When you’re looking into mental health treatment online, it’s easy to get confused by all the options. If you’ve come across terms like Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (vIOP) and Virtual Partial Hospitalization Program (vPHP), you might be wondering how they’re actually different.
Both vIOP and vPHP can be helpful for people who need more support than weekly outpatient therapy. However, they each offer a different level of structure, time commitment and intensity. Understanding what separates vIOP and vPHP can help you or a loved one find the right fit.
IOP vs. PHP: 4 key differences in their approach to mental health
Virtual PHP can have many benefits. One study found that some Virtual PHP outcomes were superior to those of a live PHP. Compared to the in-person program, the telehealth program was associated with a higher attendance and a lower hospitalization rate. Clients were just as satisfied with both programs. Virtual IOP offers similar benefits.
While both treatment programs can be great, they are tailored to different needs. Knowing the differences can be key to finding the program that’s right for you.
- Time commitment and structure — One of the biggest differences between vIOP and vPHP is how much time you spend in treatment each week. Virtual IOP usually involves three to six hours of programming per day, several days a week. Virtual PHP, on the other hand, tends to be more intensive. It involves at least 20 hours of weekly treatment over five days a week. You can think of vPHP as a weekday routine similar to a school or work schedule. It’s designed for people who need a higher level of support and structure throughout the day. vIOP is more flexible and works well for people who can manage more of their day independently but still need consistent support. Virtual IOP offers a balance of intensive treatment and flexibility. Virtual PHP prioritizes structure and comprehensive support. The right fit depends on what kind of support you need right now.
- Level of clinical support — While vPHP and vIOP connect you with licensed clinical therapists, the level of care for each program is different. Virtual PHP is considered to be a higher level of clinical care than vIOP. In a Virtual PHP, you’ll typically get frequent one-on-one sessions with your therapist, weekly check-ins with a psychiatrist, daily group therapy and more. Virtual IOP also offers strong clinical care. However, it might involve less daily programming and fewer treatment sessions. For people with moderate symptoms, this can be enough. For those experiencing more intense mental health challenges, though, the extra clinical care in vPHP can be essential. If your symptoms are making it hard to function on a daily basis, vPHP may be the better fit.
- Symptom intensity — Not everyone needs the same level of care. The right treatment depends on how severe your symptoms are and how much they impact your daily life. Virtual PHP is best for people with more intense or complex mental health symptoms. It can help those who need daily support to avoid crisis or the need to attend a Residential Program. In contrast, vIOP is helpful for people with mild to moderate symptoms. It can be great for individuals who are looking to build valuable skills while keeping some independence in their daily schedule. Sometimes, people start in vPHP and then “step down” to vIOP as they feel more stable. Others might begin in vIOP if their symptoms are manageable but still need more support than weekly outpatient therapy
- Support for daily life — Because vPHP takes place during most of the day, it can help you create new routines and habits. It might help you establish routine mealtimes, for example, which can in turn lead to more consistent sleeping times. You can also practice coping skills for daily use in real time. With vIOP, there’s more time between sessions. That gives you a chance to practice what you’re learning in treatment on your own. This can be great if you’re feeling motivated and able to apply new skills in daily life. On the other hand, vPHP may be better if you’re still struggling a lot to manage symptoms on your own.
Lightfully can help you find the right Virtual Services
No matter where you’re starting from, you deserve support that’s tailored to you. At Lightfully, we offer both Virtual IOP and Virtual PHP for adults in California. Both levels of care are built around our Precision Care Model. PCM is a fully personalized framework designed to target the drivers behind mental health disorders and symptoms. With our help, you can find the right level of treatment and start working toward long-term mental wellness.
Change is possible. When you’re ready to get started with a treatment program that works for you, reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of you.
