Can’t decide between IOP and PHP? Wondering, ‘what’s the difference between IOP and PHP?’ PHP is more intense, while IOP is less intense ¹. All PHP/IOP services are provided at our facility. We welcome individuals traveling from across North Carolina and the United States for treatment. The main differences between PHP and IOP are:

• Duration: PHP (5–7 days) vs IOP (3 or more days)
• Flexibility: Partial hospitalization program (PHP) has a strict routine, and IOP is more flexible
• Care: Provides greater clinical monitoring and more frequent access to physicians or psychiatric providers.
• Costs: Intensive outpatient generally costs less than PHP because it involves fewer treatment hours.

Confused between IOP and PHP for addiction recovery in Wilmington? Contact our admissions team at EHG of NC at 910-335-9102 , Monday through Friday, from 9 AM to 5 PM, to discuss the best treatment option for you. 

Call Now | 910-335-9102

What Is an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)?

An intensive outpatient program (IOP) is a flexible and part-time care for people who need ongoing support for addiction and mental health ². Unlike PHP, in-person or virtual IOP typically involves 9-20 hours of treatment per week ³. 

During the Level 2.1 ASAM care setting, individuals can manage daily life chores, work, and family while continuing their recovery ⁴. 

IOP programs, such as the drug and alcohol IOP program, the IOP mental health program, and the DBT IOP program, offer ³:

• 3 hours per session
• 5 to 7 times a week

Also Read: What Should I Look for in the Best Virtual IOP Programs in NC?

What Is a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)?

A Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) is a step up, or a higher level of care, from IOP. The partial care ASAM level 2.5 includes intensive and structured addiction recovery services along with therapy ⁴. The therapies used in PHP may include CBT, DBT, and EMDR.

Individuals attend treatment during the daytime and return home in the evenings. Find PHP programs in NC that typically include:

• 4 to 6+ hours per day (minimum 20 hours/week)
• 5 days a week

What’s The Difference Between IOP and PHP Programs?

The main outcome of PHP vs IOP is the level of intensity and structure of addiction or mental health treatment provided. The difference is typically in:

1. Duration

• Individuals attend PHP 5-7 days a week, and each session lasts at least 3 hours ³.
• On the other hand, individuals in IOPs receive at least 3 days of treatment per week, and sessions last for a minimum of 3 hours per day ³.

2. Structure

• Partial hospitalization program (PHP) and new measurement-based care (MBC) approaches offer a highly structured environment. It may involve medication management (MAT) and psychotherapy ⁵.
• Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is structured yet more flexible for people with other commitments (work, school, etc.).

3. Supervision 

• The PHP program has more direct supervision and medical oversight under Licensed Medical Clinical Addiction Specialists (LCAS) and psychiatrists.
• By contrast, the IOP program offers structured sessions with less frequent medical oversight.

4. Cost 

• PHPs are typically more expensive as they include structured care, a longer duration, and more supervision.
• IOPs offer structured, short-term care with fewer weekly hours and lower costs.

Seek a professional drug and alcohol evaluation in NC to start your first step towards recovery. Visit us during working hours at 2106 South 17th Street.

3 Treatment Goals and Objectives in PHP and IOP

Both PHP and intensive outpatient programs are designed to support addiction recovery. The purpose of these programs is to stabilize symptoms of addiction and mental health conditions. They may promote independent functioning, and help with:

1. Substance Use Disorder Recovery
2. Mental Health Stabilization Coping Strategies
3. Dual Diagnosis Treatment Plan

What Are The Treatment Modalities Used In PHPs And IOPs? 

Despite the differences, PHPs and IOPs both offer similar treatment modalities. Common treatment modalities used in PHP mental health program and intensive outpatient programs for adults and teens are ^{6 7 8 9:}

How These Programs Work Together as Transitional Care

Addiction recovery follows a step-by-step route under different levels of care at various stages.

1. Inpatient care (IP) is the starting point for individuals who need immediate crisis support.
2. Once the condition stabilizes, LCAS may transition the patient to PHP for structured care only during the daytime.
3. After visible progress, specialists often move the individual to IOP for a part-time continuum of care to reduce relapse risk.

When to Choose IOP Or PHP?

A PubMed review found that IOP care reduces alcohol and drug use and improves mental health in people who are struggling with substance use disorders (SUDs) ¹⁰. Similarly, the PHP literature has found that these programs improve social functioning without disrupting patients’ environment ¹¹.

When To Choose an IOP Program?

Opt for IOP if someone needs: 

• Ongoing substance abuse support
• Transition from PHP to IOP
• Supportive therapy for addiction and psychiatric symptoms
• Treatment while managing daily life activities

When To Choose a PHP Program?

Select PHP if the individual wants:

• Structured and intensive daily support
• Transition from IP to PHP 
• Individuals whose withdrawal symptoms have stabilized and no longer require inpatient detoxification.

Start Your Recovery Journey With Empower Health Group of North Carolina

Recent substance use statistics reported that 1 in 5 adults in North Carolina has a mental illness or substance use disorder, and only 13% receive professional help. You are not alone. Take the following steps to find the right recovery program for you:

1. Review the differences in this guide and pen down your thoughts.
2. Schedule an appointment by calling 910-335-9102 to discuss both PHP and IOP options.
3. Contact the admissions team for the self-pay option, or verify your insurance coverage to ask about benefits for intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization programs, such as:
   • Insurance-covered meth rehab
   • Aetna-covered dual diagnosis program
   • Insurance-covered EMDR therapy 
4. Start your same-day rehab program, 30-day, 60-day, or 90-day drug rehab program in NC.

Start your substance abuse treatment today in an intensive outpatient or Partial hospitalization program (PHP). We accept most commercial insurance plans, including Aetna, Cigna, BCBS, and others. For more information, call us at 910-335-9102 .

Frequently Asked Questions Related To IOP Vs PHP

Individuals who are seeking treatment for their mild to moderate addiction symptoms usually ask about:

Does Insurance Cover IOP and PHP?

Yes, IOP and PHP are covered by most commercial insurances. Federal laws in NC, including: 

• The Affordable Care Act (ACA)
• and the Mental Health Parity & Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA)

They require most insurance plans to cover behavioral health clinic services similarly to medical/surgical care 13. However, coverage depends on medical necessity, plan benefits, and prior authorization.

Is PHP or IOP Better? 

Both address different levels of conditions. PHP is for someone who needs more structured treatment. Whereas, in-person or online IOP suits those who need an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for only a few hours of time commitment. Also Read: How Do I Know if I Need Virtual IOP?

How is PHP Different From IOP?

PHP and IOP differ in intensity and program structure. PHP is usually more intensive than IOP.

What Comes First, PHP or IOP?

In the ASAM level of care, the partial hospitalization program (PHP) comes first. IOP is the step down from PHP.

Can You Do IOP Without PHP?

Yes, you can do intensive outpatient care (IOP) without first completing a PHP or inpatient program.

References

1. https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Partial_Hospital_Programs_IOPs-146.aspx
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK64102/
3. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4152944/
4. https://www.asam.org/asam-criteria/about-the-asam-criteria
5. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11906183/
6. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2897895/
7. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2797106/
8. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5356401/
9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK571088/
10. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4152944/
11. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3811995/
12. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2848466/
13. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4334111/
14. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9302910/