Adult Partial Hospitalization

CentraCare’s adult partial hospitalization program (PHP) gives you short-term, intensive help to stabilize and treat your mental health. Look forward to structured and coordinated care in a supportive setting at St. Cloud Hospital. You’ll spend weekdays with us but return home in the afternoon.

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For Providers

Download the Adult Partial Hospitalization Program Referral Form.

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Do I Need Partial Hospitalization?

Your clinician might recommend this program if:

  • You have serious mental health symptoms that would normally need hospitalization, but you can be safe at home.
  • Your symptoms haven’t improved with less intensive care.
  • Your condition is getting worse.
  • You have trouble functioning at home, school or work.
  • You can set goals and are willing to participate in the program.

You can join this program as an alternative to or step down from inpatient treatment.

How You Benefit

With support from PHP, you may:

  • Feel better and more stable
  • Reduce your symptoms
  • Have shorter or fewer inpatient hospital stays for mental health care

Personal Treatment Plan

Our team, led by a psychiatrist, will create a treatment plan just for you. The team includes therapists, nurses, recreation therapists and program facilitators. They’ll recommend behavioral health services and help you set up or continue outpatient care when you leave the program.

What to Expect

The PHP runs Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The program is based on group therapy. Each day, you join five group sessions and take part in activities like mindfulness meditation, recreation and education.

You meet with a psychiatrist once or twice a week, depending on your needs. You’ll also have individual therapy once a week with a psychotherapist. Family therapy is available, too.

How long you stay in the program depends on your progress and participation. Most people stay in the program for one to three weeks, with 10–­15 days being the average length of attendance.

PHP Rules & Guidelines

Learn how to make your time at St. Cloud Hospital go smoothly.

Respect

To keep a safe environment, treat others with respect. If someone’s behavior upsets you, try to talk to them directly. If you don’t feel comfortable doing so, tell a staff member.

Confidentiality

Keep what you hear in group sessions private. Do not talk about other group members outside of the group. Trust and empathy are essential for mutual trust. We won’t share your information without your written consent, except in cases of child or vulnerable adult maltreatment or as otherwise required by law.

Attendance

Attend all activities on time unless staff make other arrangements. If you miss two sessions, the team will determine if you still meet the program’s criteria. Not attending may affect your insurance coverage. If you must miss a session, call the program staff at 320-229-5199, ext. 70520.

Mental Health Appointments

While in the PHP, you should postpone other counseling, therapy and psychiatric appointments until discharge. Talk to PHP staff about rescheduling any existing appointments. Insurers require you to attend PHP every day, Monday through Friday. Discuss any special health needs with the staff.

Phone Calls

Turn off or silence your cell phone during programming. Put away electronic devices and earbuds during all group sessions unless you expect an important call, which staff must approve before the group starts.

Patient-to-Patient Relationships

You may feel connected to other group members due to shared experiences and emotions. However, relationships formed in the program may not fit into your post-treatment life. Be careful about continuing relationships outside the program. They can disrupt your treatment.

Medications

During the nursing assessment, we’ll review your psychiatric medications. You’ll be responsible for taking your medications during the PHP. If you have questions or side effects, tell the program staff. Inform the nursing staff of any herbal supplements and non-prescribed substances, including caffeine, that you take.

Meals

You’ll get a meal ticket to buy food in the hospital café, or you can bring your lunch. Take leftover food home at the end of the day; otherwise, we’ll throw it out the next morning. A coffeemaker, ice/water machine and refrigerator are available for your use. Tell staff about any special dietary needs, and clean up after yourself.

Attire

Wear casual, comfortable and modest clothing. Some activities may involve light exercise, so dress accordingly. Avoid colognes, perfumes or scented lotions because other participants may have allergies or sensitivities.

Drugs & Alcohol

Don’t attend the program under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as they interfere with medications and therapy.

Smoking

St. Cloud Hospital is a non-smoking facility. Use cigarettes, tobacco or electronic cigarettes only during the lunch break, in your vehicle or off-campus grounds.

Safety

We want you and other participants to feel safe with us. If you ever feel unsafe, tell us right away so we can help.

Helpful Guidelines

  • Be direct and honest about everything related to your treatment.
  • Tell us about any changes in your health.
  • Work with us to set and review treatment goals.
  • Respect the rights and confidentiality of other group members and staff.

Advocate for Yourself

  • Speak up if you have questions or need clarification.
  • Pay attention to your care and ensure you get the right treatments and medications.
  • Educate yourself about your diagnosis, medical tests and treatment plan.
  • Ask a trusted family member or friend to be your advocate.
  • Know what medications you take and why you take them.
  • Participate in all decisions about your treatment.

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