When you or a loved one faces substance use challenges, choosing the right level of care can feel overwhelming. A partial hospitalization program for addiction treatment provides a structured, intensive approach while letting you return home each evening. This option bridges the gap between full residential care and traditional outpatient services, delivering comprehensive support without requiring a 24/7 stay.
As you explore treatment pathways, you’ll weigh factors such as therapy intensity, scheduling flexibility, insurance verification, and clinical oversight. In this guide, you’ll discover why a partial hospitalization option can be an effective step toward lasting recovery, how it compares with other outpatient models, what therapies it offers, and how to navigate admission and ongoing support.
Understand partial hospitalization
Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) occupy a mid-level position on the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) continuum of care (level 2.5). They deliver day-treatment services nearly as intensive as inpatient rehab, but without overnight residence. Instead, you attend therapy sessions and medical check-ins during the day before returning to your home or sober living environment each evening.
Who benefits from PHP
PHPs suit adults who:
- Have a stable home environment and reliable transportation
- Require more support than an intensive outpatient program (IOP) but do not need 24-hour supervision
- Are transitioning out of residential treatment and need a structured step-down option
- Face co-occurring mental health issues alongside addiction (see dual diagnosis php treatment)
Core features
Key elements of a partial hospitalization setting include:
- A consistent, structured daily schedule
- Group and individual therapy sessions
- Medical monitoring for detox or medication management
- Coordination with psychiatrists, therapists, and case managers
- Family involvement and education components
Compare PHP and IOP
Choosing between PHP and IOP often comes down to intensity, time commitment, and clinical needs. Below is a comparison to help you evaluate which level fits your situation.
| Feature | Partial hospitalization (PHP) | Intensive outpatient (IOP) |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly attendance | 5–7 days per week, 4–6 hours per day¹ | 3–5 days per week, 2–4 hours per day¹ |
| Total treatment hours | 20–30 hours per week¹ | 9–20 hours per week¹ |
| Program duration | 2–4 weeks on average¹ | 8–12 weeks on average¹ |
| ASAM level | 2.5 | 2.1 |
| Ideal candidates | Early recovery needing daily support | Those balancing work or school with treatment |
| Evening return home | Yes | Yes |
¹ Source: Resilience Recovery Resources (https://www.resiliencerecoveryresources.com/php-vs-iop/)
Intensity and duration
PHP demands near full-time participation during business hours, making it ideal if you need daily therapeutic contact and medical oversight. In contrast, an iop for mental health and addiction fits those who can apply coping skills between sessions and require less frequent check-ins.
ASAM criteria
ASAM’s placement guidelines help clinicians determine if PHP’s level 2.5 care is appropriate based on your addiction severity, medical stability, and support network. Your provider will assess factors such as risk of relapse, co-occurring disorders, and ability to self-manage medications.
Explore program structure
Understanding a typical day in PHP can clarify how this format supports recovery without full residential commitment.
Daily schedule
A standard PHP day might include:
- Morning medical check-in and vital signs
- Group therapy focusing on relapse prevention and life skills
- Lunch break with peer support discussions
- Afternoon individual counseling or psychiatric evaluation
- Evening family education sessions or support groups
Therapy sessions
You’ll engage in a mix of:
- Group therapy to build connections and accountability
- One-on-one sessions for personalized treatment planning (see php with individualized treatment planning)
- Family counseling to improve communication and relapse support (consider iop with family counseling)
Holistic and adjunct services
Many PHPs integrate holistic approaches to promote overall wellness:
- Mindfulness and meditation
- Yoga or movement therapy
- Nutritional counseling
- Art or music therapy
These services complement evidence-based practices, helping you address physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of recovery.
Assess treatment options
A robust partial hospitalization program blends multiple therapeutic modalities tailored to your needs.
Evidence-based modalities
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to identify and change unhelpful thought patterns
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) for emotion regulation and distress tolerance
- Motivational interviewing to strengthen commitment to change
- Family therapy components to resolve relational issues
Specialized tracks
Depending on your diagnosis, PHPs may offer:
- A track for mood disorders (see partial hospitalization program for depression)
- Support for trauma and PTSD (explore outpatient therapy for depression and trauma)
- Programs addressing anxiety and substance use [1]
- Recovery plans for alcohol and drug dependencies [2]
Relapse prevention
Effective PHPs integrate relapse-prevention strategies, helping you anticipate triggers and develop coping skills (see php with relapse prevention support).
Evaluate insurance coverage
Ensuring your treatment is covered can remove financial uncertainty and let you focus on recovery.
Medicare and Medicaid
Most state Medicaid programs and Medicare plans cover PHP services when deemed medically necessary. Review your plan’s authorization requirements and referral processes by consulting your provider or insurer [3].
Private insurance
Many commercial plans include PHP benefits under outpatient mental health coverage. You may need preauthorization or a mental health assessment. Ask your insurer about:
- Deductibles and copays
- In-network provider lists
- Prior authorization procedures
Financial assistance
If coverage is limited, inquire about:
- Sliding scale fees based on income
- Payment plans through the treatment center
- Scholarships or grants for behavioral health services
Some facilities specialize in addiction treatment PHP that accepts insurance and can help you navigate benefits.
Navigate admission process
Preparing for entry into a partial hospitalization program can streamline your start and ease transition.
Eligibility criteria
To qualify for PHP, you typically must:
- Demonstrate medical stability without need for 24-hour supervision
- Engage in group and individual therapies
- Self-manage prescribed medications under clinical oversight
Assessment and intake
The admission process usually involves:
- Initial phone screening to verify insurance and goals
- Comprehensive clinical assessment by a psychiatrist or counselor
- Physical exam and lab tests if required
- Development of an individualized treatment plan
What to prepare
Before your first day, gather:
- Insurance cards and referral paperwork
- List of current medications and dosages
- Emergency contact information
- Comfortable clothing and personal toiletries
Plan ongoing support
Recovery doesn’t end with PHP graduation. A continuum of care ensures you maintain progress and minimize relapse risk.
Step-down options
After partial hospitalization, you may transition to:
- An intensive outpatient program [4]
- A structured outpatient recovery program
- Standard outpatient behavioral health treatment program
Continuing therapies
Ongoing counseling and support groups reinforce the skills you learned in PHP:
- Outpatient therapy for co-occurring disorders [5]
- Family therapy to sustain healthy relationships
- Peer support meetings and alumni networks
Aftercare planning
Work with your clinical team to develop:
- A relapse-prevention plan
- Strategies for managing stressors and triggers
- Regular check-ins with therapists or support groups
Take next steps
A partial hospitalization program offers you comprehensive care, clinical oversight, and the flexibility to live at home—an approach that can jump-start your recovery without the full residential commitment. If you meet the eligibility criteria and seek a structured, evidence-based path forward, reach out to a PHP provider today. Speak with an intake coordinator to verify your insurance, schedule an assessment, and take the first step toward lasting wellness.
