The Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) is a group therapy program for adults with mental illness who need treatment. These programs are designed to be less intensive than inpatient hospitalization but more intensive than outpatient counseling. This article will discuss what you need to know about enrolling in PHP.
Things You Need to Know About Enrolling in a Partial Hospitalization Program
PHP Programs Usually Include a Combination of Individual and Group Therapy
PHP programs are designed to be less intensive than an inpatient hospital program but more intensive than an outpatient program. Health professionals use PHP programs because they have been shown to effectively treat mental illness and reduce the need for medical treatment (MHRA 2000). PHP programs are staffed by people with experience working with people with mental illness and receive specialized training in this field. Many PHP programs are 12 hours a day, five days a week.
The time the program is open may vary depending on the needs of the patients. Some patients cannot participate all day, so they start and end early or leave midday to rest at home. In some cases, a PHP program allows you to live in the community while going to an outpatient counseling program for only two or three days a week.
Some PHP Programs Provide Services for a Short Time and Others Are Long-term
The length of time the PHP program is provided may vary. Some programs run for short periods of time, such as four weeks. Other programs are more long-term, and patients are able to participate in them for months or even years at a time. The program’s goal is usually to achieve as much improvement as possible over many months or years. The length of the program depends on the symptoms a patient suffers from.
The PHP Staff May Be People With Mental Illness, But Some Programs Are Focused on Working With Professionals and Other Experienced Professionals
People with mental illness staff some PHP programs. The staff members need to be trained to work with people with mental illnesses to provide the most effective therapy possible. Other programs include staff members who are working professionals such as licensed psychologists, social workers, or psychiatrists. These programs tend to be more intensive than PHP programs that people with mental illness staff.
PHP Programs Ask for Cooperation and an Ongoing Commitment from the Patient
PHP programs try to help patients change their behavior regarding their treatment. One of the most important things you need to do is put your trust in the program and cooperate with it. You may have to make some changes in your life around the treatment you receive, such as going to therapy sessions outside of PHP and making other lifestyle changes. Because PHP programs are designed to be less intensive than inpatient hospitalization, they do not have a 24-hour emergency room. The staff need you to be able to put the program and your recovery first.
PHP Programs Are Assessed Before a Patient Enrolls
You should receive a written evaluation from your doctor and a mental health professional before you enroll in PHP. This will help the staff members know what to expect when working with patients in the PHP program. The assessment may also be used to help you decide if you are ready for more intensive therapy. If you are not ready for more intensive treatment, PHP programs can be a good choice for you.
You May Become a Regular PHP Patient
After you enroll in a PHP program, you can keep going back whenever you need to. Some people continue their PHP program even after recovering from the mental illness they were diagnosed with. If you want to continue your PHP program, there are different levels of commitment that you can make and different levels of commitment your family may have to keep up with you.
Some PHP Programs Are Funded by Your Health Insurance
Some PHP programs are covered by health insurance, while others are not. The costs of the PHP program will depend on what the program covers and what your insurance plan covers. Some PHP programs allow you to make co-payments in exchange for additional treatment. The staff will let you know if this is possible when you enroll in the program. In conclusion, Partial Hospitalization Programs are a good choice for you, your family, and the community if you are looking for an effective and less intensive option for treatment. If you need more information about PHP programs, reach out to us by calling us at 302-842-2390.
