Going to full days of treatment at a clinic can be difficult for people with anxiety conditions like generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) or panic disorder. Anxiety puts a lot of stress on your system. Going out in public and being away from home for extended periods can be exhausting. If you have to face your triggers or stress yourself out just to get to treatment, chances are, you’re not going to get much out of treatment. If going to treatment is too much of a burden, some people may quit before they see any improvement.

Now that telehealth has become more widely accepted, more people with anxiety disorders are getting the help they need. Besides improved access, online treatment programs provide other benefits to people struggling with anxiety. You can work through real-life situations during treatment and start putting your skills into practice right away. 

Virtual Partial Hospitalization Programs (vPHPs) are the most intensive form of anxiety treatment you can receive in an online format. These are a lot like in-person PHPs, except you receive therapy via video call. Programs may also include direct messaging, a 24-hour support line and other digital tools.

In this blog post, we’ll talk about 10 ways virtual PHPs can benefit someone managing anxiety compared to an in-person PHP.

• Therapeutic benefits — People tend to show up to more appointments on virtual platforms and stick to their treatment regimens more closely. In fact, in clinical trials, intensive programs that include medication management have created outcomes that are equivalent to in-person treatment. 
• Improved accessibility and convenience — Virtual programs allow people to access anxiety treatments that are right for them. Virtual PHPs are more flexible to work with your schedule, and with no commute, you save valuable time. People who have medical conditions or limited mobility have more access to services. There are also fewer geographic limitations to programs you can choose. 
• High level of treatment without leaving home — Some people have difficulty leaving home or going out in public because of their anxiety symptoms. With a Virtual PHP, you receive treatment in your own home. You can take things at your own pace.
• Staying close to your pets and loved ones — If you have pets, children or a significant other at home, they can help ease your anxiety. A Virtual PHP allows you to stay close to them. Hugs and cuddles during your breaks can make your days in treatment a bit brighter.
• Privacy — Because you’re not going to a physical treatment center, you won’t risk running into anyone you know. Some clients worry about the stigma of seeking mental health treatment, especially if it may affect their careers. They appreciate the anonymity and privacy of a Virtual PHP.
• Real-time anxiety management — In a Virtual PHP, you have plenty of time to address anxiety symptoms in real time. Your care providers will be virtually present when you need them, and you may have access to messaging or phone support 24 hours a day.
• No divide between treatment and life — With in-person programs, it can be easy to mentally “check out” when you leave for the day. Receiving treatments in your home environment means there’s no mental separation between treatment and life. 
• Opportunity to practice in a familiar environment — When you start learning new skills, you can practice them where you’ll likely be using them most. You can use the resources you have at home and start creating new habits right away.
• Social support — Virtual PHPs include group treatments where you’ll meet other people who are working on their anxiety. You’ll hear inspiring stories from others who are further along in their treatment. You can also share what you’re going through and receive support from people who understand.
• Digital resources and tools — Virtual PHPs often integrate with digital tools like online assessments and progress tracking tools. You may have more seamless communication with your care providers, greater visibility on your progress and more access to your records. This may also help your care providers collaborate with each other.

Is a Virtual PHP at Lightfully right for you?

A Virtual PHP allows people who have anxiety to begin treatment at their own pace and in their own space. It’s very efficient in that you receive multiple treatments at once. At Lightfully, we make sure each client in our virtual programs receives a fully personalized treatment plan. Our licensed clinicians use our Precision Care Model (PCM) to choose treatments that make sense for you. 

Are you considering online treatment programs for your anxiety? We can help you understand your options and choose a program that will help you change your life for the better. Reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team today.