Behavioral Health/Psychiatric Services - Partial Hospitalization

Partial Hospitalization Program

The Partial Hospitalization Program (also known as PHP) bridges the gap between inpatient and outpatient therapies. It offers intensive, time-limited, outpatient psychiatric services to patients living in the community. The PHP meets the needs of individuals who require less than 24-hour care, but who need more comprehensive psychiatric evaluation and treatment than can reasonably be provided in a traditional outpatient setting.

The Partial Hospital is designed to be both:

1.    A "crisis stabilization" program for outpatients for whom PHP treatment can help avoid an inpatient admission, and
2.    A "step-down" program for recently discharged inpatients who need additional structure and treatment as they transition back to the community.

The Partial Hospitalization Program accepts referrals of older adults with acute psychiatric symptoms. Generally, patients fifty years or older will be considered for admission.

Our Services

The PHP offers a full range of services that address the psychological, biological, and social aspects of the patient's illness. We offer:

•    Individual and intensive assessment and diagnostic work-up
•    Medication evaluation and monitoring
•    Treatment with group, family, and individual therapy
•    Patient and caregiver education, including life skills groups
•    Discharge planning

Partial Hospitalization runs Monday-Friday from 8:45am-2:30pm.  The average length of stay in the program is approximately fourteen days, but is always tailored to the patients’ treatment needs. Transportation is available from local communities on an as needed basis.

Our Approach

All patients admitted to the PHP are assigned to a multidisciplinary treatment team which include a psychiatrist, nurse, social workers and occupational therapist.  The multidisciplinary team bring their expertise to bear in developing an individualized treatment plan. Treatment goals are set with patient and family participation, and progress is monitored on a daily basis. The goal of treatment is to restore the patient's overall well-being and ability to function effectively in the home and community.
Advantages of the PHP:

•    CAN AVOID INPATIENT HOSPITALIZATION- The PHP is an alternative to inpatient hospitalization. Patients in crisis can be diverted to participate in the PHP and avoid being hospitalized.
•    SHORTEN HOSPITAL STAY- The PHP can also act as a step-down program for hospitalized inpatients. It is an effective mechanism for shortening inpatient length of stay. Patients with stable home environment can be discharged earlier to the PHP and can avoid lengthy hospitalizations.
•    CAN PROVIDE URGENT ACCESS TO PSYCHIATRIC CARE- The PHP can offer patients a rapid alternative to traditional outpatient care in the need is urgent and waiting for an outpatient appointment is not possible.

Location

Lawrence Memorial Hospital of Medford
200 Governors Avenue, Medford, MA
(located on the ground floor of the Courtyard Nursing Home)

To make a referral or for more information, please call 781-306-6155