What is a PHP? If you’re exploring treatment options for mental health or substance abuse, you may have come across this term. 

Here, you’ll learn what PHP offers, how it works, who it’s best suited for, and what to look for when choosing one to help you decide if this level of care is right for you.

What Is a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) for Substance Abuse Treatment?

Partial hospitalization is an intensive outpatient program for those needing more care than standard outpatient treatment. It often follows inpatient or residential care.

In a PHP, you participate in structured treatment sessions during the day and return home in the evenings. This approach provides comprehensive support while allowing you to maintain daily responsibilities. PHPs are more intensive than standard outpatient programs but less restrictive than inpatient care.

Effectiveness

A study assessing patient outcomes in PHPs reported improvements in quality of life and reductions in opiate use at follow-up. Participants who showed greater enhancements in health, substance use, and emotional well-being were less likely to relapse.¹

Common Therapies and Services Offered in a PHP

To understand how a PHP compares to other treatments, it’s helpful to know the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) care levels. This system ranks care from 0.5 (early intervention) to 4 (intensive inpatient). PHPs are a 2.5 level, offering mid-level support.² 

This means that PHPs are a middle ground between inpatient and outpatient care, offering many of the same treatments as inpatient programs.

These treatments and services include:^{3, 4}

• Individual Therapy: One-on-one sessions with a counselor to address personal challenges.
• Group Therapy: Sessions with peers to share experiences and support each other.
• Family Therapy: Involving family members to improve communication and support systems.
• Educational Workshops: Learning about substance abuse, coping strategies, and relapse prevention.
• Medication Management: Monitoring and adjusting medications as needed.

These services aim to provide comprehensive support for your recovery journey.

The Typical Length and Schedule of a PHP

The duration and schedule of a PHP can vary based on individual needs. Typically, programs run for several weeks, with sessions held five to seven days a week, each lasting several hours. 

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), PHPs provide at least six hours of treatment per day, but schedules may vary by facility.⁵

This structure offers intensive support while allowing you to apply new skills in your daily environment.

Who Needs PHP Treatment? 

Knowing if PHP is the right fit for you depends on several factors:

Your Addiction Is Severe: PHPs are designed for individuals needing more support than standard outpatient care but not requiring full hospitalization.⁶

You Have Co-occurring Mental Health Issues: If you’re dealing with both addiction and mental health conditions like depression or anxiety, PHPs can address both simultaneously.

You’ve Completed Detox: After detoxification, PHPs can help you transition smoothly into ongoing treatment.

You Have a Supportive Home Environment: Stable housing and a supportive home life enhance the effectiveness of PHPs.⁷

You’re Motivated for Recovery: A strong commitment to actively participate in therapy is paramount for success in a PHP. 

PHPs might not be suitable if:

You Need 24/7 Supervision: If your situation requires constant medical attention, inpatient programs may be more appropriate.

Your Home Environment Isn’t Supportive: Lacking a stable or supportive home can hinder the benefits of a PHP.

Consulting with healthcare professionals can help determine if a PHP aligns with your specific needs and circumstances.

Other Criteria for Participation

To benefit from a PHP, you should be able to actively participate in group activities and discussions, as these programs rely heavily on group processes. You’ll work with staff to set therapeutic goals, focusing on learning interpersonal, coping, and life skills.

Functionality and Independence

Success in a PHP requires a certain level of functionality and independence, including the ability to engage in therapy sessions, follow a daily treatment schedule, and manage medications. While complete independence isn’t necessary, being able to participate actively is required.

PHPs cater to specific groups, such as adolescents, adults, or older adults, tailoring treatment to their unique needs.

What to Look for in a PHP for Substance Abuse

If you’ve decided that a PHP is the right choice for you, it’s important to find a high-quality program that meets your needs. Not all PHPs are the same, so knowing what to look for can help you get the best care.

Location

Choosing a PHP close to home can make it easier to attend daily treatment sessions. However, if your home environment isn’t supportive or has too many triggers, a program in a different city may be a better option.

Facility Accreditation & Compliance

Make sure the PHP is accredited by organizations like The Joint Commission. A good PHP should also follow HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) regulations to protect your personal information. If you’re in California, look for DHCS (Department of Health Care Services) Certification, which ensures that the facility meets state requirements.

