PHP (Partial Hospitalization Program) and IOP (Intensive Outpatient Program) are treatment options that offer different levels of care. This is based on the intensity of addiction an individual is facing.
PHP provides a higher level of support. This is achieved through frequent therapy sessions similar to inpatient treatment. However, it does not involve overnight stays at a treatment facility.
On the other hand, an IOP is a more flexible treatment program. It allows individuals to attend fewer therapy sessions. They can do so several times a week while tending to their responsibilities as usual.
In this article, we explain the main differences between PHP and IOP and their benefits. We also help you determine the most suitable option for treating specific substance use disorders.
What is PHP and IOP?
Partial Hospitalization Treatment (PHP) is a structured approach to treating addiction. It includes attending regular therapy sessions without staying overnight in a treatment facility.
PHPs offer more intensive care that requires significant time commitment. Typically, patients are required to attend therapy sessions regularly, 5 to 7 days per week, 4 to 6 hours a day.
During this time, medical staff combines individual and group therapy, family counseling, and holistic therapies. The goal is to treat addiction on a deeper emotional level. They aim to address the mental health struggles that a patient is facing. These issues directly contribute to alcohol or drug addiction.
PHP is recommended for individuals who require a high level of care but do not need constant supervision. It is suitable for people with dual diagnosis, significant substance use disorders, or at higher risk of relapsing.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is a less intense addiction treatment. It provides a more effortless adjustment for individuals transitioning from inpatient care to their regular routines. IOPs support flexibility for daily routines and easily integrate treatment into daily life.
The outpatient programs involve multiple therapy types that manage psychiatric symptoms. They aim to teach relapse prevention, build coping strategies, and help patients manage cravings. IOPs tailor care to individual progress. They allow individuals to schedule therapy multiple times weekly and accommodate work or school commitments.
IOP is suitable for people who are recommended to reduce the intensity of their treatment sessions. While they differ in treatment duration, IOP programs focus on skill development and a gradual return to a daily life of sobriety.
What Is the Difference Between PHP and IOP?
The main difference between PHP and IOP is their level of intensity. PHP programs typically require full time commitment and on-site residence, while IOP programs offer a more flexible schedule with both on-site and off-site components.
Your medical professional will determine eligibility based on your needs for improvement or your specific health condition.
Level of Care and Intensity
The levels of care and intensity affect patients’ recovery in vastly different ways. PHP treatments provide higher-intensity care, which makes them suitable for people with severe addiction issues. Their treatment requires constant monitoring for withdrawal symptoms.
On the contrary, an IOP provides patients with greater anatomy and flexibility in their recovery. They can combine sessions with daily obligations.
Patients entering an IOP program find it much easier to notify their employer about going to treatment. This is because IOPs do not usually require job absence.
Time Commitment and Scheduling
PHP requires a higher level of time commitment, similar to hospitalization programs. While patients are not required to stay overnight in a facility, they must dedicate several hours each day or most days of the week to it.
However, PHPs provide a comprehensive and individualized approach to each patient. They build structured support networks for learning coping skills in a dedicated environment.
On the other hand, IOP is a form of outpatient therapy that changes in frequency. It requires less time commitment and oversight than PHP. It is still patient-centered and focused on recovery, but scheduling around your daily obligations is much easier.
Types of Services Provided
Medical teams structure sessions around patient needs. This may include daily sessions for PHP and require a significant time commitment. Other types of therapy allow patients to schedule their preferred sessions as they see fit.
Types of services provided in PHP and IOP include:
- Counseling: PHP programs typically require daily counseling sessions aimed at immediate stabilization. IOPs provide accessible ongoing support for less severe addiction issues through weekly or bi-weekly counseling.
- Medical consultations: PHP requires regular medical consultations that help alcoholics manage their withdrawal symptoms and get proper rehab under specific laws. IOP requires less frequent medical consultations. Here, a patient reiterates their goals and reflects on the progress in quitting drinking.
- Group therapy: PHP requires daily group therapies to analyze factors and decisions contributing to drinking. In IOP, individuals can attend group therapy sessions based on their ability and time constraints.
