If a person is experiencing mental health issues or a substance abuse disorder, he or she might require more assistance than is offered in weekly therapy and not be ready for residential therapy treatment. A partial hospitalization program (PHP) can be greatly beneficial just in that situation. If you’ve ever asked yourself the question “what is a partial hospitalization program?” you’ve asked a good one; it’s a treatment facility that is intense during the day, but evolves to normalcy when it gets down to nighttime applications and individuals take home.
At Florida Atlantic Coast Treatment Solutions, we know that “one size fits all” is not the right approach to recovery. Many require free medical care, therapy and freedom. Another form of rehab, less intensive than inpatient, but more stabilizing than living on your own, will be called a partial hospitalization program (PHP). You will gain emotional stability and learn to handle your problems and how you are progressing with your rehab program without staying at an inpatient hospital or rehab facility.
Key Takeaways
- Partial hospitalization programs (also called “day treatment facilities”) offer mental health and addictions treatment during the day, and treatment is also provided by connection after hours to get home.
- Philosophy is between the support received in outpatient and inpatient treatment.
- Rehabilitation always has a component of therapy, and any mental or psychiatric medical problems, including addiction, are handled if they’d like to have it happen or withdrawals are treated.
- Depressed individuals with anxiety disorders, trauma disorders, substance use disorders, or dual diagnoses can reap the benefits of PHP.
- Medical necessity and the insurance network will determine whether or not PHP services are covered.
What is a Partial Hospitalization Program?
A partial hospitalization program is an intensive treatment program that offers intensive therapeutic intervention; yet, it’s less intensive than a lifetime treatment program. Treatment will generally be provided on the basis of a few hours per day, two or three days per week.
The organization of PHP aids people in keeping up stability and, most significantly, keeping up with some elements of daily living. An individual could come to treatment and therapy throughout the day and return home during the evening to their family, for instance.
Someone who could be used to care for a person who:
- Treatment finished in the last 2 weeks.
- Recent inpatient treatment.
- Need greater support than with traditional outpatient treatment.
- If you’re facing mental health problems getting worse,
- To anyone in dire need of addiction recovery treatment
- Partially requires the monitoring and therapeutic use of drugs
The most commonly used types of PHP are used in mental health treatment facilities, as well as addiction rehabilitation facilities.
What is the Purpose of a Partial Hospitalization Program?
The purpose of a partial hospitalization program is to provide intensive therapy in a safe environment, with a certain amount of independence.
With its ability to connect hospitals and outpatient operations, PHP comes in between. It offers care at home at a full level without the need for someone to reside within a care home.
The following are some of those regions that are likely to have PHP:
- Taking care of symptoms of mental disorders.
- Preventing relapse
- Teaching coping skills
- Improving emotional regulation
- Addressing underlying trauma
- Supporting long-term recovery
- Making good practice for daily habits (routine).
It is a PHP program that can be used as a first step to the early addiction recovery stage for those on the road to recovery and accountability.
Who Can Benefit From PHP?
For those who have one of these symptoms, they may be able to benefit from a partial hospitalization program:
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Bipolar disorder
- PTSD and trauma
- Substance use disorders
- Depression and addiction co-occur
- Emotional instability
- Self-destructive behaviors
If there are a lot of requirements and they are not in poor health and could reside anywhere, PHP will make a big difference to them.
Once a person has been placed in a residential rehab facility, they wish to get as much therapy as needed to prepare for a successful transition out.
The PHP is provided to help support a person’s transition from rehab treatment to their life with a more intense treatment, depending on the person’s needs. Those with acute anxiety and/or depression can be admitted to PHP to avoid psychiatric admission.
What Happens During a Partial Hospitalization Program?
There is a partial hospital care facility (PHC); you will be given highly structured, individualized treatment. The majority of programs provide various therapies and medical and educational services.
Known PHP elements are:
Individual Therapy
People can have one-on-one therapy sessions to assist in working through emotions, triggers, and goals in individual therapy.
Group Therapy
Group sessions include peer support/communication skills and coping skills and emotional management skills.
Medication Management
Medications will be tracked by a psychiatrist or medical practitioner who can make dosage adjustments if needed and assist with any side effects.
Relapse Prevention
As people get in tune with their recovery, they learn techniques to deal with the temptations, develop healthy habits, and keep them from falling back into previous addictive behavior.
Family Support
Help for families to learn about each other, develop support, and enhance family communications may be offered at some PHPs through family counseling and/or educational groups.
Holistic Therapies
Other programs can incorporate wellness education that can contain mindfulness, stress management, nutrition support, and/or recreational therapies.
Ready to explore treatment for you or a loved one? Connect with our team today.
How Long Does PHP Typically Last?
Each partial hospitalization program is unique and may offer different lengths of services, depending on the individual’s progress, symptoms, and needs.
The length of most PHP programs is anywhere from two to 6 weeks, and for some, there are extended options. Treatment is typically performed 5 days a week, for a number of hours a day.
If the person providing the care does more of the care, or if the time until they need care is shorter, the care team may consider helping the person who provides care to transition to an outpatient treatment experience.
How Long are Most Partial Hospitalization Programs?
The rule of thumb is that it is a partial admission of about 4–8 hours per day, 5 or more days per week, unless otherwise specified.