Qualified Staff

You want a program with experienced and licensed professionals, including:

• Licensed Therapists – Provide individual and group therapy.
• Addiction Specialists – Understand the complexities of substance abuse.
• Psychiatrists – Can prescribe medications if needed.
• Wellness Coaches – Help with stress management and healthy lifestyle habits.

Therapies and Treatment Approaches

A strong PHP should offer a mix of therapies to support your recovery, such as:

• Holistic Treatment in PHPs: Many PHPs include holistic therapies like yoga, meditation, acupuncture, and art therapy to support both mental and physical healing.
• Virtual Substance Abuse Programs: Some PHPs offer virtual treatment options, allowing you to attend therapy and counseling sessions online while maintaining a structured recovery plan.
• Intensive Outpatient (IOP) vs. Outpatient (OP) Programs: PHPs provide more structured care than IOPs and OPs, acting as a middle step between inpatient treatment and lower levels of outpatient care.
• Group Therapy in PHPs: Group therapy is a key part of PHPs, helping you build a support network, learn from others’ experiences, and develop healthy communication skills.

Taking the time to research and choose the right PHP can make a big difference in your recovery journey. Look for a program that fits your needs, offers quality care, and provides the right level of support.

Finding a Partial Hospitalization Program Near You

Here’s how you can approach this:

1. Start with Online Research

Begin by searching for PHPs in your area using terms like “partial hospitalization program near [your city or state].” This can lead you to directories and treatment centers offering PHP services.

2. Consult National Directories

Websites such as SAMHSA provide directories of treatment facilities nationwide. These resources allow you to filter programs based on location and services offered.

3. Evaluate Program Credentials

Ensure that the PHPs you’re considering have proper accreditation and licensing. Accreditations from organizations like The Joint Commission indicate adherence to high standards of care.

4. Consider Virtual Options

Some treatment centers offer virtual PHPs, allowing you to receive intensive care from the comfort of your home. For example, OceanRock Health in Newport Beach, California, provides licensed virtual intensive outpatient programs, which might suit your needs if you’re in or near that area.

5. Seek Recommendations

Reach out to healthcare professionals, support groups, or individuals in recovery for recommendations on reputable PHPs. Personal insights can be invaluable in making your decision.

6. Verify Insurance Coverage

Contact your insurance provider to determine which PHPs are covered under your plan. This step can help you manage costs and focus on programs within your network.

By following these steps, you can identify a PHP that aligns with your recovery goals and personal circumstances.

Understanding what is a PHP and your options is important, and now you have a better idea of what to expect. With the right support, you can move forward on your path to recovery. 

Find inpatient services at South Coast Counseling.

Sources

Blevins, C. E., Abrantes, A. M., Kurth, M. E., Gordon, A. L., & Stein, M. D. (2018). Quality of life and well-being following inpatient and partial hospitalization treatment for opioid use disorder. Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, 32(3), 505–509. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apnu.2018.01.008

American Society of Addiction Medicine. (2022). About the ASAM Criteria. American Society of Addiction Medicine. https://www.asam.org/asam-criteria/about-the-asam-criteria

Thomas, F., Leung, M., Drozd, J., & Maier. (2009). Impacts Associated with the Medicare Psychiatric PPS: A Study of Partial Hospitalization Programs Report Prepared for. https://www.cms.gov/Research-Statistics-Data-and-Systems/Statistics-Trends-and-Reports/Reports/downloads/Leung_PHP_PPS_2010.pdf

Khawaja, I. S., & WesterMeyer, J. J. (2010). Psychiatry, 7(2), 28-31. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2848466/pdf/PE_7_2_28.pdf

Substance Abuse: Clinical Issues in Intensive Outpatient Treatment A Treatment Improvement Protocol TIP 47 INTENSIVE OUTPATIENT TREATMENT. (n.d.). https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/SAMHSA_Digital_Download/sma13-4182.pdf

SAMHSA. (2023, April 24). Types of Treatment. Samhsa.gov. https://www.samhsa.gov/find-support/learn-about-treatment/types-of-treatment

Karl, D., White, E., & Kopstein, A. (n.d.). SAMHSA by the Knowledge Application Program (KAP), a Joint Venture of The CDM Group, Inc., and JBS International, Inc., under contract number 270-99-7072, with SAMHSA. https://library.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/sma14-4126.pdf