Mental health is an important factor in your overall health, and sometimes, we need a little extra support to look after it. If you’ve been struggling with mental health challenges and feel like regular outpatient treatment is lacking, or inpatient treatment seems too drastic, you may need something in between these two options.
Partial hospitalization programs in Orange County, CA are a middle ground between outpatient and residential treatment. It provides structured, intensive care so you can go home every night. We’ll look at these schemes, who can benefit from them and the types of support they provide.
What is PHP?
It’s a supportive environment where you can focus on your mental health without giving up your daily life. The program usually lasts several weeks. You participate in various therapy activities five days a week and most of the day (six to eight hours).
They offer group therapy, individual therapy, medication management (if needed), and creative therapies such as art or music therapy. The program is designed to be comprehensive. It addresses the root causes of your struggles by helping you develop coping mechanisms and long-term recovery skills.
Who needs PHP?
This program has been helpful to many people. Let’s explore some common scenarios:
- You need more than just outpatient treatment – Maybe you’ve been in treatment for a while, but your symptoms are still affecting your daily life. PHP can provide an extra boost. It provides deeper support to help you get back on track.
- You want to withdraw from residential treatment – If you have recently completed residential treatment, a PHP can provide you with important support as you return to your daily life. It allows you to continue receiving intensive treatment and gradually adjust to daily life.
- You are struggling with mental health issues – Sometimes, life can seem unfair and it can affect your mental health. As a result, you may suffer from depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PHP provides you with a safe and supportive space to process a crisis and develop coping skills to prevent it from happening again in the future.
- You are facing a crisis but do not need to be hospitalized – If you have suicidal thoughts, severe anxiety, or other acute symptoms that do not require 24-hour care, a PHP can provide you with a safe place to stay while your condition stabilizes.
- you have co-occurring medical conditions – Sometimes, mental health problems co-occur with substance abuse problems. Some PHPs specialize in treating this dual diagnosis.
- You are facing a complex diagnosis – If you are struggling with a complex mental health condition, PHP can provide a structured environment with a multidisciplinary team of professionals who can address your issues.
Who might not need PHP?
Although PHP is a great resource, they are not a standard solution. Some situations where they may not be the best fit are:
- If you are in immediate danger – If you are having thoughts of self-harm or suicide, a PHP may not be able to provide the immediate supervision you need. In this case, please seek emergency assistance.
- If you require high-level medical intervention – Certain mental health issues may require 24/7 medical attention. In this case, hospitalization is a more appropriate option.
What to expect from PHP
The specifics of PHP will vary depending on the program you choose. However, a PHP’s daily routine has dedicated time slots for individual therapy, group therapy, medication management, and educational workshops. You’ll work with a team of qualified therapists to develop coping mechanisms, address underlying issues, and learn new skills to manage your condition.
A psychiatrist or other mental health professional will monitor your medication closely and make adjustments as needed. Additionally, PHP provides you with a safe and supportive environment where you can connect with others who understand what you’re going through. This is a great way to heal.
final notes
If you are considering using PHP, the most important thing to do is to seek assistance. Talk to your doctor and research different PHPs in your area to find the one that best suits your needs. Let your loved ones know your decision. Having a support network outside of the program makes a big difference. Sleep well, eat well, and participate in activities you enjoy outside of therapy sessions.
