The landscape of mental health care has transformed in recent years, with virtual care becoming a critical component of treatment options. Before the onset of the pandemic, virtual care, and telehealth were unfamiliar to many, including clinicians, doctors, and patients alike. However, the necessity of providing mental health services remotely has brought virtual Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) to more individuals in need and increased access to these crucial services.
In fact, data shows that during the first year of the pandemic, around 20% more people sought help for anxiety, depression, and other common mental health conditions due to a surge in virtual behavioral health services.
Outpatient therapy, whether virtual or in person, is valuable for many patients; however, it may not be the right fit for everyone. For individuals whose symptoms prevent them from functioning fully in their daily lives and who require multiple mental health and other providers from various disciplines working collaboratively, more comprehensive and specialized treatment is essential in preventing unnecessary emergency room visits and inpatient hospital stays.
Below, we discuss the rise of virtual or online intensive outpatient programs and partial hospitalization programs and explore why immediate access to the proper level of mental health care is crucial.
A Brief Overview of Virtual IOP and PHP Treatment
Online Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
A virtual partial hospitalization program is a full-day program, typically lasting 5 hours a day, that patients attend daily, though typically not on weekends. It is designed for individuals who are experiencing symptoms of mental health issues that interfere with daily functioning. PHP offers intensive support and structure, combining group therapy, individual therapy, family therapy, and psychiatric care.
Online Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
The virtual intensive outpatient program is a half-day program, lasting 3 hours a day, that patients attend 3 to 5 days (or evenings) per week. Online outpatient treatment is ideal for individuals who need more support than traditional outpatient therapy but do not require the full-day structure or intensity of PHP.
Both PHP and IOP online programs at Compass Health Center are tailored to the age and unique needs of patients, including:
Comparing Treatment Options: In-Person vs. Virtual Therapy
When choosing between virtual and in-person PHP or IOP, it’s essential to consider the unique benefits of each format. Both offer comprehensive, evidence-based mental health care, but the choice often depends on individual needs, preferences, and circumstances.
|
Feature |
Virtual Treatment |
In-Person Treatment |
|
Accessibility |
Accessible anywhere with an internet connection |
Requires travel to the treatment center |
|
Convenience |
Fits into daily routines |
Provides a dedicated, distraction-free space |
|
Group Interaction |
Engaging and experiential curricula delivered via secure HIPAA-compliant meeting platforms |
Face-to-face group therapy sessions and support groups create a personal, hands-on environment |
|
Individual Therapy |
Confidential, convenient care tailored to personal needs, fostering growth and healing from the comfort of home. |
Conducted in a private, safe space for dedicated in-person sessions |
|
Cost and Time Savings |
No travel costs, more time flexibility |
May require additional time for commuting |
How Technology is Shaping Virtual Treatment
Technology has revolutionized the way mental health care is delivered, breaking down traditional barriers to access and enhancing treatment effectiveness.
In 2021, a study on telehealth treatment for substance abuse/substance use disorders revealed that 82% of participants felt their virtual sessions met their needs “as well as” or “better than” in-person visits, further proving the effectiveness of virtual intensive outpatient programming.
At Compass Health Center, virtual behavioral health programs leverage advanced telehealth platforms like Microsoft Teams, a HIPAA-compliant teleconferencing tool to ensure privacy and security, while features such as screen sharing, breakout rooms, and digital whiteboards enhance engagement in group and individual therapy sessions.
While delivered differently, each virtual program is designed to directly mirror in-person treatment. Programs are structured to run for the same total of hours, regardless of format, involve treatment teams of the same make-up, and offer a customized approach but are adapted to a virtual format in numerous ways. Since launching Compass Virtual programs, patient treatment outcomes have been consistent with in-person programs.
By combining the best of clinical expertise and digital tools, online IOP and PHP continue to improve patient outcomes and expand the reach of essential services.
The Importance of Comprehensive, Virtual Mental Health Care
Evidence-based treatment is the cornerstone of achieving meaningful and lasting outcomes. By relying on proven therapeutic techniques and approaches, both virtual and in-person programs can address the diverse needs of patients effectively and compassionately.
In 2023, Compass Health Center analyzed over 2,300 patient outcomes on the effectiveness of individual PHP and IOP treatment plans. Patients completing these programs experienced a 53% reduction in depression severity and a 50% reduction in anxiety severity. These outcomes demonstrate the transformative impact of evidence-based approaches and personalized treatment lengths when properly followed by in-person and virtual program participants alike.
Proven Therapeutic Techniques in Online IOP and PHP Treatment
Whether individuals are considering virtual PHP mental health treatment or looking for a supportive outpatient program online, PHP and IOP programs incorporate several evidence-based therapies, each targeting different aspects of mental health.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns that contribute to conditions like anxiety and depression.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Focuses on building emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness, particularly beneficial for individuals with mood disorders or trauma.
