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Differences Between IOP vs PHP

Not every facet of addiction treatment needs to focus on inpatient care. There are plenty of circumstances where the client qualifies for some level of outpatient care. However, the question is, “what level of outpatient care is appropriate?” That’s a decision for clinicians of an addiction treatment facility, depending on the client’s needs. The choices are often partial hospitalization (PHP), intensive outpatient (IOP), and standard outpatient treatment. If someone you love needs outpatient teen treatment options in California, contact us at 877.466.0620 to learn about our outpatient programs. At Destinations for Teens, we’re here to help your teen get the proper treatment to live a fulfilling life.

The Differences Between IOP vs. PHP

Again, the decision to go with IOP or PHP should sit with a treatment facility’s clinicians. To get right to the point, the primary difference between IOP vs. PHP is simply a function of time. From a treatment perspective, facilities use a “step-down” process after inpatient treatment. Not surprisingly, clients leaving inpatient treatment usually have more work to do. They just don’t need the confinement of inpatient treatment to do it. The next step down is PHP. In a PHP program, the client receives intensive therapy through individual or group sessions. They will typically agree to visit the facility 4-5 days a week for 4-5 hours a day. In our Destinations for Teens teen treatment programs in California, residents tend to like this option. As long as our client progresses, they can get treatment while still attending to their outside responsibilities. If all goes well at the PHP level, the client might qualify to step down to the IOP level. While maintaining the same treatment options, they can do so 2-3 times a week for 2-3 hours a day. IOP also includes planning for aftercare and any necessary medication guidance if needed. For these reasons, IOP can be an excellent choice for people who have been in treatment but don’t yet feel ready to return to the world on their own. In the right circumstances, it’s a very effective way to receive help while still having more freedom. Some other differences to note about these outpatient options include:

  • PHP generally has more structure and supervision than IOP
  • PHP often offers more therapy sessions and meetings with a psychiatrist
  • IOP usually costs less per month than PHP

It’s important to remember that whether someone qualifies for either program rests with the clinicians. That said, it pays to understand what your options are.

The Benefits of Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient treatment includes more than IOP or PHP. There’s also the standard outpatient option, which is even less intrusive. They are more affordable than inpatient care, allow the clients to attend to personal responsibilities, and are less invasive on the client’s life.

Choose IOP or PHP with Destinations for Teens

Our Woodland Hills treatment center focuses solely on treating teens with addictions. In each case, we offer the client a custom treatment program that includes evidence-based and holistic treatment options. We measure our success by the ability of our clients to maintain a lasting recovery from their addiction. With that in mind, here’s a partial list of our services:

  • Inpatient and outpatient care
  • Dual diagnosis treatment
  • Cognitive Behavioral therapy
  • Family therapy
  • Holistic options like music and yoga therapy

As a parent, your job is to get your teen into treatment for their addiction. It will be our job to decide on IOP vs. PHP or another option. The most crucial consideration is doing what’s necessary to get your teen into a lasting recovery. If you are ready to make the first step, you can contact or Destinations for Teens facility at 877.466.0620. We’re here for you.