Partial hospitalization programs for teens are designed for adolescents who are experiencing increased symptoms or disturbances in behavior. Or they might be struggling with other conditions that negatively impact their mental or behavioral health. However, some issues require inpatient or residential care. Thus, it’s important that a PHP is able to safely serve the teen’s needs. Therefore, an adolescent Partial Hospitalization Program is not appropriate for teens who pose an immediate risk to themselves or others. Hence, PHP program services include a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation. In addition, they focus on preventing relapse, hospitalization, or incarceration. Such a program functions as

• An alternative to inpatient care
• Transitional care following an inpatient stay
• Follow-up after residential treatment.

The Difference Between Intensive Outpatient, Inpatient, and Partial Hospitalization Programs

In terms of level of treatment, partial hospitalization is a step below inpatient hospitalization. But it is more intense than conventional outpatient care. Teens are referred to partial hospital programs when they are experiencing acute psychiatric symptoms. While such symptoms may be difficult to manage, they do not require 24-hour care. However, teens in adolescent Partial Hospitalization Programs attend structured programming throughout the day. Furthermore, many inpatient hospitalization rules apply in PHP treatment. For example, teens may be required to leave their phones at home or to wear shoes without shoelaces. Intensive Outpatient Treatment is designed to help teens transitioning from residential treatment continue their recovery in a structured and secure environment. Thus, teen Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs) are similar to PHPs. But clients attend for fewer hours—three to four hours a day, several days a week.