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Encourages patients to accept their experiences while committing to actions that align with their values.
- Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP): A specialized approach for treating OCD, ERP helps patients confront fears and reduce compulsions.
- Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT): A trauma-informed care approach that helps individuals reframe and process unhelpful trauma-related thoughts and beliefs.
- Mindfulness-based Interventions: Teach patients to stay present and manage stress, often integrated with other therapies.
Studies show that the most effective interventions use a combination of evidence-based treatment and medication, depending on the symptoms and needs of the individual. A multidisciplinary approach could be a factor to consider when researching virtual outpatient treatment options.
Are Virtual Outpatient Programs Right for Me?
The goal of intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization levels of care is short-term stabilization for individuals who are unable to function in their everyday life, need more support than available in weekly outpatient therapy, or who need crisis-level support.
Many individuals ‘step up’ to a more comprehensive level of care (usually from an outpatient psychiatrist or outpatient therapist) due to needing additional support. Some individuals ‘step down’ from inpatient or residential treatment facilities into a PHP. Others access these intermediate levels of care without any prior treatment history. Regardless of the most recent level of care, the goal is to return individuals to their daily functioning with the ability to manage their symptoms more effectively.
Key Components of Effective Virtual IOP and PHP Programs
- Rapid Mental Health Assessments.
Early intervention in mental health is essential to prevent symptoms from worsening, reduce the risk of crises, and promote better health outcomes. Virtual services that offer thorough assessment within the first 24 hours mitigate these risks by providing patients with immediate solutions. - Comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluations.
A psychiatric evaluation should be conducted within 24 to 48 hours of beginning a program to better understand the unique needs of each patient. These evaluations identify individual needs, enabling licensed therapists and psychiatrists to provide medication management, ongoing support, and tailored adjustments to care plans as needed. - Specialized, Evidence-Based Care.
Intensive outpatient treatment and PHP levels of care provide evidence-based modalities led by licensed therapists specializing in mental health conditions such as OCD, trauma, anxiety, and more. - Structured Therapeutic Services.
At the heart of virtual mental health IOP and PHP treatment is daily, structured group therapy for peer support and shared growth, individual sessions with compassionate master's level clinicians, as well as weekly family therapy sessions or couples therapy. Creative and experiential therapies are also used to engage patients on multiple levels. - Reducing Screen Fatigue.
Virtual programs are thoughtfully designed to reduce screen fatigue by emphasizing active participation. Daily programming incorporates small group activities, mindfulness breaks, experiential therapies, and movement exercises to keep sessions engaging and restorative.
Bridging Gaps in Mental Health Treatment Through Integrated Care Models
The United States is experiencing a major mental health crisis—a crisis which requires immediate and effective solutions. On average, it takes 11 years to receive mental health treatment after symptoms first appear. A fact that is due to a lack of mental health resources leading to long waitlists for treatment, unnecessary trips to the emergency room, and delays in the detection and treatment of mental health concerns.
Compass Health Center understands the importance of flexibility and accessibility in mental health care which is why we offer both in-person and virtual outpatient program options to meet the diverse needs of patients. At Compass Health Center, this starts with the coordination of care.
The coordination of care amongst and between treatment providers is essential for maximizing clinical outcomes in the shortest period possible. Additionally, it cannot and should not be expected that a person experiencing a mental health crisis be able to navigate and coordinate amongst multiple treatment providers. Compass Health Center’s model solves this in two crucial ways
- By providing multiple treatment modalities under one roof within a multi-disciplinary team, mental health treatment is optimized.
- Our admissions team coordinates care with all mental and physical health treatment providers a person has outside of our treatment center.
This is particularly crucial when treating a patient with co-occurring and complex diagnoses. Our multidisciplinary teams and the foundation of our care model, deliver comprehensive services within one system, optimizing patient convenience and care coordination.
Find Compass Health Center’s Virtual IOP and PHP Services Near You
Online outpatient treatment at Compass Health Center differs from other virtual mental health services for several reasons. From increased accessibility and frequency of meeting with a primary therapist or psychiatrist at all levels of care to programs that are highly engaging and interactive, age-appropriate—we’re committed to providing comprehensive care that promotes long-lasting recovery.
If you or a loved one is in need of mental health support, we encourage you to ask for help. Reach out to Compass Health Center today to learn more about our virtual services and how we can best support you. Our Contact Center provides extended evening hours and weekend availability for assessments, ensuring individuals and families can get the support they need within 24 hours of placing their first phone call.
Online IOP and PHP Service Areas
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