Differences Between PHP, IOP, and OP

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If you struggle with addiction, you are not alone. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 48.5 million people had a substance use disorder in 2023.[1]

There are many different treatment options when it comes to addiction treatment. For example, you can attend inpatient treatment or outpatient treatment. While inpatient rehab offers 24/7 care, outpatient programs allow you to live in the comfort of your own home.

If you choose to attend outpatient treatment, there are three levels of care to choose from: partial hospitalization programs, intensive outpatient programs, and outpatient programs. Each one offers a different level of treatment intensity, flexibility in scheduling, and support.

In this article, you will learn:

What is the difference between inpatient rehab and outpatient programs?
PHP vs IOP vs OP: what are the differences?
How can you determine what level of care is right for you?

How is Outpatient Rehab Different From Inpatient Treatment?

Residential treatment programs or inpatient rehab require you to live at the facility while you receive care. You’ll have access to 24/7 support and monitoring from mental health professionals, addiction experts, and medical professionals. Residential treatment also tends to offer medical detox.

On the other hand, outpatient programs allow you to live in the comfort of your own home or a sober living program during treatment. While you have access to many of the same services, you won’t be monitored consistently. Instead, you’re expected to keep yourself accountable for your sobriety.

While inpatient rehab is only one type of program, there are three different types of outpatient programs to choose from. For example, you could attend a partial hospitalization program (PHP), an intensive outpatient program (IOP), or an outpatient program (OP).

PHP vs IOP vs OP: Understanding the Differences

Each type of outpatient treatment offers a different level of care, amount of support, and level of flexibility in scheduling. People with more severe substance use disorders should attend a partial hospitalization program, while intensive outpatient programs and outpatient programs are ideal for people with mild to moderate issues. Additionally, IOPs and OPs are better suited to people who need to continue working or attending school while they recover from addiction.

The main differences between PHP vs IOP and OP include:

Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs)

Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) are the most intensive level of care when it comes to outpatient treatment. They are ideal for people who have severe addiction and mental health issues but need to live in their own homes. Some PHPs offer medical detox services as well.

In other words, PHPs offer many of the same services as inpatient rehab. The main difference is the setting in which patients live, as PHP is outpatient.

During a PHP, you’ll attend 3 to 5 treatment sessions per week. You might engage in individual therapy sessions, group therapy, family therapy sessions, relapse prevention planning, and more. If you have mental health issues, you’ll receive dual diagnosis care.

The therapies you engage in during PHP will be evidence-based, like cognitive behavioral therapy or dialectical behavior therapy.

Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs)

Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) are considered one step down from PHP. While they still offer intensive addiction treatment, they offer a lower level of care than partial hospitalization programs. They require you to attend 3 to 5 therapy sessions per week, depending on your personal needs and goals for recovery.

Intensive outpatient treatment is ideal for people who have moderate substance use disorders and very few mental health problems. If you need intensive care for a mental health condition, you should choose PHP or inpatient care.

During intensive outpatient treatment, you’ll engage in individual therapy sessions, group therapy, family therapy, and relapse prevention planning. Because you’ll have plenty of free time, it is possible to work a part-time job while you attend an IOP.

Outpatient Programs (OPs)

Lastly, outpatient programs are the lowest level of care offered for addiction treatment programs. While inpatient or PHP treatment centers offer high amounts of support, OPs are designed for individuals who are self-motivated to recover. If you use an outpatient treatment program as a standalone option, you must have a mild substance use disorder without any co-occurring mental health conditions.

During an OP, you’ll attend treatment sessions 1 to 3 days per week, depending on your needs. While you are at the facility, you’ll be in a supportive environment that focuses on helping you build relapse prevention strategies. You might also engage in individual therapy, group therapy, and family therapy.

While you won’t receive intensive treatment, it is possible to recover using an OP. That said, it is not recommended to use this as a standalone treatment option if you’ve ever relapsed after attending outpatient care. You need to be highly motivated and able to stay sober independently when participating in this form of outpatient care.

How to Determine What Level of Addiction Treatment is Right for You

Every level of outpatient care includes evidence-based therapy sessions, including individual counseling, group therapy, and family counseling. However, each outpatient treatment program offers a different level of care. That’s why it is so important to choose the right one for you.

PHP is the best choice for you if:

You have a severe substance use disorder that requires intensive care and structured support
You have co-occurring mental health conditions that need dual diagnosis services
You have a history of relapse, especially after you attended an outpatient program
You have less support at home
You require specialty addiction treatment services, like medical detox or medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
You need access to medical and psychiatric care
You want to engage in structured therapy multiple times per week
You need medication management services for mental health concerns or to prevent addiction relapse

You can attend an IOP or OP program if:

You have already attended a higher level of care, or do not require intensive care for addiction
You have ongoing support at home that will keep you motivated in recovery
You enjoy participating in peer support and believe it will keep you accountable for sobriety.
You do not have mental health disorders that require structured therapy or medication management
You do not need to visit the treatment facility more than 3 times per week
You have developed a support system in an addiction support group, like 12-step meetings or SMART Recovery
You have a structured environment at home or in a sober living program
You do not have an extensive history of relapse

If these guidelines do not help you decide what level of care is right for you, the experts at THC Recovery can evaluate you to determine which outpatient program suits your needs.

Get Connected to Intensive Treatment That Includes Behavioral Therapy, Individual Therapy, Family Therapy, and More

If you or a loved one suffers from addiction, it’s time to seek professional help. While having a support system at home is a huge advantage, you’ll need attention from addiction specialists and mental health professionals.

At THC Recovery, we offer evidence-based therapies, a structured environment, and assistance throughout your entire recovery journey. If you can handle less frequent medical oversight and a focus on relapse prevention, we are the right program for you.

References:

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Highlights for the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health

PHP vs IOP vs OP: Which One is For You?

How is Outpatient Rehab Different From Inpatient Treatment?