Partial Hospitalization, a New Alternative!

Article submitted by Chad Brouillette at Synergy Center for Better Living and Jo Lynn Creel at Synergy Center for Better Living.
For more information, Chad Brouillette can be reached at 504-581-4333; Jo Lynn Creel can be reached at 985-641-0505.

A relatively new approach to adults with psychiatric, emotional or mental illness is the Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP). It offers an intensive team approach that focuses on the individual needs of each patient. It can be used as an alternative to inpatient care for individuals who do not require overnight supervision, as a transition from inpatient care to the community or as an intense outpatient treatment program.

Treatment occurs primarily through the format of group therapy. A distinct benefit of the program is that the patient can go home and put into practice what was learned that day, then return the next day and debrief. Each client is assessed by a team of healthcare professionals that may include psychiatrists, nurses, social workers, recreation or occupational therapists, dietitians, and exercise physiologists. An individualized treatment plan with goals is adopted and reviewed frequently.

A typical day might include medical management, group therapy, education on modifying behavior, practicing of new life skills, identifying community support systems and learning to take better care of one's self.

Common outcomes might be increased use of coping skills, relearning of problem solving skills, identifying emotional strengths and limitations and improving self-esteem. Family counseling is also a major component of a PHP. With intensive short-term treatment coupled with ongoing support, clients can generally rebound faster from setbacks in the course of their illnesses. They can, potentially, shorten crisis periods and prevent hospitalization.

There are a number of Partial Hospitalization Programs in the Greater New Orleans area. Meals and transportation generally are provided. Be sure that Specialized Geriatric programming is offered to ensure the specific needs of older adults. PHP is reimbursable by Medicare. If you know someone who needs help getting back to being themselves and back to the business of living, look into a Partial Hospitalization Program. It may be just the ticket!