What Is Day Treatment?
Day treatment, also known as a partial hospitalization program (PHP), is a structured program for individuals with mental, emotional and/or substance use disorders who do not require ‘round-the-clock medical inpatient care and have a supportive living environment to go home to. It is also a great option if you do not need to medically detox.
Day treatment still proves to be both an intensive and effective form of treatment where you will spend up to 8 hours a day, 5 days a week, at the facility. At the end of the day, you can return home or to a sober living facility. Most day treatment programs require at least 25 hours of treatment a week and the length of the programs varies depending on your condition and its severity level. Day treatment programs are typically at least 30 days to a year in length.
Outpatient programs like day treatment vary in price; however, an average price for a 3-month program ranges from $5-10,000, with lower priced options and plenty of luxurious higher-end options as well.
Benefits of Day Treatment
Day treatment is the highest level of outpatient care, and you can expect to get as much highly structured support and clinical treatment as residential patients get. Also, many day treatment programs will address co-occurring disorders, which means that the staff at the treatment center are qualified to deal with multiple disorders, whether they be mental health, substance use, or a mix of both.
If you are a student, another benefit is the ability to keep up with your schoolwork through an online format. Many centers will offer vocational coaches or tutors to help you as you work toward your educational goals. Also, because you are attending day treatment 5 days a week, you will be held accountable for your attendance and participation in the program, which can help you stay motivated and on track as you recover.
Types of Services at Day Treatment
When entering a day treatment program, you will engage in individual, group, and family therapy with a mental health counselor or master’s level clinician. They often use research-backed modalities like cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, trauma-informed therapies, motivational interviewing, and more. Within your group therapy sessions, you will likely connect with other peers who have similar struggles and their companionship can support and encourage you along the way.
Depending on the program, some day treatment programs offer holistic options for treating your condition like yoga, reiki, breathwork and meditation. Many treatment centers offer additional therapies to personalize your treatment and fit your unique needs. Some therapies include somatic experiencing, art therapy, music therapy, canine therapy, adventure therapy, and psychoeducation groups.
How to Go to Day Treatment
Going to a treatment center for your mental health or substance use disorder may seem like a daunting, complex process, but the professionals at the treatment center are eager to help you make the process smooth and assist you in living your healthiest and happiest life.
If you seek treatment for a mental health condition, you often need a documented mental health diagnosis to qualify for treatment and support. Additionally, most centers will require an initial assessment to determine your level of functioning. Most centers can determine through a conversation by phone, and if you require a higher or lower level of care based on your condition, they can help direct you to find the treatment you need.
Some day treatment programs require attending a residential program before stepping down to day treatment. Others will not have those requirements and you can jump into treatment as a starting point. It’s important to research the treatment center’s website or call the center to verify their qualifications. Another essential aspect that many centers look for is that you demonstrate motivation and commitment to participate in the program and work towards change.