A partial hospitalization program (PHP) is a highly structured mental health treatment program designed to offer intensive support and can offer many of the benefits of inpatient care without the same level of disruption. Many people view PHP as a “full-day” program, where participants spend between six and eight hours each day in treatment. When you’re in a PHP, you will still be able to go home in the evenings to spend time with family and friends. Depending on your needs, a PHP might be right for you.
Dealing with mental health symptoms as a teen can be challenging. Conditions like depression, anxiety and school avoidance can impact all aspects of your life. Fortunately, treatment is available. Learning about the advantages of a PHP can help you stay positive and informed on your treatment journey.
5 benefits of a teen partial hospitalization program
- comprehensive support — Sometimes regular therapy sessions aren’t sufficient. When you need extra support, a PHP can be a great option. PHP treatments are designed to be comprehensive. Over the course of your treatment, you may benefit from services ranging from group therapy to medication management. Your treatment plan will be tailored to your needs, which can help ensure that you get the comprehensive support you need. The holistic approach of a PHP may offer major advantages over less intensive therapy sessions.
- routine and structure — Dealing with mental health symptoms can make it harder to maintain a consistent routine. When focusing your energy on your mental health, you may feel like your life falls into disarray. Good habits such as going for a walk every day or even brushing your teeth can be broken by a sense of disorganization and a lack of motivation. These are common symptoms of depression and other mood-related conditions. PHPs provide structure. This can help you feel more stable and less anxious about what the future may hold. When life feels chaotic, the routine of a PHP can be essential for making steady progress.
- skill development — With a focus on building lifelong skills, a PHP can offer lasting benefits. A PHP is a great way to build a variety of skills. You can get advice from peers in group therapy sessions, and you can work on specific strategies with your care provider. Through one-on-one sessions, you can practice coping skills that can help you thrive when you return home each night.
- family involvement — PHP treatment often involves family therapy. With family therapy, you can get trusted family members involved in your treatment. This can help bring your safety network closer together, and it may boost your progress. Adolescents with mental health concerns often experience friction with parents and siblings. With family therapy, you can talk through your differences and find common ground. Effective family therapy can help transform family from a site of conflict into a source of support.
- peer support — Though it can feel like you’re isolated in your mental health struggles, it may help to remember that you’re not alone. An estimated 49.5% of adolescents have had a mental health condition at some point in their lives, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. If you’re feeling lonely on your mental health journey, peer support can have a major impact. By communicating with your peers in a group therapy setting, you can hear from others who share similar experiences, which may help you feel understood and less alone.
Are partial hospitalization programs effective for improving mental health?
Overall, a PHP is a strong and versatile approach to treatment. Instead of just relieving the symptoms of your condition, a quality PHP will identify and address the core concerns underlying your symptoms. This approach can empower you to make real steps toward recovery and improvement each day. PHPs can be especially useful for people currently making the transition from inpatient to intensive outpatient care. A good program will be designed to provide you with the tools you need to get through tough times and continue toward a brighter future. The potential long-term benefits of a good PHP can make it a highly effective treatment option for your mental health.
Experience the benefits of Embrace U’s partial hospitalization program
If you’re ready to take the next step on your mental wellness journey, Embrace U is here to help. Our partial hospitalization program is designed to help adolescents aged 10 to 18 get focused, dedicated support. If a PHP isn’t right for your needs, we also offer intensive outpatient (IOP) treatment. We can help you find a course of treatment that fits your needs and improvement goals.
Contact our team today for more information about our partial hospitalization program or to schedule an initial appointment.