When investigating treatment options for a substance abuse or eating disorder, it's important to find the program most suited to the problem. And that can sometimes be a challenge, as there are several different levels of care to choose from.

Two common types of treatment you're likely to come across in research are intensive outpatient (IOP) and partial hospitalization (PHP). While there are some similarities between these levels of care — like the flexibility to commute to treatment and still live at home — there are important differences to understand.

Where are IOP and PHP in the levels of care?

The different levels of care exist to fit the physical and needs of patients. There is no one-size-fits-all program: Each individual will have certain symptoms, lifestyle behaviors and experiences that will make the right treatment level known. Severity of the disorder is another variable that factors into this decision.

Regarding IOP and PHP, these programs are generally somewhere in the middle: more involved than others, but also less demanding than some levels. The names of the treatment programs lends insight into what they entail. Intensive outpatient, for instance, does not require admittance to a center or facility, but is still a rigorous treatment. Partial hospitalization, on the other hand, does include staying at a facility, but only part time. 

What is IOP?

The first thing to understand about IOP is that it is an outpatient program. This means patients who enter it are allowed to live at home, traveling to and from the facility to receive care or counseling. This doesn't make IOP any less meticulous. Patients in IOP receive the same care as those in inpatient would, including an initial evaluation, a personalize recovery plan and access to therapy and medications. 

Importantly, patients will only be approved for IOP if they can handle the pressure of living life at home without that arrangement being a risk or danger to their recovery and well-being. Typically, those in IOP will commute to and from the facilitate for three or four days of the week, getting care and participating in group counseling during that time on-site. IOP is often used as a bridge program. Patients may enter IOP to gain some control over their problem before entering inpatient, or use it as a step after inpatient when they're feeling strong enough in their own self-will and determination to get better.

What is PHP?

Partial hospitalization is a step up from IOP, while still being an outpatient-based program. Patients in this program will live at home, but travel to the facility during a majority of the week for 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. sessions. It's also commonly used during a transition from residential care — which is primarily focused on the safety of the individual. Patients will complete many of the same activities, like examinations and group counseling, and return home.

Interested in learning more about the levels of care and whether IOP or PHP is right for you or a loved one? Contact Fairwinds Treatment Center today.