- Family therapy: Family therapy is the basis of PHP. It provides a supportive environment for analyzing family dynamics that contribute to relapsing. In IOPs, family therapy sessions are scheduled as needed and are highly adaptable.
- Educational workshops: In PHP, daily educational workshops are tailored to the patient’s needs. They include learning about addiction, relapse prevention, and craving management. They are offered but not required in IOPs.
- Crisis intervention: PHPs provide immediate access to crisis intervention tools and professionals. IOPs recommend crisis intervention based on the intensity of symptoms monitored.
- Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): Medications are frequently used in PHP programs. While they are available as a therapeutic tool in IOPs, they are not prescribed often.
Cost and Insurance Coverage
The cost of PHP is higher than the cost of IOP. This is because PHP requires a more intensive level of care. IOP programs require fewer resources, which makes them cost-effective for individuals.
PHP is most commonly covered only for short and acute periods of treatment for severe addiction. They require pre-authorization and are most likely only covered partially. As for the rest of the expenses, the patients must pay out of pocket.
IOPs are covered more extensively by insurance. They do not require consistent monitoring and medical assistance. This is why they get approved more easily and require less out-of-pocket coverage.
Transition and Step-Down Process
When they decide you are ready, your medical provider will recommend switching to another treatment program. This includes stepping down from an intensive treatment program (PHP) to a less intense one (IOP). You will typically start gradually reducing therapy sessions and schedule them only when needed to avoid relapse.
Patients are referred to a PHP program if they are experiencing intense addiction symptoms followed by underlying health issues. These conditions require intense therapy for both physical and emotional issues.
As patients show signs of improvement and develop healthy coping mechanisms, they are recommended to “step down” to an IOP program. This continues to benefit their recovery but in a more flexible environment with fewer time limitations.
Which One Should You Choose Between PHP and IOP?
It would be best not to choose between PHP and IOP independently. You should rely on your doctor in deciding this case. Doctors recommend the option based on the intensity of your addiction and your current health status.
Benefits and Limitations of PHP
PHP benefits include:
- Intensive level of care
- Immediate crisis support
- Medical monitoring
- Structured approach
- Gradual transition to independence
On the other hand, PHP has its limitations:
- Difficult to plan around
- More expensive
- Not suitable for patients without support systems
- Time-consuming commitment
- Limited flexibility
Benefits and Limitations of IOP
IOPs are highly beneficial in terms of:
- Flexibility
- Lower costs
- Customizable care
- Peer support
- Continued support
IOP limitations are:
- Less intensive care
- Limited medical supervision
- Not suitable for severe addiction cases
- Higher risk of relapse and isolation
- Less crisis support
Key Takeaways
- PHP is an intensive treatment option for people with severe addictions.
- IOP is a more flexible treatment plan with less time commitment required.
- Your doctor will recommend the most suitable option based on the severity of your addiction and your current health status.
- Both PHP and IOP combine therapy methods such as individual and group counseling, family therapy, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), or holistic strategies in treating addiction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Insurance Cover Both PHP and IOP?
Yes, medical insurance typically covers both PHP and IOP, but to a different extent. This is based on the individual’s circumstances and the severity of their addiction. PHPs have stricter pre-authorization requirements. They are more expensive due to the greater amount of resources they require. IOPs are more widely accepted by insurance companies and require lower out-of-pocket costs.
Are Therapy Sessions Different in PHP vs. IOP?
Yes, therapy sessions are different in PHP and IOP based on their focus, frequency, and intensity. PHP sessions are more frequent and intense. They usually occur daily or several times per week for a couple of hours. They are focused on resolving deep emotional issues that lead to addiction. In contrast, IOP therapy sessions are less frequent and intense. They focus on reiterating the progress made in intensive therapy and reflecting on the individual’s sobriety goals and plans.
Can PHP and IOP Be Combined?
Yes, PHP and IOP can be combined within one structured treatment plan. This usually occurs when patients are recommended to transition from intensive therapy to a more flexible treatment plan due to their improvement. For example, patients would attend daily therapy sessions for a couple of weeks (PHP). Then, they gradually move into IOP as they develop coping skills and become more secure in their sobriety.
