Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) in Southern California

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What Is a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)?

PHP  is a structured program that includes personalized one-on-one therapy, group therapy, and healthy life skills training. A patient may have a mental health disorder like depression, anxiety, or another mood disorder. It is a step down from inpatient treatment and standard therapy. You will be expected to attend daily meetings, focused on mental health care, that can last from four to eight hours. A benefit of PHPs is that you can attend treatment during the day and return home in the evening. The length of time you may attend varies between a few weeks and a few months. 

You could benefit from a PHP if:

• You have difficulty functioning in a less intensive environment
• Need a higher level of care than regular therapy visits but don’t need to be hospitalized
• Your mental health symptoms need better management
• There is a risk of a mental health relapse

You may want to attend condition-specific group therapy in a PHP. Ocean View offers diagnosis-specific group therapy as a part of your personalized care plan.

Understanding PHP: A Bridge Between Hospitalization and Outpatient Care

Partial hospitalization programs are the middle ground between inpatient and less structured outpatient programs. PHPs:

• Stabilize or reduce acute symptoms of mental health disorders
• Help you develop increased functioning
• Discover healthy ways to maintain your recovery when you return home

They are a necessary part of the continuum of care. It is often used as a step-down from inpatient treatment. The structure of a PHP can guide and support you while you return to your everyday life.  

There are requirements for you to qualify for a PHP. When you call a PHP or are referred to a PHP, a screening will take place to determine if:

• You have the time to attend the program
• If you’re fully committed to participating in group, life skills building, and other therapies
• Require the structure that PHP provides
• If you live in a stable residence
• Don’t have suicidal thoughts

Benefits of PHP: Support, Structure, and Continued Healing

The structure of a PHP increases the support you receive while you are healing. By allowing you to stay home and attend the program, you can maintain a regular life. They are an alternative to inpatient care, allowing you to receive the care you need when you aren’t ready for or don’t need inpatient care. While you’re in PHP, you will learn safe, healthy ways to manage your mental health. Furthermore, PHP grants you the opportunity to take advantage of:

Other benefits of PHP include:

• Intensive Support: The intensity of a PHP means you receive the care you need under close supervision. Since your therapist sees you daily, they are aware of any changes you may have in your behavior.
• Reduced Relapse Risk: Throughout your participation in a PHP, you learn coping skills to reduce the risk of a relapse. You can also address any feelings you have about relapse. Additionally, as you progress in your recovery, you can adjust your goals for a strong relapse prevention plan to meet your needs.

Being actively involved in your treatment helps you heal on your terms. The intensity of a PHP can help you determine what you need to build a safe, effective support system through family therapy sessions. Your family and loved ones will learn about your mental health diagnosis and how they can support you in your healing process.

Ocean View’s PHP Program: A Personalized Approach

A personalized approach to mental health treatment is an integral part of your PHP at Ocean View Psychiatric Health Facility. Our staff includes: 

• Psychiatrists
• Medical physicians 
• Registered nurses
• Psychologists 
• Psychotherapists
• Social workers 
• Onsite Case Manager

When you begin treatment, you will be secure in the knowledge that you have access to professionals with experience in diagnosing and treating patients with an acute or chronic mental health disorder. They are dedicated to working with you and your loved ones to discover and develop your strengths so you can reach your goals. 

Your treatment team provides cutting-edge, forward-thinking care that addresses various mental health disorders and their needs. The wide range of treatments allows for in-depth, personalized care in a welcoming environment.

Behavioral Therapy: Addressing Unhealthy Behaviors and Developing Positive Habits

Beginning PHP for crisis stabilization can be overwhelming. You may not know what to expect from therapy. Our warm, comforting environment will help put you at ease. We have the privacy you deserve to help you on your healing journey. Once settled in, you will learn about the program and its services. 

Treatment plans are a vital part of your treatment. When you work with your therapist to create a treatment plan that reflects your unique personality and point in life, you should feel like you’re being heard. To determine the best plan for your treatment, it is essential for the plan to consider your:

• Thought process
• How you express yourself (including emotions)
• Personal views
• Morals
• Cultural beliefs
• Goals

The treatment plan should reflect your history, support systems, and family dynamics.

At Ocean View, we collaborate with you to build a personalized treatment plan. We understand that no two people are the same, and we want to reflect your particular needs in your care plan. When you discuss your diagnosis, medications you may be taking, fears surrounding your mental health disorder, and hopes you create for your future.

