Understanding Different Levels of Mental Health Support: Inpatient, Outpatient, and IOP/PHP programs
Most people start with weekly individual therapy, which is a great place to get support, learn skills, and talk through what you’re experiencing.
Sometimes, though, life becomes overwhelming, symptoms get harder to manage, or someone needs more support than weekly sessions can offer. When that happens, there are programs that provide a higher level of care.
A higher level of care simply means more support, more structure, and more frequent contact, not that something is “wrong.” These options are designed to help you feel safe, supported, and stabilized when weekly therapy isn’t enough.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
What it is:
A flexible program offering therapy several days per week for a few hours at a time.
When it helps:
When weekly therapy isn’t enough
When you need more accountability and structure
When you want more support but can’t commit to full-day programs
What it looks like:
Group therapy, skills groups, and regular check-ins, often scheduled in the afternoon or evening so you can still work or attend school.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
What it is:
A structured full-day program (usually 5–6 hours per day, several days a week) where you receive intensive treatment but still sleep at home.
When it helps:
When symptoms are affecting daily functioning
When you need more support than once-a-week therapy
When you would benefit from a consistent routine
What it looks like:
Daily group therapy, skills-building, psychoeducation, psychiatry support, and crisis planning, with evenings and nights spent at home.
Inpatient or Residential Programs
What it is:
A safe, supportive environment where you stay overnight for a short period of time to receive 24/7 care.
When it helps:
When you need immediate stabilization
When symptoms feel unmanageable at home
When safety or detox support is needed
When round-the-clock monitoring provides the best care
What it looks like:
You live at the treatment center temporarily and receive daily therapy, medication support, groups, and wellness activities.
How These Programs Fit Into Your Healing
These levels of care are simply stepping stones—many people move between them depending on what they need at different times in their lives.
There is no “right” or “wrong” level. Only the level that helps you feel safe, supported, and able to heal.
If you ever have questions about any of these programs or wonder whether one might be helpful, your therapist is always here to talk it through with you.
Clove Counseling is also partnered with several IOP/PHP programs in the Naperville and Downers Grove area, so we are able to provide referrals to you.
