As you navigate the path to recovery from mental health challenges or addiction, it’s essential to ease back into daily life. Abruptly returning to old routines can derail the progress you’ve made during treatment.
There are several different levels of treatment for mental health and addiction, where the amount of structure and support are tailored to clients’ individual needs. One of the most important phases of this journey is the transition from inpatient care to a partial hospitalization program (PHP). This shift is crucial in maintaining the progress you’ve made during your intensive inpatient treatment while giving you the flexibility to gradually resume your daily activities. Continuity of care is vital for long-term success, and a PHP provides the environment you need to keep moving forward in your recovery.
As you step down from the 24/7 supervision of inpatient care, it’s normal to feel uncertain or even anxious about what’s next. But PHP acts as a bridge, allowing you to continue healing while gaining more independence. Understanding what to expect during this transition can help you adjust with ease.
What Is Inpatient Care?
Inpatient care is the most intensive level of treatment available for mental health and addiction. During inpatient care, you’re in a highly structured environment with around-the-clock medical supervision and support. This level of care is essential for those in the acute stages of their condition, where safety and stability are the top priorities.
In an inpatient setting, you receive regular therapy, both individual and group, to address the root causes of your mental health challenges or addiction. You’ll work with a team of professionals who monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed to help you stabilize.
The goal of inpatient care is to provide a safe, supportive environment where you can focus entirely on your recovery without the distractions or stressors of everyday life.
What Is Partial Hospitalization?
A partial hospitalization program (PHP) offers a step down from the intensity of inpatient care while still providing ample support. In PHP, you continue receiving structured therapy and medical care but have more freedom to engage in life outside the treatment center. Your time outside treatment might include part-time work, social engagements, or self-care activities.
At Alvarado Parkway Institute, PHP is offered five days a week, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. This time may include individual therapy, group therapy, medication management, and skills-building workshops. The key difference between PHP and inpatient care is that you return home at the end of each treatment day, allowing you to practice the skills you’ve learned in a real-world setting.
What Are the Benefits of Transitioning to a PHP?
The transition from inpatient care to a partial hospitalization program offers several benefits that support your long-term recovery. Here’s what you can expect:
Continued support
One of the biggest fears people have when leaving inpatient care is the risk of relapse–a fair concern. PHP helps reduce this risk by providing ongoing therapy and medical oversight. You’ll still have access to professionals who understand your journey and can help you navigate the challenges of early recovery.
Flexibility and independence
A PHP gives you the best of both worlds—structured treatment and the freedom to begin integrating back into your regular routine. You can apply the coping strategies you’ve learned in a supportive setting while handling day-to-day responsibilities like work, school, or family obligations.
Opportunity to build a new routine
Recovery thrives on routine. In PHP, you’ll continue engaging in therapy but also have more time for activities like exercise, mindfulness, or hobbies that bring you joy. This schedule helps you establish a healthy rhythm that can carry you through the following stages of your recovery.
What to Expect During the Transition
The transition from inpatient care to a PHP is a carefully planned process to ensure that you’re ready for the next step in your recovery. Here’s what to expect:
Assessment and treatment planning
Before moving into a PHP, your care team will assess your progress in inpatient care. They’ll evaluate your mental and emotional stability and create a customized treatment plan for your time in PHP.
Care coordination with providers
Your inpatient care team will work closely with the professionals in the PHP to ensure a smooth transition. This coordination helps maintain consistency in your treatment and ensures you don’t lose any momentum in your recovery.
Adjusting to the new structure
Shifting from the 24/7 support of inpatient care to the less intensive structure of PHP can be challenging. It’s important to lean on your support network and communicate your concerns or struggles with your treatment team. Adjusting to this new routine takes time, but it’s a crucial step toward independence.
Possible Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Transitioning to PHP isn’t always easy, and it’s expected to face a few bumps along the way. Here are some common challenges you may encounter and strategies to overcome them:
Anxiety and uncertainty
It’s natural to feel anxious about leaving the comfort and safety of inpatient care. To cope with these feelings, remember that PHP provides ongoing support, and you’re not alone. Lean on your therapists, family, and support groups to help ground you.
Lack of motivation
The shift to a less intensive program can sometimes lead to a dip in motivation. Having self-discipline when no one is around can be tough. To keep yourself on track, set short-term, attainable goals and celebrate each victory, no matter how small. Staying focused on your long-term recovery goals can help you push through moments of low motivation.
Relapse fears
The fear of relapse is common during this transition, but PHP helps you manage these fears by giving you the tools to recognize and address triggers. Keep using the coping strategies you learned in inpatient care, and don’t hesitate to reach out for help if cravings or urges feel unmanageable on your own.
The Importance of a Strong Support System
Having a solid support system is more important than ever during your transition to PHP. Involving family and close friends in recovery can provide emotional support, encouragement, and accountability. Alvarado Parkway Institute offers family therapy and peer support to foster a sense of community for our clients:
Family therapy
PHP often includes family therapy, which helps your loved ones understand your needs and how they can best support you. It can be helpful for family members to gain insight from an objective third party to facilitate deeper knowledge and empathy. Open communication during this time can strengthen relationships and create a more supportive home environment for your recovery.
Peer support
Connecting with others who are also in recovery can be incredibly helpful. Peer support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA), provide a sense of community and understanding that can help you feel less alone during this transition.
Partial Hospitalization Programs in San Diego
Transitioning from inpatient care to a partial hospitalization program is a vital step in your recovery journey. With PHP, you can maintain your progress, avoid relapse, and strengthen your mental health in a structured yet flexible environment.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your recovery, contact Alvarado Parkway Institute today to learn more about our partial hospitalization program in San Diego.
