It can be overwhelming to find the right type of mental health support when you’re facing challenges like anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or bipolar disorder. You may not need 24/7 support like what’s provided in an inpatient program, but you might still need more than what a weekly therapy appointment can provide. That’s where a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) can provide meaningful support during a challenging time.
A PHP provides a middle ground option between inpatient and outpatient care. This type of support is designed for those who need more than traditional outpatient therapy provides, but don’t need overnight support. In a PHP, you typically spend six hours a day participating in therapy, group sessions and other treatment activities. At the end of the day, you return home, where you can practice what you’ve learned during your day program.
If you’re looking for a structured, supportive environment that helps you build healthy skills and regain control, a PHP may be the type of help you’ve been looking for.
6 key benefits of treatment in a PHP
Choosing a PHP for your mental health journey can provide you with many advantages. The following are some key benefits:
Comprehensive care
One of the biggest benefits a PHP can offer is comprehensive care. Every person’s journey with their mental health is unique, and a PHP takes that into account by providing a tailored, holistic approach to care.
You’ll receive a combination of medical and behavioral support, which may include medication management, psychiatry, individual therapy and group therapy. This combined approach of services can help improve outcomes because it treats the whole person, not just their symptoms.
The care team often includes doctors, therapists, nurses and case managers who work together with you to help support your goals. Your team will help ensure that your mental, emotional and even physical needs are being met in one supportive space. All of your care happens under one roof, so you don’t have to juggle appointments at different locations.
Routine and structure
Creating and sticking to a daily routine when your mental health feels out of balance can be grounding and healing. The structured environment of a PHP can help you find your footing again.
You’ll follow a planned schedule of therapy, activities and breaks each day. This structured schedule can help reduce stress and give you a sense of stability and predictability. This is something that’s often important when you’re dealing with conditions like anxiety or depression.
While providing structure, a PHP also offers flexibility. Since you return home each evening, you can still keep parts of your daily life, such as working part-time, spending time with friends and family and sleeping in your own bed. This balance between structure and freedom can foster confidence and independence.
Skill development
A PHP provides you with the opportunity to build and practice important life skills, which is another key benefit.
What makes a PHP especially effective is that after your day is done and you get to go home, you can immediately put your new skills into practice. A PHP helps you build a healthy tool kit to support your mental health in your everyday life that may include:
- Learning how to manage stress
- Setting boundaries
- Learning to communicate more effectively
Family involvement
Mental health recovery isn’t something you have to handle on your own. Healing can be more powerful when your family members are an active part of your mental health journey.
During your PHP, your family may be invited to participate in sessions where they can learn how to support you in healthy and productive ways. By engaging in these sessions, you can help open up conversations, breakdown misunderstandings and create a stronger safety net for you to rely on at home.
By working through these challenges, your family can find common ground and rebuild trust. This can help make your long-term recovery more sustainable and less isolating.
Community connection and support
A comforting aspect of a PHP is the sense of community it helps to build. Mental health challenges can sometimes make people feel alone or misunderstood. But when you’re in a PHP, you’re surrounded daily by people who truly get it.
By embracing the group setting, you have a safe space to share your story, hear from others and realize you’re not the only one facing these struggles. Peer support is often incredibly validating and can help reduce feelings of stigma and isolation that you may be struggling with.
Being surrounded by a supportive group environment can help remind you that healing is possible and you’re not alone on your mental health journey.
Affordability
A PHP can be a more cost-effective option compared to inpatient care while still providing you a high level of support. The overall cost of a PHP tends to be lower since you’re not having to pay for overnight stays, meals or around-the-clock care. This allows you to still get the needed support without sacrificing quality due to lower costs.
This helps make mental health treatment more accessible and sustainable for many people. Additionally, many insurance plans cover PHP services, which also makes it easier for you to get help without taking on a financial burden and increasing your stress levels.
Take the next step on your mental health journey with Guidelight Health
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, or if weekly traditional therapy hasn’t been enough, Guidelight’s Partial Hospitalization Program may be the vital step you need on your mental health journey. It offers a unique blend of intensive care and the comfort of home to help set you up for lasting success.
You don’t have to face this alone. With the right care, structure and support, healing is possible and Guidelight is here to walk alongside you every step of the way.
Everyone has a seat at Guidelight. Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial evaluation.