There is a lot to expect in Partial Hospitalization Programs. Finding your way through the many options available for mental health treatment can feel like walking a fine line. Are you ready for a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), the middle ground between an inpatient residential stay and outpatient services? When seeking intensive care and treatment, navigating the overall process can be daunting.
At St. Mary’s Wellness Center, we understand the complexities and the high stakes that come with taking this step. Here’s what PHP looks like and what you can expect in Partial Hospitalization Programs for this next step in your mental health treatment journey:
Understanding Partial Hospitalization Programs
Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) are an intensive outpatient program designed for individuals who require more structure than the traditional outpatient services, but less than the full-time care provided by an inpatient psychiatric hospitalization experience.
PHP programs serve as a bridge between these discreet levels of care. Given its robust structure and unique schedule, our PHP is able to provide individuals with multidisciplinary treatment, while simultaneously allowing patients to remain in the comfort of their own homes and maintain their daily lifestyle.
Key Components of Our PHP
- One-on-one therapy sessions, in which an individual can share or explore personal challenges, and coping mechanisms and set realistic goals with an experienced mental health professional.
- Group Therapy: Group therapy provides a safe forum where vulnerable individuals vent to each other, are told stuff they don’t want to hear, and make new pals.
- Family Therapy: Integrating family members into the therapeutic process can improve communication, resolve conflict, and establish support at home.
- Psychiatric Evaluation: Through our team of psychiatrists, you are evaluated thoroughly and comprehensively in order to provide you with the most appropriate treatment.
- Medication Management: Our practitioners provide medication management to ensure the most effective pharmacological support.
- Psychoeducation: Group sessions where you will learn about your condition, treatment options, and how to manage your symptoms.
What to Expect in Partial Hospitalization Programs
Structured Schedule: But also: don’t expect much in the way of relaxed evenings or the ability to explore on your own. Instead, expect a daily routine that breaks up days of structured activities or therapeutic work with time off for rest or reflection. Expect to spend several hours a day in those sessions – often around five days a week – for the duration of the program. A stable routine might go a long way toward smoothing the path to recovery.
Comprehensive Support: You will be immediately immersed in an extraordinary clinical experience: our entire team prioritizes your recovery and well-being. You will be cared for and guided by an extraordinary, multidisciplinary team of therapists and psychiatrists, nurses, and support staff.
Personalized Treatment Plans: Every path is unique, and your treatment plan will be, too. We’ll start with an in-depth evaluation of your situation, after which our team will help you create an individualized plan moving forward.
Therapeutic Activities: You will participate in a whole variety of therapeutic modalities, each focused on a different area of mental health; these may include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), art therapy, mindfulness practices, and so on.
Safe and Supportive Environment: You can focus on getting well in our safe and nurturing environment. You’ll be a part of a community of people in mental health recovery who support each other.
How to Prepare for Mental Health Treatment
- Assess Your Needs: So, before you begin, think a little about your mental well-being. Consider what it is that you wish to gain from the program.
- Arrange Your Schedule: Because of this, we recommend that you set aside a considerable amount of time to devote to PHP: roughly six weeks to more than a year, or more – whatever it takes for you to feel that you’ve sufficiently grasped the curriculum. Be sure to let your employer, family, and friends know that you’re participating in PHP so that they’ll understand that you’ll need a set schedule for your sessions, along with a commitment of time and energy.
- Gather Your Medical Information: Please bring any recent medical records, a list of medications you are currently taking, and the names and contact info of your doctors. This is to help us develop a holistic and appropriate treatment plan.
- Prepare Mentally and Emotionally: Beginning a PHP is a big decision, and entering can trigger all sorts of feelings, from anxiety to hope. Engage in self-care and access your support network so they can encourage you.
- Pack Essentials: Please feel free to bring snacks, water, personal items, and comfortable clothing to the center as you will likely spend several hours here.
Embrace the Journey to Better Mental Health
Making the decision to start and embark on a Partial Hospitalization Program is a daunting and brave step towards better mental health. At St. Mary’s Wellness Center, we understand what to expect in Partial Hospitalization Programs and wish to support you every step of the way. It’s important to remember that by knowing what to expect and preparing yourself for this program, you can enter the doors with courage and optimism.
Remember, asking for help is a sign of strength, and investing in your mental health is one of the smartest choices you can make for yourself and those you care about. We appreciate your willingness to entrust us with your care and look forward to walking with you on your journey of healing.
Build a Support Network
Outside the PHP, assistance from others outside the program can be invaluable. Tell the people in your life about your participation and how they can help support you. A listening ear can make all the difference.
As a result of therapy and treatment, it’s not unusual that difficult feelings, memories, and/or painful experiences emerge. Staying with the process, even (actually especially) when it’s difficult, is critical to healing. Trust your therapists and your treatment path; communicate about the experience of the process and openly share any concerns.
Self-care is an integral part of all treatment interventions for mental health. Make sure you’re eating well, getting enough sleep, and getting some physical activity. Journaling, meditation, and time in nature can also positively impact your mental and emotional well-being.
Set Realistic Goals
Having specific, realistic goals in mind can also give structure and direction to treatment – goals you can pursue throughout your course of therapy, and, at the end of treatment, begin to successfully apply on your own. This might involve learning how to manage your mood or anxiety, improving your relationships with others, or learning new coping skills. Talk things over with your therapist to make sure that any goals you might want to set are realistic – ones you just might be able to attain.
Monitor Your Progress
You can make notes about how your symptoms, mood or behavior are changing over the course of the program in order to track progress for yourself, and with your treatment team, who will be able to review this periodically to make changes if needed to your treatment plan.
Prepare for Transitions
The closer you get to the end of your PHP, the more your treatment team will prepare you for this step down to less intensive care, whether that might include a traditional outpatient program or individual therapy sessions. Your treatment team will work with you to develop a strong and specific plan for continuing the progress you’ve made in treatment.
Utilize Aftercare Resources
After PHP, St. Mary’s Wellness Center offers additional aftercare resources, such as individual therapy sessions, support groups, and educational workshops to support your continuing success.
Celebrate Your Achievements
Lastly, make sure you celebrate your perceived achievements, no matter how trivial they may appear. Every step forward in your mental health battle is a win. Make sure you praise yourself for your efforts, and reward your victories.
Conclusion
Partial Hospitalization Programs can be an amazing option for individuals looking for intensive mental health support while maintaining their daily lives. To learn more, reach out to our team today!
