Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) in North Carolina

Medically Verified: 2/1/24

Medical Reviewer

Chief Editor

All of the information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.

Dealing with a substance use disorder often causes an individual’s life to become unmanageable. For many individuals, addiction causes health issues, social isolation, difficulties at work, and even legal troubles. Because of this, attending professional addiction is extremely important to a person’s quality of life.

There are many types of addiction treatment programs to choose from. For example, there are inpatient treatment, intensive outpatient treatment, traditional outpatient programs, and partial hospitalization programs (PHP). The type of program an individual should attend depends on their individual needs.

For many people, a partial hospitalization program (PHP) is a great choice. However, it is important to make an informed choice when deciding what type of program to attend.

What is a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)?

Partial hospitalization programs are a form of outpatient addiction treatment. While outpatient treatment is considered to be less intensive than inpatient, a PHP provides the highest level of outpatient care.

During a PHP in North Carolina, patients will attend treatment sessions for several hours a day, several times a week. It is important for individuals attending a PHP to have a stable and supportive home to return to each day. This could be their family home or a sober living housing program.

Partial hospitalization programs offer drug counseling, individual and group therapy, medical care, and medication as needed. Additionally, individuals will have access to higher levels of care if they need more than their PHP can provide.

People may use PHP as a standalone treatment, or as a step-down program upon completing inpatient treatment.

Who Should Attend a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)?

There are several different types of addiction treatment programs because everyone requires different levels of care. For example, someone with a severe case of substance use disorder and co-occurring conditions should attend an inpatient treatment program.

So who should attend a PHP? Individuals who meet the following criteria would benefit from this type of program:

• Would benefit from medical supervision, but does not need it 24/7
• Needs more support than a traditional outpatient program would provide, but less than an inpatient program.
• Has a stable home environment and reliable transportation to and from treatment
• Has a strong support system
• Needs time to attend work, school, or to care for children
• Does not have severe symptoms of withdrawal

Services Offered at a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) in North Carolina

Before an individual begins a PHP in North Carolina, they will be assessed to determine their personal needs regarding addiction, medical, and mental health treatment. Once the assessment has been completed, the staff members will craft an individualized treatment plan specific to that patient.

Medical Detox

Some PHPs offer medical detox, while others send their patients to a detox program first. Individuals who detox within their PHP have been determined to have mild to moderate withdrawal symptoms. While patients receive the same detoxification treatments as any reputable medical detox program, they still return home at night.

Individual Therapy and Group Counseling

In addition to detox, patients will receive evidence-based therapy to address the root causes of their addiction. Typically, behavioral therapy is used to combat negative patterns of thinking, prevent impulsive behavior, and teach positive coping mechanisms.

Patients can also expect to attend group therapy sessions. This allows them to connect with their peers, learn vital communication skills, and receive advice from varied points of view. Group therapy topics often include things like addiction education, trauma recovery, relapse prevention, emotional regulation, and life skills.

Aftercare Planning

Before a patient completes their program, they will work with their therapists to create a relapse prevention plan. Typically, relapse prevention plans include a list of triggers, positive coping mechanisms to utilize, and a routine of recovery maintenance techniques for individuals to keep up with. Some people may include step-down programs or sober living housing as a part of their aftercare plan.

The Benefits of PHP

PHP is not meant for everyone, especially individuals who suffer from severe cases of addiction or co-occurring disorders. However, it can be extremely beneficial for many individuals as a standalone treatment or as part of a continuum of care.

The benefits of partial hospitalization treatment in North Carolina include:

• Highest levels of outpatient support
• Flexibility to work, attend school, or care for a family
• The ability to use it as a step-down program after inpatient treatment
• More affordable than inpatient treatment programs
• Connections to additional programs like traditional outpatient or even sober living housing
• Relapse prevention planning and aftercare
• Individualized treatment plans to suit each patient’s unique needs

Partial hospitalization programs provide struggling addicts with a mixture of a high level of support and flexibility in scheduling. This allows individuals to recover from addiction and maintain their responsibilities in their everyday lives.

Additionally, the ability to continue working provides easier anonymity for individuals who cannot tell their friends, coworkers, or bosses about their substance abuse.

Get Connected With a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) in North Carolina

PHP in North Carolina is the best option for individuals with mild to moderate addiction, families to continue caring for, and jobs that they cannot take time off of. If this sounds like something that would benefit you or a loved one, Carolina Recovery Center is here for you.

Contact Carolina Recovery Center today for more information on our substance abuse treatment programs.