PHP vs. IOP (The Differences)

Clinically Reviewed by Ami G. Risinger, LPC-MHSP

When considering outpatient treatment options, you may be faced with a decision between two types. Partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient treatment are slightly different, offering two distinctive levels of care. What are the fundamental differences between PHPs vs. IOPs, and how can you determine which level is best for you or a loved one? 

Contact us today to learn more about outpatient programming in Tennessee. 

PHP vs. IOP: The Basics

Before we get to the differences between partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) and intensive outpatient programs (IOPs), let’s focus on two key similarities: Both programs are types of outpatient treatment, and patients can usually receive care for the same disorders at each level.

Continuum of Care

Programming options for addictions and mental illnesses are organized into what clinicians refer to as a continuum of care.

This continuum is divided into two general types:

• Inpatient programs – Patients live at the center where they are receiving treatment
• Outpatient programs – Patients are at the center only when attending treatment sessions

Both of these types of care include multiple options.

For example, the levels of care that fall under the inpatient umbrella are:

• Detox – Short-term care to help patients get through withdrawal safely and with minimal discomfort
• Inpatient – Typically involves short-term programming for patients who are in the midst of a mental health crisis, with the goal of helping them achieve stabilization
• Residential – Longer length of stay than at the inpatient level, often 28 days or more, with full days of treatment and round-the-clock supervision

Outpatient Treatment Options

The outpatient category also encompasses three levels of care:

• PHP – Full days of care, usually five days per week
• IOP – Partial days of treatment, two to five days per week
• Outpatient therapy – Individual or group therapy sessions, conducted at the frequency that best fits the patient’s needs and schedule

Three additional notes about the continuum of care for mental and behavioral health concerns:

• Detox patients usually require 24/7 support, which is why that level was included in the inpatient section above. However, some centers offer outpatient detox for individuals who aren’t having particularly severe symptoms, but who can still benefit from regular check-ins with treatment professionals.
• Though neither PHPs nor IOPs have a residential component, some centers offer a supportive housing options for patients who don’t have a stable and supportive place to live while they’re in treatment.
• Some providers offer virtual (online) treatment, commonly at the IOP level. Virtual care involves many of the same services that are included in an in-person IOP, but patients participate from their homes via secure videoconferencing software.

Disorders Treated

Conditions that are commonly treated at the PHP and IOP levels include:

• Anxiety disorders
• Depression
• Bipolar disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Borderline personality disorder
• Schizophrenia 
• Self-harm
• Complicated grief

PHP vs. IOP: The Differences

Three fundamental differences between PHP vs. IOP are the types of patients each program serves, how long patients are in treatment, and what types of services patients are likely to receive.

Patient Profile

Every center has its own admissions criteria, but there are general distinctions between patients in PHPs vs. IOPs:

• PHPs serve patients who can benefit from full days of structured care but don’t need round-the-clock monitoring or supervision. Often, people who have completed an inpatient or residential program step down to a PHP for additional support as they gradually return to independent living.
• IOPs are designed for individuals whose needs exceed the care they can receive via occasional outpatient therapy sessions, but who don’t require full days of treatment. People frequently step down to the IOP level after completing an inpatient, residential, or partial hospitalization program. 

Though patients in PHPs and IOPs have frequently stepped down from a higher level of care, previous treatment experience is not usually a requirement for these programs. Many people enter treatment directly at the PHP or IOP level.

Time in Treatment

Perhaps the most obvious difference between a PHP vs. IOP is the amount of time patients receive treatment:

• At the PHP level, patients are usually at the center five days per week, with each treatment day consisting of five or six hours of care, including breaks.
• A typical treatment day in most IOPs involves two or three hours of care. Some IOPs are in session five days per week, while others offer fewer treatment days or give patients the option to attend fewer sessions.

Scope of Services

Given the differing amounts of time that patients are at the center, another common difference between a PHP vs. IOP is the scope of services offered at each level:

• PHPs are more likely to offer a greater variety of therapies and support services. Services may include individual therapy, group therapy, and family counseling and education. Experiential therapies and holistic therapies might also be offered.
• At the IOP level, group therapy is usually the main method of treatment. Many IOPs also offer individual and family programming as well as experiential and holistic therapies. However, due to time constraints, these services are often more limited than they are at the PHP level.

PHP vs. IOP: How to Choose

The best way to choose between a PHP vs. IOP is to consult with a professional who is familiar with your treatment history, current needs, and short and long-term goals. 

When you are evaluating centers that offer PHPs and/or IOPs, asking questions can help you determine which facility is right for you.

Potential questions to ask include:

• What types of therapies and support services does the center offer?
• How will the center determine which of these therapies and services are best for you?
• What are the qualifications of the professionals who will be providing your care?
• How many hours will you be in treatment per day/per week?
• How long do most patients remain in either program?
• How does the center define success for its patients?
• Does the center offer discharge planning or aftercare support services?
• What happens if you relapse or if your mental health symptoms return after you complete the PHP or IOP?
• How much does treatment cost, and does the center accept your insurance?

Remember: You’re not trying to identify the “perfect” program. The goal of these questions is to help you get a general understanding of a center’s philosophy, staff, and scope of services, so that you can find the place that feels like the best fit for you.

Learn More About PHP and IOP in Tennessee

Time Wellness Tennessee is a trusted source of personalized inpatient and outpatient care for adults whose lives have been disrupted by addictions and co-occurring mental health concerns.

Treatment options at our rehab in Chattanooga, TN, include a residential/inpatient program, a PHP, an IOP, and virtual care. We also partner with supportive housing providers throughout the area.

To learn more about how we can help you or a loved one, or to schedule a free assessment, please visit our Admissions page or call us today.