Partial hospitalization program (php) for drug and alcohol addiction treatment

A partial hospitalization program is a structured, intensive outpatient treatment option for individuals needing more support than traditional therapy but not requiring 24-hour inpatient care. Often called day treatment, PHPs provide several hours of therapy and support each day while allowing patients to return home in the evening.

PHPs are commonly used for both addiction and mental health treatment. They typically involve treatment sessions lasting between four to eight hours a day, multiple days per week. Programs may be tailored to specific conditions, such as substance use disorders, trauma, eating disorders, mood disorders or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Treatment is delivered by a team of professionals, which may include psychiatrists, therapists, social workers, and case managers.

Partial hospitalization programs offer many of the same therapies and adult services as inpatient rehab programs while allowing individuals to return home at the end of the day. While specific services vary by program, a partial hospitalization program and an intensive outpatient program often include:

• Individual counseling
• Group counseling
• Family counseling
• Medication management
• Educational groups
• Expressive therapies, such as music or art therapy
• Aftercare and relapse prevention planning

A partial hospitalization program is often used as a step-down from inpatient programs or as an alternative to a residential program. They provide structure and guidance while allowing individuals to apply their recovery skills in real-world settings. The length of time a person spends in a partial hospitalization program varies, ranging from a few weeks to several months, based on individual needs and progress.

A partial hospitalization program is a structured treatment option for individuals struggling with addiction or mental health conditions who need more support than traditional outpatient therapy provides. It offers intensive therapy without requiring a residential stay, making it ideal for those transitioning from inpatient treatment or those needing more structure to maintain stability.

A PHP may be beneficial if:

• You require a higher level of care to manage addiction or mental health symptoms
• Maintaining daily responsibilities feels overwhelming due to substance use or mental health issue(s)
• You’re at risk of relapse and need structured support to stay on track
• Outpatient therapy alone has not been effective in managing your condition

For some, a PHP serves as an alternative to inpatient rehab, while for others, it acts as a step-down level of care after a residential program. This approach allows individuals to continue treatment while gradually adjusting to daily life, reinforcing recovery skills in a supportive setting.

Your primary care provider or therapist may refer you to a specific treatment program based on your mental health diagnosis, symptoms, and level of need. Since only one program may not always be enough, providers may also recommend additional mental health services or ongoing support to ensure lasting progress.

A partial hospitalization program provides intensive treatment for individuals struggling with mental health conditions or substance use disorders, offering a structured environment without requiring inpatient hospitalization. PHPs are often used as a step-down from residential treatment or as a structured starting point for recovery after detox, depending on individual needs. While PHPs are voluntary, there are certain admission requirements to ensure the program is a good fit.

The admission process for an adult partial hospitalization program begins with contacting the rehab center. Following this, an addiction specialists will conduct a brief assessment to determine whether the program meets your treatment needs. This assessment typically includes questions about your substance use disorder history, mental health conditions, and treatment goals. If the rehab program is a good fit, the next steps may involve an admissions representative working with your insurance company to verify coverage, obtaining preauthorization if needed, and coordinating care with your psychiatrist, therapist, or primary care provider.

Some factors that may determine eligibility for an adult partial hospital program include:

• Commitment to attending scheduled program hours and actively participating in therapeutic programming including individual therapy, group therapy and support groups
• Not experiencing active suicidal thoughts or requiring inpatient hospitalization
• A need for a structured environment offering more support than standard outpatient care
• A stable and supportive environment at home that allows for recovery outside of treatment hours

If you meet the criteria for this treatment program, the PHP team will work with you to finalize enrollment, verify insurance benefits, and help you prepare for partial hospitalization treatment. For those without insurance, many rehab centers offer financial assistance through sliding-scale fees, payment plans, or state and federal funding options to help make treatment accessible.

The cost of a partial hospitalization program depends on factors like the facility, treatment duration, location, level of care, and insurance coverage. PHPs are generally more affordable than residential treatment but still provide structured, intensive care. Prices can range from a few hundred dollars per day to significantly more at hospital-based programs or rehabs offering specialized services like dual diagnosis treatment and medication management.

