Recovering from addiction is a harrowing journey for anyone, but it’s especially the case for teens, who are at a vulnerable stage of their lives. That’s why, even after successfully completing and graduating from a residential rehab program, they still may need more care. This isn’t because they’re weak, nor is it a failing on anyone’s part—some victims of addiction are scarred deeply and simply require more support to help them get back on track. And that’s completely okay.
In these cases, a partial hospitalization program or intensive outpatient program should be the next step in treatment. These will help your teen acclimate to sober living while still receiving the care they need.
IOPs & PHPs: A Step Down from Residential Care
First, let’s go into what these types of programs do for patients.
Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) and partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) are outpatient mental health and addiction treatment programs that are designed for individuals with substance use disorder and other mental health issues, but do not require hospitalization. These programs are also offered to patients who have completed a residential treatment program but still require intensive care while transitioning to day-to-day life.
IOPs and PHPs typically focus on building life skills, emotional resilience, and self-esteem through therapeutic interventions and will usually have peer- or family-based components to foster a sense of community, which experts believe is instrumental in recovery.
PHP or IOP?
Experts from Fort Worth-based Clearfork Academy explain that while both PHPs and IOPs are considered outpatient programs, they differ in appointment frequency. Let’s start with PHPs—these are more flexible than residential programs, allowing patients to live at home and attend school and other commitments while still receiving mental health treatment. However, they’re also more intensive than IOPs, usually requiring patients to meet five days a week for at least several hours each day.
For the less intensive IOPs, patients meet on campus anywhere from 9 to 12 hours a week. These appointments will be held in the afternoon or evening to accommodate academic schedules and other obligations, with the option of virtual appointments available if scheduling conflicts cannot be resolved.
Generally, PHPs are better for teens who still need close supervision but are stable enough to return home each night, while IOPs are ideal for teens who have a reliable support system and don’t require constant supervision.
What Treatments Look Like
In both PHPs and IOPs, licensed therapists will provide patients with evidence-based treatments, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and trust-based relational intervention (TBRI), to address mental health disorders that have occurred alongside their addictions.
Many treatment centers will also include biweekly family counseling sessions that focus on strengthening communication between family members to create a more supportive and compassionate home environment.
Comprehensive programs integrate experiential therapies and outdoor activities with clinical treatment. These activities are designed to help teens find fulfillment in different aspects of their lives and build healthier coping mechanisms to reduce the chances of relapse.
Ultimately, the right treatment program should be determined by what your teen really needs. If you’re not sure about the answer, have an open discussion with them and make sure you remain supportive and encouraging.
Clearfork Academy
info@clearforkacademy.com
+1-888-430-5149
7820 Hanger Cutoff Road
Fort Worth
TX
76135
United States
