How to compare outpatient levels of care
The first comparison is structure. MVBH’s Full Day Treatment, commonly called PHP, typically meets 5-6 days per week for 6 or more hours a day. Half Day Treatment, commonly called IOP, typically meets 3-5 days per week for about 3 hours a day. Outpatient care is generally less frequent. Virtual IOP is available only to eligible participants physically located in Massachusetts during live sessions.
The U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration describes intensive outpatient and partial-hospitalization services as outpatient settings that can include individual appointments, groups, and coping-skills work. Read SAMHSA’s treatment-setting overview. That general education does not determine an individual’s care at MVBH.
A meaningful comparison includes more than hours per week. Ask about safety, ability to participate, travel or virtual-care requirements, work and caregiving obligations, support outside program hours, existing providers, and what happens if an outpatient setting is not sufficient.
