facility you’re in and any other services that may be covered under the program.
Keep in mind that some expenses will not be covered if you are financing your PHP via Medicare. These include but are not limited to transportation to and from the facility, meals, outside support groups you attend, training for job skills, or testing outside of PHP.
Is PHP right for you or someone you know?
If you are uncertain about whether or not PHP is the right option for you or someone you know, you’re not alone. It’s important to consider getting an evaluation for drug addiction, mental disorders, or both completed. If an evaluation appears that a person is no harm to themselves or others (and meets the following criteria mentioned earlier), they can qualify for PHP.
Keep in mind that they may have more than one option to choose from regarding PHPs. They can choose based on several factors, including affordability, distance, and other considerations that match their personal needs and preferences.
Final Thoughts
A partial hospitalization program may be your best feasible option for drug addiction and mental disorders. While it may be a level below inpatient treatment, this can prove itself an effective option. Please know that with the right treatment, you can beat your addiction and manage your mental disorder.
PHP is a short-term program that will take hours of your time each day. The good news is that once completed, you can go back to your regularly scheduled life. Make the most of this program; it will take your best care.
