Effectiveness of PHP and IOP in Substance Use Disorder Treatment

There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for substance use disorder (SUD). While inpatient programs are critical for those in need of 24/7 supervision, many others benefit just as much, if not more, from structured outpatient programs.

The Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) we offer here at Healthy U Behavioral Health could provide the high level of care you’re looking for without putting your daily life on pause. That alone could make recovery more accessible and sustainable.

Here, we’ll explore the difference between PHP and IOP and how they compare to residential programs, as well as their effectiveness in treating substance use disorders.

Residential, PHP, IOP—What’s the Difference?

Inpatient residential treatment involves living at a facility full-time, ideal for those with severe substance use disorders or complex mental health needs.

PHP drug treatment offers intensive daytime care, typically five days a week, six hours each day, and allows you to return home each evening.

IOP is a less intensive program than the first two, generally three to five days a week. Just like with PHP, you return home each evening.

PHP and IOP are great alternatives to residential treatment, especially for those who don’t need round-the-clock monitoring but would still benefit from more structure than traditional outpatient therapy.

Treatment Outcomes

How do these options compare in terms of outcome? Substance Abuse Intensive Outpatient Programs: Assessing the Evidence found that:

• Outcomes do not differ significantly between inpatient and intensive outpatient services
• Compared with inpatient care, IOP has at least two advantages:
  • Increased duration of treatment
  • Being able to engage and treat clients while they remain in their home environments

By being able to return home each evening, those in PHP and IOP have the opportunity to practice newly learned behaviors and coping skills. Plus, the flexibility to receive quality care and return home at the end of each day makes treatment more approachable and realistic for many, particularly those who would otherwise decline or delay help due to their daily obligations.

Long-Term Recovery

Continuity is key when it comes to recovery. Transitioning from one program to the next, or “step-down care,” supports long-term recovery, as evidenced by a study published in the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment. It found that those who transitioned from residential care to PHP had greater improvements in substance use and mental health compared to those who went straight into a much lower level of care, such as once-a-month therapy.

Step-down models, such as transitioning from PHP to IOP, create a smooth transition that reinforces sobriety with ongoing, uninterrupted support.

Additionally, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) conducted a large-scale study. Compared to those who had brief outpatient therapy, the study found that those in structured outpatient programs were more likely to:

• Remain in treatment
• Experience fewer relapses
• Report better long-term outcomes

Cost-Effective, High-Quality Care

Make no mistake: for those in severe distress, residential treatment can be life-saving. But it’s also resource-intensive and may not be the most accessible option for everyone. For many, PHP and IOP offer more affordable paths to recovery without sacrificing quality of care or effectiveness.

At Healthy U Behavioral Health, we accept most major insurance plans, including HMP, PPO, and Medicare, and we also offer flexible payment options for those without insurance. This helps remove financing barriers, ensuring all those who are struggling with substance use disorders can receive the care they deserve.

The Benefits of Returning Home Each Evening

One of the most meaningful IOP and PHP benefits in treating substance use disorder is that you can stay engaged with daily life. Instead of being isolated during treatment, you’ll return home each day to practice new skills in real-world settings. This promotes both stronger relationships and improved communication.

Here at Healthy U, we also offer family programming free of charge, where loved ones can attend virtual support groups. In this way, we’re able to create supportive environments that encourage healing on all sides.

Start Your Recovery Journey Today

Ongoing care through PHP and IOP is one of the most effective tools in treating substance use disorders and preventing relapse. Our clinicians provide practical strategies to manage cravings, navigate triggers, and develop healthier responses to stress, as well as continuity of care. You’ll work with the same team throughout your treatment journey, helping build trust and deeper therapeutic relationships.

Take the first step by reaching out to our team. We’ll review your needs and goals and determine if our Partial Hospitalization Programming or Intensive Outpatient Programming is suited for your recovery journey.

*The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.