What is a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)?

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction or mental health issues, you may have heard the term “Partial Hospitalization Program” or PHP. This level of care serves as a vital bridge between inpatient treatment and less intensive outpatient services. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), PHPs provide comprehensive treatment services for several hours per day while allowing clients to return home each evening. At Create Recovery Center, we offer comprehensive PHP services designed to provide structured treatment while allowing clients to maintain some independence in their daily lives.

Understanding Partial Hospitalization Programs

A Partial Hospitalization Program is an intensive, structured treatment option that provides comprehensive therapeutic services during the day while allowing clients to return home in the evenings. According to the American Association for Partial Hospitalization, a PHP is defined as “an outpatient program specifically designed for the diagnosis or active treatment of a serious mental disorder when there is a reasonable expectation of improvement or when it is necessary to maintain a patient’s functional level and prevent relapse or full hospitalization.”

PHPs typically operate five to seven days per week, with treatment sessions lasting approximately 6-8 hours each day. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) considers programs featuring daily treatment for 6 hours or more as PHPs.

This level of care is more intensive than traditional outpatient programs but less restrictive than 24-hour inpatient care. It’s designed for individuals who:

• Have completed residential treatment but need ongoing intensive support
• Require more structure and support than outpatient programs can provide
• Have a stable living environment but need comprehensive daily treatment
• Are experiencing acute symptoms but don’t require 24-hour medical supervision

Key Components of Our Partial Hospitalization Program

At Create Recovery Center in Los Angeles, our PHP is tailored to address both addiction and mental health concerns through a trauma-informed approach. Research from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) shows that comprehensive treatment addressing both substance use and mental health leads to better outcomes. Our program includes:

Comprehensive Assessment and Treatment Planning

Each client receives a thorough evaluation to identify specific needs, challenges, and goals. Our clinical team then develops a personalized treatment plan that addresses both substance use disorders and any co-occurring mental health conditions.

Evidence-Based Therapeutic Interventions

Our PHP incorporates a range of evidence-based therapies to promote healing and recovery:

• Individual Therapy: One-on-one sessions with licensed therapists to address personal challenges and develop coping skills
• Group Therapy: Structured group sessions focused on developing social skills, building peer support, and addressing common recovery challenges
• Family Therapy: Sessions that involve loved ones to heal relationships and build a supportive recovery environment
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps clients identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Teaches emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness

Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Many individuals struggling with addiction also face mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, or PTSD. According to SAMHSA, approximately 21.5 million adults in the U.S. experience co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. Our dual diagnosis approach ensures that both substance use and mental health disorders are treated simultaneously, which is essential for lasting recovery.

Medical Monitoring and Medication Management

Our team includes medical professionals who can monitor clients’ health and manage medications when necessary. This component is particularly important for individuals in early recovery or those with co-occurring mental health conditions requiring medication. Medicare.gov notes that medication management is a covered service in PHPs because it’s a critical component of effective treatment.

Life Skills Development

Recovery extends beyond addressing substance use and mental health symptoms. Our PHP helps clients develop essential life skills such as:

• Stress management and emotional regulation
• Healthy communication and boundary setting
• Time management and daily structure
• Financial planning and responsibility
• Vocational skills and career planning

Relapse Prevention Planning

We work with each client to develop comprehensive relapse prevention strategies, identifying triggers and creating practical plans to maintain sobriety and mental wellness after completing the program. Research published in the National Library of Medicine indicates that PHPs can provide crisis stabilization and help patients develop healthy coping behaviors to prevent relapse.

When Is a PHP the Right Choice?

