Residential Treatment vs. Partial Hospitalization: What’s the Difference?

12/28/2021

Residential Treatment vs. Partial Hospitalization: What’s the Difference?

The terms “residential treatment” and “partial hospitalization” are sometimes used interchangeably, but are actually two completely different types of treatment. Both residential treatment and partial hospitalization help individuals with substance abuse issues or mental health disorders, but they approach these complications in contrasting ways.

What Is Residential Treatment?

Residential treatment, otherwise known as inpatient rehab, gives individuals access to 24/7 care and therapy. Residential treatment welcomes both children adults and requires all patients to live in the facility for the duration of the program. Depending on the severity of someone’s addiction, they could be enrolled in a residential treatment program for anywhere from 28 days to over 6 months.

This type of treatment offers intense therapeutic services that help patients confront their own challenges related to substance abuse and addiction. They can address their emotional, mental, and behavioral needs in a healthy and constructive manner. Residential treatment will give patients access to individual and group therapy as well as alternative treatments such as art therapy, yoga therapy, and meditation.

In a residential treatment center, individuals receive a higher level of care than individuals in individual or group therapy alone. They will also have access to safe, effective, and evidence-based care from certified substance abuse and addiction specialists. Essentially, residential treatment focuses on whole-body wellness and setting individuals up for success and sobriety after they are finished with treatment.

A Definition of Partial Hospitalization

Partial hospitalization is a structured program of outpatient psychiatric services that is used to diagnose and/or treat mental illness and substance abuse issues. It offers a more intense level of care than visiting a doctor or therapist alone and can sometimes be used as an alternative to residential treatment. In this type of treatment, patients can still sleep at their own houses at night while they go to therapy receive treatment at certain times of day.

Partial hospitalization provides a certain set of treatment services that are used to prevent relapse or full hospitalization and maintain an individual’s functional level. It typically comes with a relatively high success rate and a reasonable expectation for improvement.

What Is the Difference Between Residential Treatment Partial Hospitalization?

There are three main differences between residential treatment and partial hospitalization:

Residential treatment provides 24-hour care, but partial hospitalization only provides care at certain scheduled times.
Partial hospitalization does not require an individual to reside where they receive care.
Partial hospitalization is more affordable than partial hospitalization.

While there are many more differences between these types of services, the three factors above show the most contact between the two treatment options.

Which Type of Treatment Is Better For You?

Is residential treatment or partial hospitalization a better choice for you? That will depend solely on your condition and, in some cases, your access to treatment. For example, individuals with a stable home life would probably benefit more from partial hospitalization. Finances and insurance may also play a role in the selection process. Ultimately, only you and your doctor will be able to decide the best option for you. Talk to your doctor or therapist about your options before beginning treatment.

To get more information about the differences between residential treatment and partial hospitalization, contact our team of substance abuse treatment specialists. Give us a call at 267.209.7313.