(PHP/IOP) PARTIAL HOSPITALIZATION & INTENSIVE OUTPATIENT

The Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) are comprehensive, short-term outpatient programs designed to provide support and treatment for adults who have psychiatric diagnoses, or co-occurring psychiatric and substance abuse disorders. The coordinated, intensive approach is more concentrated than traditional outpatient care. The structured format provides medical monitoring, in addition to therapeutic groups and activities. Participants return to their homes in the evenings, thereby maintaining important links to their families and communities, and permitting them to practice new skills that promote confidence and independence. The Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) operates 5 days per week, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. The Intensive Outpatient Program is a step down from the PHP, and is available to clients for half-days, three to five days each week. Both programs provide transportation. Two board-certified psychiatrists provide medical support to PHP and IOP. Counseling staff includes two licensed Masters level therapists, and a Case Manager. The level of an individual’s treatment is determined by client need in concert with physicians, therapists and case management..

Admission Criteria:

• 18 years or older
• DMHAS definition of severe and chronic mental illness
• Axis I psychiatric disorder or co-occurring disorder
• Voluntary participation
• Resident of Catchment Area 11 or 12
• Identified need for intensive clinical services
• Ability to interact in an in-process group therapy setting

A Story: Steve

Steve was in his forties when, following the loss of three sons, he entered clinical services at Sound Community Services with major depression and a co-occurring substance abuse disorder. He entered the Partial Hospitalization Program and began to spend five days each week participating in intensive group and individual therapy sessions.

During this time, Steve’s diagnosis was reevaluated; clinicians determined that he has bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and post-traumatic stress disorder. Through group therapy and peer interaction, he was able share his feelings freely and gain encouragement and support. Of PHP group sessions, Steve says that you earn your chair; he feels a sense of freedom, trust and belonging that is difficult to find elsewhere. He says, however, that the members of the group encourage each other to “deal with life on life’s terms”, rather than wallowing in sorrow, misery or resentment. These sessions, as well as individual sessions with his clinician, have helped him to learn coping mechanisms for dealing with past trauma, including having been molested as a child. 

Steve has maintained sobriety and takes medications daily. He meets regularly with one of the staff psychiatrists in order to ensure that his dosages meet the optimum balance of minimizing both symptoms of the illnesses and unpleasant side effects. He also receives a great deal of support from his children.