As individuals struggle with mental health issues, it is important to seek professional help to alleviate their symptoms. Gulf Coast Behavioral Health offers several treatment options, including psychotherapy, intensive outpatient programs (IOP), and partial hospitalization programs (PHP). Each treatment option provides a different level of care, and understanding the differences between them can help you make the best choice for your mental health needs.
What is Psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is a form of talk therapy that is led by a licensed mental health professional. The goal of psychotherapy is to help individuals work through their emotional and mental health struggles by identifying and changing negative patterns of thinking and behavior. Sessions typically take place once a week, but the frequency can vary depending on the individual’s needs and the therapist’s recommendation.
Psychotherapy can be helpful for individuals with mild to moderate mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and relationship problems. We also use psychotherapy as a maintenance tool for individuals who have completed higher levels of care, such as IOP or PHP. For more info on our Psychotherapy services, click here.
What is an Intensive Outpatient Program?
Intensive outpatient programs (IOP) are structured treatment programs that typically involve multiple sessions per week. We organize therapeutic activates designed to help individuals better manage their lives; activities such as: group therapy, individual therapy, and other therapeutic activities. We provide a high level of care in our IOPs while allowing individuals to continue their daily routines, such as work or school.
IOPs are recommended for individuals who require more than weekly therapy but do not require 24-hour care in a hospital setting. IOPs can be helpful for individuals with moderate to severe mental health issues, such as addiction, eating disorders, and trauma-related disorders. For more info on our IOP, click here.
What is a Partial Hospitalization Program?
Partial hospitalization programs (PHP) provide a higher level of care than IOPs but are less intensive than inpatient hospitalization. PHPs typically involve daily therapy sessions, medical monitoring, and structured therapeutic activities. Individuals return home in the evenings and on weekends.
We recommend PHPs for individuals who require daily therapeutic support but do not require 24-hour care in a hospital setting. PHPs can be helpful for individuals with severe mental health issues, such as psychosis, bipolar disorder, and severe depression. For more info on our PHP, click here.
The Differences Between Psychotherapy, IOP, and PHP
The primary difference between psychotherapy, IOP, and PHP is the level of care and intensity of treatment. We typically recommend Psychotherapy for individuals with mild to moderate mental health issues and it involves weekly therapy sessions. Medical professionals recommend IOPs for individuals with moderate to severe mental health issues that require multiple therapy sessions per week. PHPs are used for individuals with severe mental health issues and involve daily therapy sessions.
Another difference between the three treatment options is the setting. Psychotherapy typically takes place in an outpatient setting, while IOP and PHP can be conducted in an outpatient or hospital setting. PHPs provide a higher level of care and medical monitoring than IOPs.
Call to Action
If you are struggling with mental health issues, Gulf Coast Behavioral Health can help. We offer a range of treatment options, including psychotherapy, IOP, and PHP. Our team of licensed mental health professionals can work with you to determine the best treatment plan for your needs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Links to Outside Organizations
- National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/psychotherapies/index.shtml
- American Psychological Association (APA): https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/psychotherapy
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): https://www.samhsa.gov/treatment/mental-health-treatment
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Treatments/Psychotherapy
- National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA): https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/treatment-psychotherapy