Personalized treatment plans should be reviewed on a timely basis. Sometimes, your goals change, or you encounter obstacles. Obstacles are chances to use your learned coping skills, pivot, or rethink your goal. Another consideration is what you will do next once you have achieved a goal. Individualized treatment plans are maps to discovering, building, or creating new skills and strengths.

A Focus on Integrated Care: Addressing All Your Mental Health

During PHP, it is crucial to address all of your mental health needs. For many, this requires integrated care. Integrated care is health care that provides a combination of services offering comprehensive, coordinated patient care. The article Understanding Integrated Care describes two principal characteristics of integrated care as a concept. The article states, “First, it must involve bringing together key aspects in the design and delivery of care systems that are fragmented (i.e., ‘to integrate’ so that parts are combined to form a whole). Second, that the concept must deliver ‘care,’ which in this context would refer to providing attentive assistance or treatment to people in need.” 

A patient with integrated care receives care that addresses physical and mental health needs through collaboration among healthcare providers. When your healthcare providers work together, you receive the consistent treatment you deserve. 

Components of the Ocean View PHP Program

Ocean View Psychiatric Health Facility is a family-owned psychiatric hospital that works to give you the treatment you deserve. When you attend Ocean View’s partial hospitalization program, you will begin with an evaluation to diagnose your mental health disorder, identify your strengths, and discuss goals. Once you have a treatment plan, your therapist will discuss with you your mental health needs and plans for one-on-one therapy and place you in a group that shares your diagnosis and cognitive functioning. We want you to feel safe and understood when you are with us, so we ensure you are where you need to be. 

Program specifics include:

• Our PHP runs Monday through Friday from 10 to 2:30 pm 
• Throughout the day, you will attend three psychoeducation groups, have individual therapy, and participate in recreation therapy. 
• You will have the chance to take fresh air breaks
• Catered meals and snacks are provided 

Skill Development: Coping Skills, Stress Management, and Relapse Prevention

Individual and group therapy sessions help develop healthy coping skills, life skills, and learn about stress management, and develop a relapse prevention plan. 

Coping skills are techniques that help you successfully manage stress or emotional difficulties. You can learn relaxation or mindfulness methods to help focus your mind. Activities like surfing, volleyball, or running provide much-needed exercise and a way to release adverse emotions. Healthy coping skills are practices that bring you joy, inner peace, confidence, or a feeling of belonging. While in your PHP, discuss healthy activities incorporating healthy techniques. Some activities not mentioned previously are:

• Meditation
• Yoga
• Painting

Managing your stress is essential for your mental and physical health. Stress can add to or create worsening symptoms of a mental health disorder. Some symptoms of stress include:

• Trouble sleeping
• Jaw pain
• Mood swings
• Loss or increase of appetite
• Headaches
• Inability to focus or concentrate

You are vulnerable to stress if you’re not sleeping enough, lack a support system, or experience significant life changes (moving, a death, a new job). You can manage your stress by:

• Knowing your triggers
• Prioritize tasks
• Exercise every day
• Create space for yourself
• Eat nutritious foods

Relapse prevention stems from cognitive behavioral therapy. Relapse prevention begins when you start your PHP. When you develop a treatment plan, relapse must be part of it. The object is identifying and avoiding high-risk people, places, or things. Throughout your treatment, you will learn new skills, discover what interests you, and adjust your plan as you learn more about yourself.

Psychiatric Evaluation and Medication Support

Keeping track of your medication can be challenging. You may be taking multiple types of medication, and trying to keep track of your daily pill times can be overwhelming. Self-management may impact several areas of your life.

Medication management is a key part of your PHP. Your doctor will work with you to help you understand the medication you take. When you discuss medication management with your doctor, ask all of your questions or ask for clarification. Also, discuss your management system with your therapist because your management routine may contain emotional aspects.

Ocean View’s Commitment to Patient Success

At Ocean View, we take your treatment to heart. We are a family-owned private psychiatric hospital that provides state-of-the-art care. You will find the peace and privacy you need to heal from your mental health disorder. Once you are stabilized, we will work with you to find support once you leave us. We are with you throughout your journey.

Partial hospitalization programs (PHP) are an intensive outpatient program that is a step down from inpatient treatment. PHPs offer a more structured schedule to ensure you receive the care you need to transition to your home, work, and social life. The program requires attendance five days a week for a few hours each day. You will participate in therapy and learn healthy coping techniques. At Ocean View, our PHP consists of individual therapy, three psychoeducation groups daily, fresh air breaks, catered meals and snacks, and pet and recreation therapy. Our medical and therapy professionals use the latest in medical and therapeutic techniques. You are welcomed as a part of the Ocean View family when you are here. To learn more, call (844) 562-1212.