There are countless (at the very least, tens of millions) people who need mental health and substance abuse treatment, but less than a fraction of them actually pursue and receive it. One of the leading reasons behind this is the fact that most people view treatment through one lens: the lens of 24/7 rehabilitation. 

Many people struggling with mental health and substance abuse issues are leading functional lives through maintaining a career, balancing a marriage, taking care of kids and managing the home. For those handling all life throws at them daily, 24/7 rehabilitation doesn’t seem like an option, so they often don’t look into treatment as deeply as that.

Thankfully, addiction and mental health have evolved into more of a commonplace discussion, and people are becoming increasingly aware of the fact there’s more than just one treatment option.

When you’re trying to figure out what type of treatment is right for you, you might see or hear the phrase “partial hospitalization” a fair amount of times — what exactly is it, and is right for you?

In this article, we’re going to answer both of those questions, and also give you a simple next step you can take today to start receiving treatment soon.

What is partial hospitalization?

A partial hospitalization program (PHP) is a structured mental health program that’s designed to provide the necessary treatment to clients while enabling them to still live independently. They can wake up in their own beds at their chosen residence, commute to the treatment center to spend most of the day and then return to their own homes at night. 

Partial hospitalization program hours range anywhere from three to six per day (depending on the program and level of care the client needs), three-to-five days a week. 

Partial hospitalization programs are a viable option for adults needing and seeking treatment but who might not be able to spend 24/7 in a rehabilitation center, or whose schedule isn’t compatible with a fully residential program.

Who is PHP for?

Partial hospitalization programs are for people who are struggling with substance abuse, mental health or dual diagnosis and need a higher level of care than outpatient programs provide.  Those same people don’t quite need the full-time intensive therapeutic environment.

Some people are worried about meeting partial hospitalization requirements, but because these programs are considered voluntary treatment, the requirements are usually fairly mild. An example would be being asked to attend certain daily sessions for a number of weeks.

Here are some examples of who PHP is best suited for:

• Someone who previously received treatment but didn’t maintain long-term change
• Someone who is not a danger to themselves or others
• Someone who does not need constant medical supervision
• Someone who is self-motivated to participate in treatment and make a lasting change
• Someone who wants to maintain other life priorities through treatment (relationships, work, school, hobbies)

It’s important to note that PHP is not going to be an effective form of treatment for everyone. Some people do not require this high level of support, while others will require a much higher level than this. It can be difficult to know exactly what kind of treatment you need, so it’s important to seek professional help when you start to experience disruptions in your life.

Take the first step today

Silver Ridge Recovery is a premier drug and alcohol rehabilitation center that specializes in helping adults 35 and up with regaining sobriety in a way that perpetuates lasting change in their lives.

Our highly experienced team is dually licensed in mental health and substance use, and all of our staff members, from those who greet you when you first walk to those who sit with you in your toughest moments, are just as committed to your sobriety as you.

We believe in full-spectrum care, as well as the importance of individual-focused support, we’ve combined traditional and holistic therapy methods to heal not only your body but your mind and soul as well.

To learn more about our services and how we can help you take the next step in your recovery process, submit a confidential form or call to speak with one of our advisors directly.