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What Is a Partial Hospitalization Program? We Answer 5 Common Questions About Intensive Day Treatment
Dr. Glowiak has a PhD in counselor education and supervision and has served those struggling with addiction while continuing to spread awareness on the topic to students, clinicians, instructors, and the general public.
Dr. Glowiak has a PhD in counselor education and supervision and has served those struggling with addiction while continuing to spread awareness on the topic to students, clinicians, instructors, and the general public.
When you’re dealing with mental health challenges or addiction, figuring out what kind of help you need can feel confusing and overwhelming. Maybe you’ve tried regular therapy sessions once a week, but it doesn’t feel like enough. Or perhaps you’re worried that checking into a hospital means being away from home for weeks.
That’s where the partial hospitalization program (PHP) comes in. It’s designed for people who need more support than weekly therapy sessions can provide, but don’t require round-the-clock medical supervision. Think of it as a middle ground—you’ll receive intensive treatment during the day, but you still get to sleep in your own bed at night.
Here’s everything you need to know about PHPs, from what to expect during treatment to whether this option might be right for you.
One quick note: You may see some programs called “high-intensity outpatient” instead of “partial hospitalization program.” The addiction medicine field updated their terminology in 2023 because these programs aren’t actually delivered in hospitals. It’s the same type of treatment. Throughout this article, we’ll use “PHP” since that’s the common term, but if you’re searching for programs, you might find them listed under either name.
1. What Is the Purpose of Partial Hospitalization?
The purpose of partial hospitalization programs is to provide intensive, structured treatment for those with mental health and substance use disorders while allowing them to live at home and attend to their daily lives. PHPs bridge the gap between inpatient care and outpatient therapy,1 offering a higher level of support than traditional outpatient services without requiring full-time hospitalization.
These treatment programs focus on stabilizing patients, improving their daily functioning, and equipping them with coping strategies necessary for recovery. PHPs also emphasize family involvement, helping to strengthen the support networks that are vital to long-term recovery success.
2. What Can I Expect from a PHP Program?
A PHP provides a comprehensive range of health services2 designed to support people experiencing significant mental health challenges. Key components include:
- Assessment and evaluation: You’ll undergo a thorough assessment of your mental health status, substance use history, and individual needs to create a tailored treatment plan.
- Individual therapy: One-on-one psychotherapy sessions with a licensed mental health professional help you explore personal issues, develop coping strategies, and address specific challenges.
- Group therapy: Structured group sessions facilitate peer support, allowing you to share experiences and learn from others through approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).
- Family therapy: Many programs include family members in the recovery process to improve communication and create a supportive home environment.
- Medication management: If you’re prescribed psychiatric medications, your clinicians can evaluate and adjust your medication plan.
- Psychoeducation: Educational sessions provide information about mental health conditions, coping strategies, and recovery resources.
- Holistic therapies: Some PHPs incorporate complementary therapies like art therapy, music therapy, mindfulness practices, or yoga to enhance your comfort and well-being.
- Crisis intervention: Programs teach strategies to help you manage acute symptoms and prevent future hospitalizations.
- Discharge planning: Providers work with you to develop a relapse prevention and continuing care plan, including referrals to outpatient therapy and community resources.
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3. Who Is a Good Candidate for a PHP?
You might be a good candidate for PHP3 if you meet several criteria:
- Severity of symptoms: You have significant symptoms of a mental health disorder or substance use disorder that need more intensive treatment than a standard outpatient setting can provide. This can include factors like suicidal thoughts, severe mood swings, or uncontrolled substance abuse.
- Functional impairment: You’re experiencing considerable difficulty in daily functioning—work, relationships, or self-care—due to mental health or addiction issues.
- Previous treatment history: PHPs work well for people who haven’t responded adequately to outpatient treatment or need transition support after inpatient care.
- Stabilization needs: You need help stabilizing symptoms to prevent hospitalization or relapse, but you’re not in immediate danger.
- Treatment commitment: You’re willing and able to actively participate in daily sessions and therapeutic activities.
PHPs especially benefit people with severe mental health disorders like major depression or bipolar disorder, those with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, people transitioning from inpatient care, and those who are at risk of hospitalization but not in immediate crisis.
4. How Does PHP Compare to Other Treatment Options?
PHPs provide more comprehensive care than intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) but less restriction than inpatient treatment. Here’s how they compare:
PHP vs. Inpatient
A PHP allows you to return home each evening, while inpatient treatment requires 24/7 facility residence until you’re stable enough for a lower level of care.
PHP vs. Intensive Outpatient (IOP)
PHPs typically involve 3-6 hours of treatment daily, 5-7 days per week, while intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) usually offer 3-4 hours of treatment, 3-5 days per week. PHPs provide more intensive crisis intervention, while IOPs focus more on ongoing recovery skills.
This step-down approach often works well—you might start with PHP to stabilize your condition, then transition to IOP as you progress.
5. How Long Does PHP Treatment Last?
PHP duration varies significantly based on your treatment facility and your individual needs. Generally, programs last from several weeks to several months, with treatment offered 5-7 days per week for 3-6 hours daily.
Several factors influence length of stay:
- The severity of your condition
- Your response to treatment
- Specific treatment goals
- The presence of co-occurring disorders
Those with more severe issues may need longer programs, while people who show rapid improvement might transition to outpatient care sooner.
Is a PHP the Middle Ground You Need?
Partial hospitalization programs offer intensive support while letting you maintain important connections to home and family. If you or your loved one are struggling with mental health challenges or addiction, PHP could be the structured pathway to recovery you’ve been looking for.
Don’t wait for things to get worse. Find a program in your area and speak with an admissions advisor today to see if PHP is right for you.
FAQs
Q: Is transportation provided for PHP participants?
A: Many PHPs do not provide transportation, so participants are typically responsible for their own travel to and from the program. Some facilities may offer resources or referrals to assist with transportation options.
Q: Can I continue my medication while in a PHP?
A: Yes, PHPs often include medication management as part of the treatment plan. Participants can work with a psychiatrist or physician to evaluate and adjust their medications as needed throughout the program.
Q: What is the expected outcome of completing a PHP?
A: The goal of a PHP is to help you develop coping skills, stabilize your mental health, and prepare for a successful transition to outpatient care, ensuring you have the tools and support necessary for ongoing recovery.
Q: How can I find a suitable partial hospitalization program?
A: To find a PHP that fits your needs, consider speaking with a mental health professional, researching local facilities, or checking with your insurance provider for covered programs in your area.
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1. Nasrallah, H. A. (2021). The art of psychopharmacology: A sub-specialty of psychiatry. Current Psychiatry, 20(2), 28–30. https://cdn.mdedge.com/files/s3fs-public/CP02102028.PDF
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2. Hoge, M. A., Farrell, S. P., Munchel, M. E., & Strauss, J. S. (1988). Therapeutic Factors in Partial Hospitalization. Psychiatry, 51(2), 199–210. https://doi.org/10.1080/00332747.1988.11024392
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3. Khawaja, I. S., & Westermeyer, J. J. (2010). Providing Crisis-oriented and Recovery-based Treatment in Partial Hospitalization Programs. Psychiatry (Edgmont (Pa. : Township)), 7(2), 28–31.
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