If you are exploring PHP for alcohol and drug addiction, you may be weighing how this level of care fits into your recovery journey. A partial hospitalization program (PHP) bridges the gap between outpatient therapy and full inpatient treatment, offering structured support while you live at home. Deciding on the right level of care can feel overwhelming, but understanding what PHP involves, how it compares to other options, and how to prepare will help you make an informed choice.
Understanding program types
When you look at addiction treatment, you’ll see a continuum of care ranging from weekly counseling to overnight residential stays. Narrowing in on outpatient, intensive outpatient (IOP), and PHP helps you match your needs with the right intensity.
Outpatient therapy
Outpatient therapy is the least intensive level of care. You typically attend individual or group sessions one or two times per week for one to three hours.
- Level of care: 1 (ASAM continuum)
- Focus: education, early recovery skills, relapse prevention
- Schedule: flexible, fits around work or school
Outpatient therapy may be ideal if you have strong support at home and your addiction symptoms are mild to moderate.
Intensive outpatient programs
An IOP ramps up the frequency and duration of sessions compared to standard outpatient therapy. You attend treatment three to five days per week, often for three hours per day.
- Level of care: 2.1 (ASAM continuum)
- Focus: structured group therapy, individual counseling, skills training
- Schedule: daytime or evening blocks
Many IOPs integrate evidence-based approaches—like cognitive behavioral therapy—to help you develop coping strategies for cravings and triggers. If you need more support than weekly therapy but can’t commit to a residential stay, an IOP could be a strong match. For more on intensive outpatient options, see our iop for mental health and substance abuse.
Partial hospitalization programs
Partial hospitalization programs represent a 2.5 level of care, falling between inpatient and traditional outpatient treatment [1]. You attend therapy three to seven days per week in six to eight hour blocks.
- Level of care: 2.5 (ASAM continuum)
- Focus: stabilization of acute symptoms, crisis management, relapse prevention
- Schedule: full-day programming, Monday through Friday (or more)
PHPs provide many of the same therapies and services found in residential settings—without 24-hour supervision—making them a balanced choice when you need intensive support but prefer to sleep at home.
Explore PHP structure
Understanding the day-to-day of a partial hospitalization program helps set clear expectations and reduces uncertainty as you plan your care.
Daily schedule and therapies
A typical PHP day runs six to eight hours and may include:
- Morning check-in and goal setting
- Group therapy sessions
- Individual counseling
- Skill-building workshops
- Lunch break and peer support
- Afternoon psychoeducation and relapse prevention
This rhythm balances intensive treatment with opportunities to apply new tools in your everyday environment.
Core therapeutic approaches
PHPs draw on evidence-based modalities to target both addiction and underlying mental health concerns.
Cognitive behavioral therapy
CBT helps you identify and challenge negative thought patterns that fuel substance use. You practice coping skills and develop healthier responses to stress.
Motivational interviewing
Motivational interviewing boosts your readiness to change by exploring ambivalence and reinforcing personal goals for sobriety.
Contingency management
This approach uses positive reinforcement—like rewards or privileges—to encourage sobriety milestones and treatment engagement.
Review PHP benefits
Partial hospitalization programs offer distinct advantages when you need more than weekly therapy but aren’t ready for inpatient care.
Structured support and monitoring
You receive daily supervision from clinicians, which ensures early detection of cravings, mood shifts, or co-occurring mental health symptoms.
Cost effectiveness
PHPs generally cost less than residential treatment while delivering comparable therapies. Many participants find the financial investment worthwhile, balancing high-intensity care with the freedom to stay at home.
Crisis stabilization
A recovery-oriented PHP can quickly de-escalate acute symptoms and prevent hospitalization. By practicing coping strategies in a safe clinical setting, you build confidence for real-world challenges [2].
High satisfaction rates
Patients and families often report strong satisfaction with PHP services. For example, 97% of clients at Rosecrance expressed approval of their behavioral health treatment, including addiction care [3]. In one survey of PHP participants, including healthcare professionals, outcomes included:
- 89% completed monitoring without return to substance use
- 97% considered themselves “in recovery”
- 95% reported no illicit or nonmedical drug use post-completion
- 85% believed the cost was money well spent [4]
Assess your readiness
Knowing whether you’re prepared for PHP helps ensure you get the most out of treatment.
Medical and psychological evaluation
Most PHP clients have finished detox or do not require 24-hour supervision. Before admission, you complete a thorough assessment of physical health, mental health, and any co-occurring disorders.
Insurance verification
Confirming your coverage ahead of time avoids unexpected bills. Speak with your insurer to determine copays, deductibles, and any preauthorization requirements for PHP services.
Check insurance acceptance
Finding a program that works with your plan gives you confidence during admission.
Programs accepting Anthem
Our partial hospitalization options include plans that accept Anthem. Confirm details with your provider or explore our php program that accepts anthem.
UHC acceptance
We also partner with UnitedHealthcare for PHP coverage. Learn more about our partial hospitalization program that accepts uhc.
Choose the best PHP
Selecting the right program means matching your clinical needs and personal preferences.
Specialized co-occurring care
If you face both addiction and mental health challenges, look for a dual diagnosis PHP treatment program that integrates care for both conditions.
Aftercare and relapse prevention
After PHP, ongoing support is crucial. A PHP program with relapse prevention support helps you maintain gains and navigate triggers.
Peer support integration
Group sessions and peer networks foster accountability and connection. Consider programs that build community through shared experiences.
Anticipate daily routine
Having a clear picture of a typical day eases the transition into PHP.
Morning sessions
Start with group therapy and individual check-ins to set daily goals and address immediate concerns.
Afternoon activities
Engage in skill-building workshops, psychoeducation, and holistic therapies like mindfulness or art therapy.
Evening reflections
End the day with journaling or a peer support meeting to process insights and plan for tomorrow.
Take proactive steps
Preparing in advance helps you focus fully on recovery once PHP begins.
Contact a provider
Reach out to a PHP admission specialist, ask questions about the program’s structure, and verify your insurance details.
Prepare for admission
Arrange transportation, pack personal items, and organize any medications or documentation you need for your first day.
Choosing PHP for alcohol and drug addiction can provide the structure, support, and clinical expertise you need to regain control of your life. To explore top options tailored to your goals, visit our best php program for addiction recovery.
References
- (American Addiction Centers)
- (NCBI)
- (Rosecrance)
- (PMC)
