PHP vs IOP

Substance abuse addiction is a disease that can affect every part of the brain chemistry, physical health, mental health, behavior, mood, sleep and appetite. Overcoming an addiction is not easy. Behavioral health programs such as outpatient substance use disorder treatment can help people address their addiction and develop healthy coping mechanisms to overcome this disease. Two of the most popular outpatient treatments are partial hospitalization programs (PHP) and intensive outpatient programs (IOP). Both PHP and IOP are levels of care in the continuum of addiction treatment services recognized by the American Society of Addiction Medicine Criteria (ASAM).

A group of diverse young adults sit in a circle during a PHP or IOP group session while one young women stands to speak about her addiction.

There are multiple levels of care when it comes to substance addiction treatment. The highest level of care begins at medical detox, where patients are under 24/7 care as well as prescribed medications to help alleviate immediate withdrawal symptoms. The next level of care is inpatient residential treatment in which patients will continue with daily care as well as participate in intensive cognitive and behavioral therapies. In the lowest level of care, outpatient programs such as PHP and IOP offer a more flexible approach to treatment while still providing a support system to patients slowly transitioning to independent life.

Infograph showing the various levels of care implemented in a substance use disorder treatment program.

Who do PHP and IOP treat?

How do I know if PHP or IOP treatments are right for me? When finding the right treatment to meet your needs, a medical professional or behavioral health program can help you decide which type of treatment will be best for you. For clients who have a less severe case of substance or alcohol addiction, choosing from one of the outpatient programs may be beneficial. This person may not need an intense detox and may just need to treat any co-occurring mental health conditions that contribute to or occur alongside their physical addiction. It can allow them the flexibility for treatment while they maintain other daily responsibilities.

For clients who have stepped down in level of care from residential programs, PHP and IOP may be the next step for them on their journey to recovery. Clients at this stage are still vulnerable to cravings and relapsing. Participating in an outpatient program will help hold them accountable and provide them with emotional, clinical and medical support.

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PHP vs IOP

Both PHP and IOP are outpatient programs for people who struggle with substance and alcohol addiction. How are these programs similar? What are the differences between the two?

PHP

Partial Hospitalization Program is more commonly known simply as PHP. This level of care offers an intensive and more comprehensive treatment program that provides structure, support and close supervision of clients. PHP is a step down in care from residential inpatient treatments. Clients entering this stage of recovery are still very vulnerable and are usually still in need to a safe and supportive environment in which they can attend treatment and engage in other support services such as vocational training, case management meetings and individual therapy sessions.

  • PHP provides a very structured environment similar to that of inpatient residential programs.
  • PHP allows patients to live at home or in a sober living environment in which they will attend treatment sessions for the majority of the day.
  • PHP treatment programs can last anywhere from 4-8 hours per day, 5 days per week. Patients will spend the majority of their time in treatment, but be able to go home at the end of the day.
  • PHP treatments include cognitive behavioral therapies, dialectical behavioral therapies, EMDR therapy, group therapy and family therapy.
  • PHP continues to offer 24-hour support with its primary focus on mental health. Patients will have access to all medical and clinical personnel throughout the duration of the day. PHP offers a more intensive care program compared to seeing a therapist or psychiatrist in a primary care office.
  • Patients in PHP will also have access to case managers, social workers, and a variety of clinically trained therapists.
  • Clients in PHP may also continue to receive medication-assisted treatments in addiction to intensive individual or group therapy sessions. Clients will also learn effective ways to manage their medication so that it can be the most beneficial for their recovery.
  • PHP is typically recommended for patients who suffer from serious mental health conditions and need a higher level of care to control cravings and prevent relapse.
  • PHP offers other support services such as skills training, educational classes, nursing and healthcare services, family therapy, aftercare and relapse prevention planning.
  • PHP offers a comprehensive mental health care plan at a much lower cost than inpatient care programs. However, PHP is also more expensive than IOP treatments because there is a greater level of care required when it comes to treating patients. This could require a higher out-of-pocket cost compared to IOP.

IOP

Intensive Outpatient Program is commonly referred to as IOP. IOP is a step down in the level of care after PHP. This outpatient program offers a much more flexible approach to treatment care. Clients in IOP usually have shorter treatment sessions about 3-5 days per week that can be scheduled around their daily activities and responsibilities such as work or school. Compared to PHP, IOP provides a lower level of intensity in treatment.

  • IOP is the lowest level of treatment care when it comes to substance and alcohol use disorder.
  • IOP allows clients to practice and implement their learned coping skills in real-life situations.
  • IOP offers support services such as relapse prevention planning and life skills training.
  • During IOP, clients are able to live more independently, obtain jobs or go to school, while still being able to receive treatment when it is most convenient for them. The program is less structured to support the transition to independent living.
  • In IOP the intensity of treatment is much less compared to PHP.
  • IOP provides less medical oversight and a more independent structure of treatment. Clinicians and other addiction support personnel are available but not as frequently utilized.
  • IOP emphasizes building a strong support network. This program encourages clients to seek out addiction recovery support groups such as SMART Recovery, AA, or other 12-step programs. Having a community of like-minded peers can really help in the recovery of someone suffering from a substance use disorder.
  • IOP continues to utilize and offer evidence-based treatment methods such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, EMDR therapy, group therapy and family therapy.
  • Because there is less oversight needed, IOP can be a more affordable option with lowered rates or even rates covered by insurance.
  • IOP is an ideal level of treatment for those with less severe addictions and want to continue accountability in their sobriety by participating in treatment throughout the week.

Reach out to Hotel California by the Sea

We specialize in treating addiction and other co-occurring disorders, such as PTSD. Our Admissions specialists are available to walk you through the best options for treating your addiction.

Finding the right PHP or IOP program for you

PHP and IOP are treatment programs that successfully help clients suffering from an addiction. Hotel California by the Sea offers both PHP and IOP programs to help those who may be suffering from a substance use disorder or alcohol addiction. We offer multiple levels of care starting with detox, residential and then our outpatient programs PHP and IOP. Clients can also expect to receive rigorous and effective treatment therapies that include CBT, group therapy and family therapy. In addition, medication-assisted treatments are also available for those in need of extra treatment. Hotel California by the Sea is focused on helping you overcome your dependence on drugs and live a healthier life in sobriety.

References:

https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/mental-health/partial-hospitalization-program
https://compassionbehavioralhealth.com/blog/php-vs-iop-treatment/
https://www.allkindsoftherapy.com/what-is-the-difference-between-an-iop-vs-php
https://vertavahealth.com/blog/the-difference-between-iop-and-php/