Intensity of care gives people regular therapeutic support and prevents the need to be hospitalized. They can also offer structure, which may be helpful in the aftermath of an addiction and/or mental health crisis recovery.
Is Partial Hospitalization Covered by Insurance?
Partial hospitalization for programs where they are determined to be medically necessary is available at several health insurance companies.
The coverage may differ with respect to:
- Your insurance provider
- Deductibles and copays
- In-network treatment centers
- Medical evaluations
- Length of treatment
Staff at Florida Atlantic Coast Treatment Solutions can help you get admitted and let you know what your insurance can help you pay for and the kind of treatment that is available.
Is a Partial Hospitalization Program Worth It?
Many people’s lives can be changed as participants in a partial hospitalization program. There’s a lot of interest in PHP, and people can be free yet be active with their daily activities in the background.
This balance may be beneficial for aiding person(s):
- Gain skills in coping with stress in a healthy manner
- Reduce symptoms
- Improve emotional stability
- Avoid hospitalization
- Strengthen recovery foundations
Re-establish “normalness” and routine. Re-establish a sense of trust and routine.
The research and experience have clearly demonstrated that people can attain benefits from enabled recovery from their addiction when they are involved in a funded treatment program; however, this is particularly true when assisted by post-PHP for long-haul recovery.
How Do I Know If I Need PHP?
If you have any of the following, a PHP can be beneficial:
- This is because treatment needs to be done weekly, and this isn’t the case.
- You have mental health symptoms in a way which impacts your functioning. You have symptoms of mental health issues that are interfering with functioning in your life.
- The inpatient treatment is in 6 months. Just recently been discharged from an inpatient treatment facility.
- Are you finding it hard to maintain your sobriety? It is challenging for you to be sober.
- Have mood swings or have regular outbreaks
- During the recovery period, you do need suitable assistance, and this must be well organized.
To see if PHP is a suitable level of treatment, a mental health clinician and/or addiction specialist will be able to assess you.
Find expert help for addiction and mental health at Florida Atlantic Coast Treatment Solutions. Start your journey today.
The Difference Between PHP and Other Levels of Care
If you understand what occurs in the “sweet spot” (the point on the treatment continuum where patients have the best recovery), you may be able to guide your decision-making process more readily in the direction of PHP.
Inpatient Treatment
An inpatient treatment program offers supervision and living at the treatment facility on a full-time basis to people
Partial Hospitalization Program
There are no overnight stay accommodations available at PHP, but it offers intensive daytime treatment.
Clinics that provide intensive outpatient programs (IOP):
IOP provides a shorter time of treatment than PHP and is more flexible.
Standard Outpatient Therapy
This is the typical outpatient treatment, which usually consists of 1-2 therapies per week and/or daily.
The various levels of recovery will prompt various levels of care, which can be utilized in a variety of ways depending on symptoms and symptom stability and subsequent recovery.
Why Structured Treatment Matters
Mental health and addiction issues can impact us in every aspect of life: relationships, work, sleep, and physical and emotional health. A structured treatment plan helps the person feel more stable, more held accountable, and more supported as a person in treatment.
Some can do this in a safe setting during a part-time hospitalization program, which helps them to attend to the evolution process of what is now theirs, making it possible to use the freedom consciously afforded by their independence.
Get Help at Florida Atlantic Coast Treatment Solutions
If you are having mental health issues or substance abuse disorders, you’re not the only one. Florida Atlantic Coast Treatment Solutions is caring and fun, complementing each individual based upon his or her program.
Our staff of trained individuals set up appropriate treatment plans and provides therapeutic help and guidance throughout the process. We are here to assist you with the transition from the hospital and/or in the process of looking for structured outpatient care.
If you want to rest easy this weekend, give us a call at (844) 643-2287 to find out more about our procedures and if your insurance company is paying for them!
Disclaimer
This blog is for informational and educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider or mental health professional regarding any medical or mental health concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of a partial hospitalization program?
A partial hospitalization program provides intensive mental health or addiction treatment while allowing patients to return home at night. It helps stabilize symptoms, improve coping skills, and support recovery without requiring full inpatient hospitalization.
How long does PHP typically last?
PHP treatment usually lasts between two and six weeks depending on individual progress, symptom severity, and treatment goals. Some people may continue longer if they need additional structured support before stepping down to outpatient care.
How long are most partial hospitalization programs?
Most partial hospitalization programs involve treatment sessions lasting four to eight hours daily, five days per week. The schedule provides consistent therapeutic support while allowing patients to maintain some independence outside treatment hours.
Is partial hospitalization covered by insurance?
Many insurance providers cover partial hospitalization programs when medically necessary. Coverage depends on the treatment provider, insurance plan, deductibles, and network status. Verification with the treatment center can help clarify benefits and costs.
Is partial hospitalization worth it?
For many individuals, PHP is highly effective because it combines intensive treatment with flexibility. It can improve emotional stability, strengthen recovery skills, and reduce the risk of relapse or psychiatric hospitalization.
How do I know if I need PHP?
You may need PHP if outpatient therapy is not enough, symptoms are worsening, or you recently completed inpatient treatment. A professional assessment can determine whether PHP is the appropriate level of care for your situation.
References
- GoodRx — Partial Hospitalization Program Overview
Recovery-based Treatment in Partial Hospitalization Programs


