GUIDE · LEVELS OF CARE
IOP vs PHP: what is the difference?
The main difference is time. A partial hospitalization program (PHP) usually runs 20 or more hours a week, often five or six hours a day. An intensive outpatient program (IOP) runs fewer hours, generally 9 to 19 a week, so most people keep working or caring for family. In both, you live at home.
A clinician should help you decide which one fits. Many people start in one and move to the other as their needs change.
SIDE BY SIDE
How IOP and PHP compare
Intensive outpatient (IOP)
About 9 to 19 hours a week, usually three hour sessions, three to five days a week. Many people keep working or going to school. The usual next step is weekly therapy.
Partial hospitalization (PHP)
Usually 20 or more hours a week, most of the day, five or more days a week. Most people step away from work or school while they attend. The usual next step is an IOP.
In both
You live at home. Both are built around group therapy, with individual sessions and a treatment plan.
When a different level of care is safer
IOP is not an emergency service. If you need medical detox, round the clock supervision, or you are in immediate danger, a higher level of care is the right place to start, and we can point you toward it. If you are in crisis now, call or text 988 or call 911.
WHICH ONE FITS
Which one fits
The right level of care depends on how much symptoms are affecting your days, how safe you are at home, and how much support you have around you. A clinician should help you decide.
A higher level of care, like PHP or residential, is the safer place to start if
You are struggling to get through each day.
Things are getting worse quickly.
You have recently been in the hospital.
You are in immediate danger. Call 911, or call or text 988.
If you are not sure
Call us at 949.706.8610. Part of the first conversation is figuring out the right level of care.
If IOP is not the right fit, we will tell you and point you toward what is.
IOP at Kin Wellness
9 to 15 hours a week. Three hour sessions, three to five days a week. We set the number of days with you.
Morning or evening. 9 AM to 12 PM or 5 PM to 8 PM Pacific, Monday through Friday.
By video, anywhere in California. You need a private space and an internet connection. Groups meet by video. Individual sessions, EMDR and medication appointments can also happen in person at our Fountain Valley office.
STEPPING DOWN
Stepping down from PHP to IOP
WHY PEOPLE STEP DOWN
Many people move from a PHP to an IOP as they get stronger. It keeps the structure in place while they return to work and daily life.
HOW WE COORDINATE
When someone steps down to Kin, we coordinate directly with their current program so there is no gap in care.
INSURANCE
Many health plans cover both levels of care. Some plans need approval before you start. We check your benefits and explain what you would pay before you commit.
QUESTIONS
Common questions about IOP and PHP
Is PHP more intensive than IOP?
Yes. A PHP usually runs 20 or more hours a week; an IOP generally runs 9 to 19.
Can you go from PHP to IOP?
Yes, and it is a common next step. We coordinate the move directly with your current program.
Can I work while in a PHP?
It is usually hard, because a PHP takes up most of the day. An IOP, especially an evening track, is easier to fit around work. About our evening IOP.
Does Kin Wellness offer PHP?
No. Kin offers a virtual IOP and weekly therapy.
How do I know which level of care I need?
A clinician helps you decide based on your symptoms, safety and support. Call us and we will talk it through with you.
What if I am in crisis?
IOP is not an emergency service. If you are in immediate danger, call 911. For a mental health crisis, call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, at any hour.
If you are in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) or call 911. Our program is not an emergency service.
Related: What is an IOP · Virtual IOP · Evening IOP · For referring providers · Insurance and cost
Insurance: Aetna · Anthem · Blue Cross Blue Shield · Cigna · United Healthcare · All plans
Where we serve: Orange County · Los Angeles County · Inland Empire · San Diego County · Bay Area · Sacramento · Central Valley · Ventura and Santa Barbara · North State · All 58 counties
WHO YOU WOULD WORK WITH
A small team you will actually get to know
Kin Wellness is run by its clinicians. The people below are the people in your groups, and the full team is on the Team page.
Cofounder and Clinical Director, LCSW #80761, Ph.D Candidate
Paola Mercado Demeza, AMFT
Cofounder and Lead Clinical Therapist, Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist #15190. Supervised by Angelina DeSanto, LCSW, Ph.D Candidate
Dr. Joe DeSanto, MD
Angelina DeSanto, LCSW
Medical DirectorLET US HELP
Tell us how to reach you
Tell us how to reach you and someone from our team will call you back. The first conversation is short and confidential: what has been going on, what your questions are, whether this is the right level of care for you, and what it would cost with your insurance. There is no obligation to enroll, and if it is a fit you can start right away.
Prefer to call?
949.706.8610
Office hours Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 8 PM Pacific. In person care at 8780 Warner Ave, Ste 11, Fountain Valley CA 92708.