The decision to enter mental health treatment can be daunting. However, it is often necessary to return to a normal level of functioning. Our partial hospitalization program (PHP) is offered as a step-down from our residential treatment program. Also, new clients may admit directly to our mental health PHP in Atlanta, Georgia if they come from another residential program, or if our clinical team determines it is the appropriate level of care.
What is a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)?
A partial hospitalization program (PHP) for mental health is a structured and intensive outpatient treatment program. It is designed for individuals who need more intensive care than traditional outpatient services, but not as much as residential or inpatient psychiatric hospitalization. PHP provides a combination of therapeutic activities that include individual, group, and family therapy sessions, psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and psychoeducation.
The goal of our PHP in Atlanta, Georgia is to provide an intense level of treatment while allowing the client to remain in the community with their friends and family. During this program, individuals will receive structured care similar to what they would receive during an inpatient program. Depending on the individual’s needs, PHP typically lasts between three to five days per week for several weeks up to many months.
Therapy sessions generally focus on helping clients learn the necessary skills to better navigate challenges they are facing with their mental health. This includes learning coping skills, relaxation techniques, mindfulness training, and other evidence-based therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Also, clients receive assistance from psychiatrists in managing medications.
Additionally, there are many complementary therapies offered throughout the day. For example, music therapy or recreational activities that focus on improving physical wellness and overall quality of life. PHPs help individuals build upon existing coping strategies and develop additional tools to manage their condition over the long term.
Who is PHP Appropriate For?
PHP is appropriate when:
- Traditional outpatient care is not successful
- When the client needs structured living in addition to the day treatment
- The structured setting needed during a more intense level of therapeutic intervention
- Clients have a degree of willingness and insight to adhere to medications and participate in treatment
- Clients have completed residential mental health treatment
Typically, a client’s primary counselor, psychiatrist, and peer group will stay the same as the residential level. However, clients are expected to use life skills more independently and need less observation managing their psychiatric medications. Some day treatment activities overlap with residential treatment program activities.
While others are designed to help day-treatment clients use and practice life skills to prepare for returning to the community. Additionally, each client has a one-on-one session with a psychiatrist. As well as, an individual session with his or her primary counselor at least once each week when participating in the mental health day treatment program.
Mental health disorders treated during our PHP in Atlanta, Georgia include:
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression
- Bipolar disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Schizoaffective disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- OCD
- Personality disorder
- Suicidal thoughts
- Self-harm
- Eating disorders
- Dual diagnosis
Benefits of a Partial Hospitalization Program
When it comes to mental health treatment, everyone is different. Even if two people both have the same diagnosis, their experience and treatment will be personalized depending on their individual needs, objectives, and goals.Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
A form of psychotherapy that focuses on identifying and changing negative patterns of thought, behavior, and emotions. By addressing these issues, CBT helps clients better understand how their thoughts and behaviors affect their lives and relationships.Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
A type of cognitive-behavioral therapy that focuses on helping individuals learn to regulate their emotions and behaviors more effectively. Based on the principles of mindfulness and acceptance, DBT teaches clients the skills to better manage distress and navigate interpersonal relationships.Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR combines elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy, exposure therapy, and psychodynamic approaches with eye movement or other forms of bilateral stimulation. EMDR helps clients identify, process, and move beyond traumatic memories or other sources of distress that can interfere with functioning.Brain Mapping
Using a diagnostic tool called a Quantitative Electroencephalogram, or QEEG, brain mapping helps provide crucial information on an array of brain-based disorders including anxiety and depression.Medication Stabilization
Southern Live Oak Wellness provides a secure, structured, on-site medication stabilization environment. Our psychiatrist is on-site 40 hours a week to monitor medications and make patients aware of potential side effects. Additionally, we also have our RN run medication education groups to help clients understand the symptoms, causes, and necessity of medication.Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
This non-invasive technique uses magnetic fields to activate nerve cells in the brain to relieve symptoms of depression. TMS is usually used when other depression therapies have not been successful. We offer TMS at all levels of care, including on an outpatient basis.Alpha-Stim
The Alpha-Stim electrotherapy tool treats pain, anxiety, sleeplessness, and depression. There are no long-term negative effects, no risk of addiction, and no drug interactions.
Complementary Therapies
Complementary therapies for mental health disorders can increase feelings of well-being, ease symptoms of anxiety and depression, and promote relaxation. As a result, these approaches are recommended alongside traditional mental health treatments, such as medication and psychotherapy.- Nutrition
- Outdoor recreation
- Reiki
- Red light-therapy
- Animal-assisted therapy
- Life skills
- Music therapy
What to Expect at Our PHP in Atlanta, GA
Southern Live Oak Wellness PHP in Atlanta, Georgia begins with a complete evaluation by a mental health professional. This assessment allows our clinical staff to determine a client’s mental state as well as any safety concerns. Accordingly, staff determines the appropriate level of care needed. Then, they create an individualized treatment plan based on each client’s unique needs and preferences.
PHP clients come to our clinical space at Dunwoody center. Group sessions operate from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Therapeutic Living is also available for this level of care. Our team can help facilitate therapeutic living environments for clients needing more oversight and accountability during non-clinical hours.
The average stay is four to six weeks before stepping down to our intensive outpatient program (IOP) or outpatient program (OP). After clients complete our mental health programs, Southern Live Oak Wellness offers our alumni program for continued support.
Embark Into Complete Wellness
At Southern Live Oak Wellness, we understand mental health struggles. Our experienced counselors are here to listen and guide you or your loved one toward total wellness. We offer compassionate care with evidence-based treatments and personalized recovery plans.
Contact us to learn more about our comprehensive mental health programs.