A Partial Hospitalization Program may be the appropriate level of care in various situations:

• Step-Down from Inpatient Treatment: PHPs offer continued structure and support as individuals transition from 24-hour care to more independent living. According to a study featured on PubMed Central, PHPs can be used as an intermediate step to shorten an inpatient admission.
• Alternative to Hospitalization: For those experiencing significant mental health or addiction symptoms who don’t require round-the-clock medical supervision, PHP can provide intensive treatment while avoiding hospitalization. Medicare notes that PHPs may be covered when they help avoid the need for inpatient treatment.
• Intensive Intervention: When outpatient treatment hasn’t been sufficient, PHP offers a more structured and comprehensive approach without requiring residential care.
• Support During Life Transitions: PHPs can provide stability during challenging life changes that might otherwise trigger relapse or mental health crises.

The Benefits of Our Partial Hospitalization Program

Our PHP at Create Recovery Center offers numerous advantages:

• Structured Recovery Environment: Provides daily structure and accountability while still allowing clients to practice new skills in real-world settings each evening
• Comprehensive Care: Addresses multiple aspects of recovery, including physical, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being
• Community Support: Fosters connections with peers who understand the challenges of recovery
• Flexibility: Allows clients to maintain some work, school, or family responsibilities while receiving intensive treatment

The Transition Process

Our PHP is designed to smoothly transition clients through their recovery journey. As individuals progress in their treatment, they may step down to our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) or standard outpatient services. According to clinical research, this gradual reduction in treatment intensity helps ensure sustainable long-term recovery. The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) recommends this stepped approach to care, moving from more intensive to less intensive services as clients gain stability and coping skills.

Taking the First Step

If you’re considering a Partial Hospitalization Program for yourself or a loved one, we’re here to help. Our admissions team is available 24/7 to answer your questions, verify your insurance coverage, and guide you through the enrollment process.

Recovery is possible, and the right level of care can make all the difference. Contact Create Recovery Center today at (866) 516-6087 to learn more about our Partial Hospitalization Program and begin your journey toward healing and lasting recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions About Partial Hospitalization Programs

How long does a Partial Hospitalization Program typically last?

The length of a PHP varies based on individual needs. Most clients participate for 2-4 weeks, though some may benefit from longer treatment. Our team regularly evaluates progress and adjusts recommendations accordingly.

Does insurance cover Partial Hospitalization Programs?

Most insurance plans provide coverage for PHP services, especially when they’re medically necessary. Create Recovery Center works with most major insurance providers. Our admissions team can verify your benefits and explain coverage options before you begin treatment.

What happens after I complete the PHP?

After completing our Partial Hospitalization Program, many clients transition to our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) or standard outpatient services. This step-down approach allows for a gradual reduction in support while maintaining continuity of care. Our aftercare planning ensures you have the resources and support needed for long-term recovery.

Can I continue working or attending school during a PHP?

While participating in our PHP, your primary focus will be on treatment, which typically occupies daytime hours (approximately 6-8 hours per day). Some clients can maintain limited evening work or academic commitments, but we generally recommend temporarily reducing these obligations to focus on recovery. Our team can help you navigate work or school concerns.

How is a PHP different from residential treatment?

The main difference is that in a PHP, you return home each evening rather than staying overnight at a treatment facility. This allows you to practice new skills in your home environment while still receiving intensive daytime treatment. PHP is often more affordable than residential care while still providing comprehensive treatment services.

What should I bring to PHP treatment each day?

We recommend bringing a notebook, comfortable clothing, any prescribed medications, and a lunch or snack. Our team will provide a more detailed list during your admission process.

Let’s create recovery together.

References

American Psychiatric Association. (2023). What Is a Partial Hospitalization Program? Retrieved from American Psychiatric Association.

National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2024). Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide (Third Edition). National Institutes of Health. https://www.nih.gov/about-nih/what-we-do/nih-almanac/national-institute-drug-abuse-nida

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2025). Mental health care (partial hospitalization). https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/mental-health-care-partial-hospitalization

Khawaja, I.S., Westermeyer, J.J., & Gillig, P.M. (2010). Providing Crisis-oriented and Recovery-based Treatment in Partial Hospitalization Programs. Psychiatry (Edgmont), 7(2), 28–31. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2848466/