molluskich t1_itstlje wrote on October 26, 2022 at 1:15 AM

There's also the option of going to a partial hospitalization program, which is like inpatient only you get to go home every day. It's like group therapy from 9am to 3pm Monday through Friday with a break for lunch, along with visits from a psychiatrist for medication management. I really recommend the PHP program at Parham Doctors Hospital. I've been there before, I know several others who have as well. It's a good program, I found it more relaxed and easier to manage than going inpatient.

grantcary t1_iu9aq3h wrote on October 29, 2022 at 3:42 PM

Piggybacking off of your comment - I did a PHP program thru Tuckers at Chippenham because Parham said I didn't quite need to be admitted but they didn't have any spots available in their PHP at that time. The one I did thru Tuckers was all virtual at the time due to the pandemic but it was still extremely helpful and I would highly recommend it. Everyone I worked with during my evaluation was very kind and understanding, the social worker who led most of our group sessions and lessons/activities was an angel. And although the prescribing physician wasn't really amazing, she wasn't bad by any means and she still got me started on the right path med-wise.

I know Tuckers also offers an IOP (intensive outpatient program) as a step-down option, which is a half day program as opposed to PHP which is full day. Anyway, OP - if your friend doesn't actively have a plan to harm themselves or others at this time, then inpatient care may not end up being necessary and an outpatient program may be a good option for them to look into. Doing a PHP was honestly probably the best decision I have ever made, I learned some truly invaluable things through it.