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dexter · Jun 05, 2016, 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adam_k

There are intensive outpatient programs. My therapist said she had some other clients who have been to these and they helped. Its basically like a program where you go five days a week and spend a few hours in therapy and group therapy. You get a good amount of help and don't lose your dignity like being in the hospital. I didn't feel like I had any control in the hospital. Plus I shared a room with a guy who cried himself to sleep.

I have been hospitalized in the past and I am currently in an IOP (intensive outpatient program). There are partial hospital programs and intensive outpatient programs... The difference being the PH is an all day program generally offered with all of the treatment--therapy, education, group therapy, doctor--that you would get in a similar hospitalization except you sleep at home and have the weekends.

This would generally be 5 days a week and when you are doing better you would transition into IOP which is the same program but you go for only half a day. The other half a day you can spend practicing the skills you've learned in PH and transitioning back to work and life.

Then usually they cut the IOP back from 5 days a week to 4 or 3 then to 2 until you are ready to end it.

You would be expected to have therapy and a pdoc set up for the end of the program. The PH/IOP is intended to be a very short, intensive treatment to get you back on your feet it is not intended for long term.

The difference in PH and hospitalization is that hospitalization would be necessary for someone who is in danger of hurting themselves or others. i.e. in need of 24 hour supervision. A PH program would be suitable for someone who would be trusted to show up on their own every day, take their meds properly, behave while home (no alcohol, etc) and report honestly about any problems that crop up at home.

I've only been hospitalized once but I've been in three different IOPs. All three varied wildly in their procedure and the daily schedule and treatment. One was not to my liking. The first was a continuation of my hospitalization in the same programs and therefore a very similar program to what I was getting in the hospital. The second wasn't really suited for me, but it did get me out of the house for two weeks on a daily basis so that aspect was helpful. The third, the one I am now, I think I have to say it saved my life.

So yea do some research and if you don't like one program find another with a different atmosphere.

What type of therapy? (my current is DBT) How many people? Is it for high-functioning people? How long is the expected stay?