When navigating mental health treatment options, understanding the different levels of care can feel overwhelming. You might have heard about partial hospitalization programs and wondered what happens during this type of treatment. If you’re considering PHP for yourself or a loved one, Pasadena Villa Outpatient understands that knowing what to expect is key to helping you make an informed decision about your care.
What Is Partial Hospitalization?
A partial hospitalization program, commonly called PHP, is a structured mental health treatment program that provides intensive therapeutic support during the day while allowing you to return home each evening. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, partial hospitalization programs typically operate five to seven days per week, offering four to eight hours of programming each day.
PHP sits between residential treatment and an intensive outpatient (IOP) level of care. It’s designed for people who need more support than traditional outpatient therapy but don’t require 24-hour supervision. This level of care gives you access to comprehensive treatment while maintaining some connection to your daily life and support system.
What Is PHP Treatment?
PHP treatment combines multiple therapeutic approaches into a coordinated daily schedule. During a typical PHP day, you’ll participate in various evidence-based therapies designed to address your specific mental health needs.
Most PHP programs include individual therapy sessions where you work one-on-one with a licensed therapist. You’ll also participate in group therapy, which allows you to connect with others facing similar challenges. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, group therapy can be particularly effective for developing coping skills and reducing feelings of isolation.
Beyond traditional talk therapy, PHP often incorporates a variety of specialized treatment modalities. These include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Family therapy sessions
- Psychoeducation groups
You’ll learn practical skills for managing symptoms, regulating emotions, and building healthier thought patterns. PHP programs also typically include psychiatric services. A psychiatrist will evaluate your medication needs, make adjustments as necessary, and monitor your progress throughout treatment.
How Long Does PHP Last?
The duration of PHP treatment varies based on your individual needs and progress. Many partial hospitalization programs last between two to four weeks, though some people benefit from longer stays.
Factors that influence how long you’ll participate in PHP include:
- The severity of your symptoms
- How you respond to treatment
- Your personal recovery goals
- The stability of your home environment
Your treatment team will regularly assess your progress and adjust the length of your program according to your current needs. Some people transition from PHP to a less intensive level of care, such as an intensive outpatient program, as they improve. Others may need additional time in PHP to build a stronger foundation for recovery.
A Typical Day in PHP
Understanding what a day in PHP looks like can help reduce anxiety about starting treatment. While each program has its own structure, most follow a similar format.
Your day typically begins around 9:00-10:00 am. After check-in, you’ll participate in a morning group session. This might be a process group where you discuss your current challenges, or a skills-building group focused on specific therapeutic techniques.
Throughout the day, you’ll rotate between different types of therapy. You might have an individual session with your therapist, attend a psychoeducation class on your diagnosis, participate in an experiential activity such as art or music therapy, and join group discussions focused on topics like stress management or healthy relationships.
You’ll have breaks throughout the day, and many programs incorporate mindfulness practices, relaxation exercises, or physical wellness activities into the daily schedule. The day typically ends by mid to late afternoon, allowing you to return home for the evening.
Who Benefits from PHP?
PHP is appropriate for various mental health conditions and situations. You might benefit from partial hospitalization if you’re experiencing one of the following:
- Severe depression
- Anxiety
- Bipolar disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Other mental health conditions that significantly impact daily functioning
According to the American Psychiatric Association, PHP is particularly helpful for people who are transitioning from inpatient care and need continued intensive support, experiencing a mental health crisis but can be safely managed without 24-hour supervision, or require more structure and support than weekly outpatient therapy can provide.
What Makes PHP Different from Other Programs?
Understanding how PHP compares to other levels of care helps clarify whether it’s the right choice for your situation.
A safe setting with opportunities for real-world practice
Unlike inpatient hospitalization, in PHP you’ll go home each evening, allowing you to practice the skills you’re learning in real-world settings while still receiving intensive support.
More treatment hours each week
Compared to an intensive outpatient program, PHP offers more hours of treatment per day and meets more frequently throughout the week, typically involving full or near-full days of programming.
Intensive help that goes beyond weekly therapy
Traditional outpatient therapy usually consists of one or two sessions per week. While valuable for maintenance and ongoing support, it doesn’t provide the intensive, structured environment that PHP offers for people in acute distress or early recovery.
Preparing for PHP
If you’re planning to start PHP, some preparation can help you get the most from the experience. Clear your schedule as much as possible to commit fully to treatment. Arrange for time off work or reduced hours if needed, and organize childcare or other family responsibilities.
Gather information about your mental health history to help your treatment team develop an effective, personalized care plan. And finally, take time to consider your treatment goals. Having clear intentions helps you stay focused and engaged throughout the program.
What Happens After PHP?
Successful completion of PHP isn’t the end of your mental health journey. Most people transition to a less intensive level of care after PHP to maintain their progress and continue building on the foundation they’ve established.
You might step down to an IOP, which offers continued structure and support but requires fewer hours per week. Eventually, many people transition to traditional outpatient therapy for ongoing maintenance and support.
Your PHP treatment team will work with you to develop a comprehensive aftercare plan. This plan outlines the next steps in your treatment, identifies potential triggers or challenges, and connects you with ongoing resources and support systems.
Choosing Hope + Support at Pasadena Villa Outpatient
At each of our Pasadena Villa Outpatient locations, we offer both IOPs and PHPs for mental health conditions. With personalized therapy, clinical support, and a compassionate team by your side, healing is not only possible — it’s within your reach.
Our partial hospitalization programs provide the intensive care you need in a supportive, structured environment. We understand that entering treatment requires courage, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Contact us today to learn more about our treatment programs and take the first step toward a life in recovery.
FAQs
How many hours per day is PHP?
Most PHP programs run between four and eight hours per day, five to seven days per week. The exact schedule varies by program and your individual treatment needs.
Can I work while attending PHP?
PHP typically requires a full-day commitment, making it difficult to maintain full-time employment during treatment. However, many people arrange time off or work part-time in the evenings after PHP concludes for the day.
Will insurance cover PHP treatment?
Many insurance plans cover partial hospitalization as a medically necessary level of care. Contact your insurance provider or the treatment facility to verify your specific coverage and benefits.
What’s the difference between PHP + IOP?
PHP involves more hours per day and meets more frequently than IOP. PHP is a higher level of care, typically recommended for people who need more intensive support than IOP provides.
How do I know if I need PHP instead of regular therapy?
If you’re experiencing severe symptoms that interfere with daily functioning, aren’t responding to outpatient therapy alone, or need more structure and support than weekly sessions provide, PHP may be appropriate. A mental health professional can help assess your needs.