Many people struggle with mental health conditions that make it hard to go outside. Mental health disorders like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and depression might make you think, “I can’t leave the house.” The idea of stepping out of your home may bring overwhelming fear, exhaustion and distress. Fortunately, you don’t necessarily need to leave your home to get the support you need.

When leaving home feels impossible, getting help can seem just as difficult. This is where Virtual Partial Hospitalization Program (vPHP) treatment can help. Virtual PHP is designed to deliver structured, professional mental health treatment in the comfort of home. If you’ve been avoiding treatment because of how you feel about leaving the house, vPHP might be the perfect option for you.

5 reasons why you might need Virtual PHP treatment

• Agoraphobia — Agoraphobia is a type of anxiety disorder. It causes intense fear of situations where escape might be difficult, or where help might not be available if panic-like symptoms occur. People with agoraphobia often avoid places like malls, public transportation or wide-open spaces. This is because they worry about feeling trapped. In some cases, someone with agoraphobia may avoid leaving their home altogether. Virtual PHP helps people with agoraphobia get treatment without having to confront overwhelming environments right away. If you have agoraphobia, you can work on your symptoms in a safe space. As you progress, you can gradually overcome your fears and build confidence.
• Social anxiety — If you experience social anxiety, you’re not alone. According to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America, social anxiety disorder affects around 15 million American adults. This anxiety disorder is characterized by fear and stress surrounding social interactions. If you have social anxiety, you may worry constantly about embarrassing yourself or being judged. This can make a lot of simple tasks, like grocery shopping or making a phone call, feel terrifying. Some people with social anxiety avoid leaving home because they fear interacting with strangers. You may worry that going out could put you in uncomfortable situations. Virtual PHP can provide a structured way to engage in therapy and social interactions from your home. Treatments like group therapy in a virtual setting can ease the transition into social situations. They can help you engage with others in a supportive, judgment-free environment.
• Depression — Depression can make seemingly small tasks feel exhausting. People with major depressive disorder often struggle with low energy, loss of motivation and feelings of hopelessness. The idea of leaving the house can feel too overwhelming when you’re depressed. This can lead to isolation and further worsening of symptoms. If depression makes it hard for you to get out of the house, Virtual PHP may be right for you. Virtual PHP helps people with depression by providing consistent support and structure. Regular therapy sessions, skill-building exercises and psychiatric care can provide tools for managing symptoms and help you engage with others even when you can’t manage to leave home.
• OCD — OCD involves intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) that can be distressing. For some, leaving the house might trigger uncontrollable fears about things like contamination, order or safety. Others may struggle with time-consuming rituals that make it difficult to leave home on time for therapy sessions. Virtual PHP can help you manage your symptoms without the added stressors sometimes associated with travel and in-person interactions.
• PTSD — Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health disorder caused by trauma. Symptoms can include intense fear, flashbacks, hypervigilance, insomnia and more. Some people with PTSD avoid public places because they worry about triggers that may remind them of their trauma. Loud noises, crowds and unfamiliar environments can all be potential triggers. If you want to work through your trauma while staying in a safe and familiar place, Virtual PHP could be a great option. With Virtual PHP, you can receive specialized trauma therapy at home. This can help you process your trauma while reducing the risk of being triggered in an unfamiliar environment.

Lightfully offers Virtual PHP tailored to your needs

If leaving the house feels overwhelming, there are other ways to get the treatment you need. Lightfully’s Virtual PHP is designed to provide structured, expert-led mental health care wherever you’re located. Our virtual programs are available to adults located anywhere in the state of California. Every treatment program is built around the framework of our Precision Care Model (PCM). PCM uses the most effective aspects of evidence-based modalities. These include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and somatic therapies. PCM works to target the drivers behind mental health disorders and symptoms and deliver long-term benefits.

Change is possible. To start getting care from the comfort of your home, reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of you.