Recovery from substance use disorder (SUD) is not a one-size-fits-all scenario. Each person enters into recovery with a particular set of circumstances and a unique story. An individual could have family counting on them to be accessible, work long hours, or be a care provider for a senior or a person with a disability. Whatever the case, all of these factors must be taken into consideration when deciding on the type of recovery program that will best fit an individual’s needs. A close examination of partial hospitalization vs. intensive outpatient programs (PHP vs. IOP) will also help determine the right next step.
At Arkview Recovery, our mission is to help clients embrace the possibility of new life beyond addiction. We do everything in our power to help people find the best outcomes for their recovery. Both PHP and IOP offer unique benefits and formats that can be tailored to meet the diverse needs of each person. For more information about our addiction treatment programs call 717.744.0756 today.
PHP vs. IOP: Definitions and Comparisons
When talking about partial hospitalization vs. intensive outpatient it’s important to understand what each of these programs has to offer, and then consider your own needs.
Understanding a PHP
A PHP is a structured treatment option for people with moderate addiction issues. This type of program typically offers an intensive level of care while also allowing patients the flexibility to go home nightly. This means it’s non-residential treatment. Clients who opt for PHP don’t live at a treatment center but attend intensive therapy sessions with medical monitoring and activities that address both the physical and emotional aspects of addiction. Then, they return home in the evenings.
Understanding an IOP
Similarly to a PHP, an IOP is non-residential treatment. However, it offers an even greater level of flexibility than PHP. This approach to addiction treatment allows participants to receive comprehensive care while maintaining their daily responsibilities, like school or work. People enrolled in an IOP schedule their therapy sessions at various times during the week. These sessions might include group therapy, individual counseling, and educational workshops. The flexibility of IOPs enables individuals to balance their treatment with personal commitments,
The Benefits and Drawbacks of PHP and IOP
At Arkview Recovery, both programs are designed to provide personalized support, empowering participants to progress in their recovery journey while remaining actively engaged in their outside lives.
The Benefits of PHP
The benefits of a PHP can be substantial if someone’s life circumstances lend themselves to it. The advantages include:
- A structured environment
- Stability and routine
- Less exposure to potential triggers for relapse
- Significant medical oversight
If you’re someone exiting a residential program, then a PHP is a good next step for you. Additionally, if you’re someone with a severe addiction, but life circumstances preclude you from being able to enter a residential program—then a PHP can be an effective alternative.
A PHP will provide a high level of structure so that exposure to relapse triggers is minimal.
The Benefits of IOP
IOP offers a more flexible treatment approach that allows clients to maintain their daily responsibilities, such as work or school, while attending scheduled therapy sessions. These programs typically include group therapy, individual counseling, and educational sessions.
- A high level of flexibility
- Opportunity to build a supportive community environment
- Encouraging peer support
- A source of accountability
An IOP is a great choice for someone exiting a PHP or for someone with a less severe addiction and a strong support system at home. When fewer temptations toward relapse are present in a person’s life, an IOP can be the perfect choice.
The Drawbacks to Each Program
If you’re someone with a profound addiction, then choosing a IOP isn’t the best option, as it won’t provide the level of structure needed for a successful recovery. The potential for exposure to relapse triggers is increased in this type of program since an individual has more free time in their day. It’s important to understand the level of your addiction before deciding on a PHP or IOP.
Additionally, if you’re looking for flexibility due to schedule constraints, PHP is likely not the choice for you. This type of program requires a greater time commitment, which you’ll need to adhere to in order to get the most out of it. Often a PHP involves full-day sessions, whereas an IOP allows for part-time attendance.
Choosing The Right Program For You
There are a number of questions you might ask yourself to help determine whether an IOP or PHP is right for you. They include:
- How much support do I have from my family, friends, or community?
- Do I need a highly structured environment with more intensive daily therapy sessions, like that provided by a PHP? Or am I more suited to the less intensive, flexible schedule of an IOP?
- How does my current lifestyle, including work or school commitments, affect my ability to attend a PHP versus an IOP?
- Am I able to commit to the time demands of a PHP, which may require several hours of treatment each day, or is an IOP’s fewer hours per week more manageable?
- What is my current level of mental health and substance use, and which program can best address the structure I may need?
- How do the costs of a PHP and an IOP compare, and what does my insurance cover for each option?
- Do I require medical or psychiatric monitoring that a PHP can provide more comprehensively than an IOP?
Your answers to these questions can help you determine the most beneficial action step. Then, speaking with a professional will provide you with the additional clarity you need.
Find Comprehensive Treatment at Arkview
Once you’ve asked yourself these questions, it’s time to reach out to a healthcare professional like those at Arkview. Our team is ready to discuss all the variables and help you begin your recovery journey.
Call Arkview for PHP and IOP Services
At Arkview Recovery, our PHP and IOP offerings are designed to deliver compassionate, personalized care. Our programs are crafted to meet the unique needs of each client and lead them toward long-term recovery.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your recovery journey, contact us via our online form or call 717.744.0756 today.
Kyle is Lead Therapist at Arkview Recovery Center. He holds a Master of Social Work degree from Temple University and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. He has years of experience working directly with individuals who suffer from addiction and mental health disorders. Being in long term recovery himself, Kyle is very passionate about the recovery process. He is heavily involved in the local recovery community in which he enjoys his commitments to service and giving back. His specialty is in group therapy and developing clinical staff. Kyle brings to Arkview a holistic approach to recovery, specializing in mindfulness, reality therapy, and solution-focused therapy.
