If you think that the person with a bleeding disorder could be successful in an outpatient program, consider a referral to a partial hospitalization program (PHP), an intensive outpatient program (IOP), counseling, and/or medication management as an alternative to inpatient or residential treatment. Outpatient programs typically do not deny access to people with bleeding disorders because of their bleeding disorders.

If not, the person with a bleeding disorder will need medical stabilization prior to a referral to an inpatient or residential treatment facility.

Through interviews with hemophilia treatment center (HTC) providers who have had success referring patients to residential treatment, BD SUMHAC found that people with bleeding disorders typically have more success accessing inpatient/ residential treatment programs when a non-bleeding disorders provider (a PCP, an emergency room social worker, the person’s therapist, etc) makes the initial referral with the support of the bleeding disorder provider. Unless the bleeding disorders provider has a pre-existing relationship with the behavioral health facility, when a bleeding disorders provider makes the initial referral, it appears to highlight the patient’s bleeding disorder and may raise more questions about the condition on the part of the facility.