Insurance often covers PHP treatment, as mental health and addiction treatment are considered essential health benefits under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). However, coverage varies by plan, and factors like in-network vs. out-of-network providers, deductibles, and preauthorization requirements can impact out-of-pocket costs. Checking your benefits with your health insurance company or contacting a treatment center directly is the best way to determine what you’ll need to pay. For more information, contact our rehab facility—we’ll work with you and your insurance provider to help you maximize your benefits and explore the best payment options for your treatment.

For those without health insurance, many facilities accept payment plans, sliding-scale fees, credit cards, or loans. State and federal programs, such as grants from Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA), may also help cover treatment costs. Some counties and states offer low-cost or free PHP program options as well as Medicare and Medicaid services for those who qualify.

A partial hospitalization program offers a middle ground between residential treatment or inpatient care and outpatient care. It offers structured support during the day while allowing individuals to return home at night.

Some benefits of PHP include:

• Comprehensive mental health care: The services offered in this treatment program include individual and group therapy, family therapy, medication management, and other therapeutic services in one setting. This structured approach ensures individuals receive comprehensive care for mental health conditions and substance use disorders.
• Greater flexibility: Since PHPs do not require overnight stays, individuals can continue working, attending school, or managing personal responsibilities. This makes them a good fit for those who need intensive treatment but still have external commitments.
• Lower costs: PHPs are generally more affordable than inpatient hospitalization or residential treatment programs, making them a cost-effective option for those seeking structured care without the higher expenses of full-time inpatient services.
• Supportive home environment: PHPs work best for individuals who have a stable and sober living situation that supports recovery. Those without a supportive environment may benefit from sober living arrangements while attending PHP.
• No need for 24-hour monitoring: PHPs are designed for individuals who do not require round-the-clock supervision but still need structured treatment to maintain stability.

Since PHPs require daily attendance, those participating should have reliable transportation to and from the treatment program. If you’re considering a PHP, our treatment team can help determine whether it’s the right fit based on your recovery needs.

A partial hospitalization program provides addiction and mental health services for individuals struggling with a range of mental health disorders and substance abuse issues that can’t step away from their everyday life. Some of the conditions treated in a PHP treatment program include:

• Substance use disorders
• Anxiety disorders
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Bipolar disorder
• Major depression
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Suicidal thoughts or attempts
• Eating disorders

A PHP treatment program may be recommended as a step down from an inpatient or residential treatment program or as a structured alternative to residential treatment for those who do not require 24-hour supervision. These programs provide medical treatment and individual and group therapy while helping individuals develop coping skills and build healthy habits for long-term recovery.

A partial hospitalization program (PHP) and an intensive outpatient program (IOP) are both structured outpatient treatment options, but they differ in intensity and time commitment. PHPs offer a higher level of care than IOPs, making them a better fit for individuals who need more structure and support without residential care.

Both programs typically last 30 to 90 days and include medical and psychiatric care, along with various treatment modalities and therapeutic interventions, including individual therapy, group therapy, and evidence-based approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT). The biggest difference between them is the time required for treatment. PHPs run for most of the day, with sessions lasting four to eight hours, five to seven days a week. IOPs, on the other hand, are more flexible, requiring at least nine hours of treatment per week, often spread over three sessions.

A partial hospitalization program provides more structured care throughout the day, making them a better option for those who need a higher level of support. IOPs offer a more flexible schedule, allowing individuals to continue working, attending school, or managing family responsibilities while they attend treatment.

Partial hospitalization programs and inpatient treatment both offer structured care, but they differ in intensity and setting. Inpatient treatment requires a person to stay at a facility 24/7. It provides a highly structured environment with round-the-clock medical supervision, making it best for individuals who need intensive care, crisis stabilization, or medical detox. The focus is on removing distractions and providing a controlled setting for recovery.

PHPs offer a high level of care but allow individuals to live at home or in supportive housing. Treatment typically takes place for several hours a day, five to seven days a week. PHPs provide medical and therapeutic support similar to inpatient programs but with more flexibility. They work well for individuals stepping down from inpatient care or those who need more support than standard outpatient treatment provides.

The main difference is that inpatient rehab is residential, while PHPs allow individuals to maintain some independence while still receiving intensive care.