When families begin their search for the right level of care, the first question is often, “What does PHP stand for in rehab?” Simply put, it stands for Partial Hospitalization Program, a model of care that provides several hours of daily clinical support while allowing patients to return home in the evening who require more support than traditional outpatient treatment but don’t need round-the-clock supervision. The program offers behavioral health services, including therapy, psychiatric care, and educational workshops tailored to the specific needs of each patient. Participants attend the program during the day and return home in the evening, allowing them to maintain their normal activities while receiving the necessary support.
Our PHP recovery program strikes a balance between intensive clinical care and personal independence, offering the flexibility to maintain daily responsibilities while receiving the structured support necessary to achieve long-term sobriety. Read on to learn what a PHP includes, who may benefit from this treatment, costs, and how to find partial hospitalization services near you.
What is a PHP Program? A Guide to Partial Hospitalization
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.
As a primary option for recovery, PHP addiction treatment is commonly used to treat both substance use and co-occurring disorders. These programs typically involve intensive 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.
What to expect during php treatment for drug or alcohol addiction
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.
Who should consider a partial hospitalization program for addiction or mental health treatment?
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 drug rehab serves as an effective alternative to inpatient treatment, while for others, it acts as a vital step-down level of care after completing a residential program, allowing for a smoother transition back into daily life. 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.
What are the admission requirements for a partial hospital program?
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 our adult PHP facility begins with contacting the rehab center. Following this, an addiction specialist will conduct a brief assessment to determine whether the program meets your specific treatment needs. Following this, an addiction specialist will conduct a brief assessment to determine if a PHP level of care is the most appropriate setting for your recovery, or if a different intensity of treatment would better serve your current goals. This assessment typically includes questions about your substance use disorder history, mental health conditions, and treatment goals. If our PHP rehab is a good fit for your needs, the next steps involve an admissions representative working with your insurance company to verify coverage and coordinating care with your existing providers to ensure a seamless transition into treatment. 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 our PHP program, our admissions team will work with you to finalize enrollment and verify insurance benefits, ensuring you are fully prepared to begin your treatment journey with us. 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.
How much does partial hospitalization cost?
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 provider is the most effective way to determine the coverage available for PHP services, as most major plans consider this level of care an essential health benefit. 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.
What are the benefits of PHP?
A partial hospitalization program offers a vital middle ground between high-intensity residential care and traditional outpatient services, providing specialized PHP treatment that ensures clinical support while allowing you to stay connected to your home life. 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 that every individual in our addiction partial hospitalization program receives comprehensive care that addresses both substance use disorders and any co-occurring mental health conditions simultaneously.
- Greater flexibility: Since PHPs do not require overnight stays, individuals can continue working, attending school, or managing personal responsibilities. Because our php substance abuse services do not require overnight stays, they are an ideal fit for individuals who need intensive clinical treatment but still have external commitments like work, school, or family care.
- 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: For those stepping down from residential care, choosing a php rehab near me is crucial for maintaining clinical continuity while beginning to reintegrate into a local home or sober living environment.
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.
Conditions treated in a php treatment program
Our PHP substance abuse services provide comprehensive care for individuals struggling with a wide range of addictions and mental health disorders, offering medical oversight and clinical support for those who cannot step away from their everyday responsibilities entirely that can’t step away from their everyday life. Our partial hospitalization program rehab provides specialized care for a variety of complex conditions, ensuring that individuals receive intensive support for:
- Substance use disorders
- Anxiety disorders
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Bipolar disorder
- Major depression
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Suicidal thoughts or attempts
- Eating disorders
Often, a php drug treatment program is recommended as a vital step-down level of care after completing a residential stay, ensuring that individuals continue to receive high-level medical and therapeutic support while transitioning back into their community 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.
What is the difference between partial hospitalization programs and intensive outpatient programs?
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.
What is the difference between partial hospitalization programs and inpatient treatment programs?
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.
What behavioral therapies are offered during PHP?
To fully understand what PHP treatment is, one must look at the structured therapies offered to help individuals manage a mental health condition or substance use disorder in a clinical setting. These therapies focus on changing unhelpful thought patterns, developing coping skills, and improving emotional regulation. Common approaches include:
Group therapy
Group therapy sessions provides a space for individuals to connect with others who share similar struggles. Led by a therapist, sessions focus on coping strategies, emotional regulation, and behavior management. Participants can share their experiences, practice social skills, and receive support in a structured setting.
Individual therapy
Individual therapy sessions allows individuals to work closely with a licensed therapist. Sessions focus on identifying personal challenges, developing coping mechanisms, and addressing underlying issues. Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) are common approaches used to help individuals change negative thought patterns and build healthier habits.
Family therapy
Family therapy sessions helps improve communication and strengthen relationships affected by addiction or mental health concerns. These sessions guide family members in setting boundaries, offering support, and addressing conflict in a productive way. The goal is to create a healthier home environment that supports recovery.
Medication management
Some individuals benefit from medications to help manage symptoms of mental health conditions. A psychiatrist or medical professional monitors prescriptions, adjusts dosages as needed, and ensures medications are working effectively without causing unnecessary side effects.
Get the addiction treatment you need here
Realizing you might have a problem with drugs or alcohol is never easy, and asking for help can feel even harder. If you or someone you care about is ready to take that step, our treatment centers can help. Call (888) 899-3880 or use our confidential contact form to reach a recovery specialist. They can help you decide if treatment is needed, explain your options, and work with you on insurance and next steps You can also call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at (888) 899-3880 for information on treatment resources in your area.
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Sources
- The Psychiatric Hospital. (1990). Definition of partial hospitalization. The National Association of Private Psychiatric Hospitals and the American Association for Partial Hospitalization.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2020). Substance abuse: Clinical issues in intensive outpatient treatment. Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) Series, No. 47.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2006). Chapter 3. Intensive outpatient treatment and the continuum of care. Substance Abuse: Clinical Issues in Intensive Outpatient Treatment.
- American Society of Addiction Medicine. (2023). About the ASAM criteria.
- Khawaja, I.S., & WesterMeyer, J.J. (2010). Providing crisis-oriented and recovery-based treatment in partial hospitalization programs. Psychiatry, 7(2), 28-31.
About the content

Written by: Carli Simmonds. Carli Simmonds holds a Master of Arts in Community Health Psychology from Northeastern University. From a young age, she witnessed the challenges her community faced with substance abuse, addiction, and mental health challenges, inspiring her dedication to the field.

Medical reviewed by: Jodi Tarantino, LICSW. Jodi is an experienced, licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) and Program Director with over 20 years of experience in Behavioral Healthcare, demonstrating expertise in substance use disorders, mental health disorders, crisis intervention, training development, and program development. She is a skilled leader in business development with a Master of Social Work (MSW) in Community and Administrative Practice from the University of New Hampshire.
Red Ribbon Recovery is committed to delivering transparent, up-to-date, and medically accurate information. All content is carefully written and reviewed by experienced professionals to ensure clarity and reliability. During the editorial and medical review process, our team fact-checks information using reputable sources. Our goal is to create content that is informative, easy to understand and helpful to our visitors.