Choosing the next level of care to transition to after rehab is a big decision. Leaving full-time support is a major milestone, but just as important is what comes after it, as that decision can impact the stability of your recovery.
That’s why many people choose a partial hospitalization program as their next step. PHP lets you blend substance abuse treatment with reentry to the outside world, providing hours of structured treatment most days of the week while allowing you to go home or to sober living accommodation in the late afternoon.
At Avenues Recovery, our evidence-based, comprehensive PHP is an important part of our continuum of care.
Key Takeaways on PHP Treatment
- A Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) is a structured, intensive level of care that bridges the gap between inpatient rehab and outpatient treatment.
- PHP provides 4-8 hours of therapy per day, 5-7 days a week, while allowing clients to return home each evening.
- Partial hospitalization supports recovery by combining clinical treatment, relapse prevention, and real-world reintegration.
- It’s an ideal level of care if you need more support than outpatient rehab but don’t require 24/7 clinical oversight.
What Is PHP Treatment?
PHP stands for Partial Hospitalization Program, and it provides structured substance use treatment for 4-8 hours per day, 5-7 days per week. PHP treatment offers therapy, medication management, and a supportive environment, while allowing you to return home each evening.
PHP bridges the gap between inpatient rehab and outpatient care. It offers more flexibility than inpatient treatment and more support than weekly outpatient sessions. It’s a great choice if you’re ready to begin integrating back into daily life and can stay sober at home, but would still benefit from daily access to therapy and recovery resources.
What Happens in a Partial Hospitalization Program?
In a PHP, you will participate in individual therapy, group therapy, and recreational activities. PHP programs also include skill-building sessions, relapse prevention planning, and crisis stabilization.
In a PHP, specialists create a personalized treatment plan for you. They will evaluate your condition and level of dependency. Your goals and wishes are at the center of the plan.
A staff clinician tracks your progress and recommends effective treatments. An occupational therapist helps you develop good routines and fulfilling leisure activities. Behavioral health therapists provide individual, group, and family therapy.
Partial Hospitalization Program Schedule
A typical PHP schedule includes morning check-in, two to three group therapy sessions a day, one or two individual therapy sessions per week, medication management, and skill-building workshops. Most programs operate from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. However, the specifics of the program you choose will in part determine what partial hospitalization is like for you.
How Long Is a Partial Hospitalization Program?
A Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) lasts 2–6 weeks for most patients. The exact length will depend on your diagnosis, the severity of your addiction, clinical progress, and insurance authorization. Drug rehab is never one-size-fits-all. Some people complete PHP in 10–15 treatment days, while others require 30–45 days for stabilization. Everyone moves at a different pace, and keeping your focus on your goals, rather than the time it takes to achieve them, can make the process feel less stressful.
What Are the Benefits of Partial Hospitalization Programs?
The benefits of Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs) include intensive treatment without full hospitalization. PHPs improve stability, reduce relapse risk, provide daily support, and cost less than inpatient care. PHP therapy lets you test your skills, handle triggers in real-world situations, and begin easing back into your regular routine, while still ensuring you have robust support.
How Much Does Partial Hospitalization Cost?
Partial hospitalization costs depend on the location, facility type, psychiatric services, and medication management available. One of the advantages of a PHP is that it generally costs less than inpatient rehab.
Does Your Insurance Cover a Partial Hospitalization Program?
Most private insurance and employer-sponsored health plans help pay for partial hospitalization programs under their mental health benefits. Medicare and many Medicaid plans may also cover PHP treatment, though eligibility and costs vary. Under the Affordable Care Act, behavioral health services must be covered at a level comparable to medical care.
In many cases, insurance covers about 60–90% of PHP costs once you’ve met your deductible. The exact amount depends on factors like whether the program is in-network, whether your insurer approves the treatment, and whether it’s considered medically necessary.
Which Therapy Models Are Used in a PHP?
Substance abuse partial hospitalization programs use evidence-based therapy models such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and 12-Step Facilitation. Many programs also use trauma-focused therapy, relapse prevention therapy, and Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT). These models reduce cravings, change harmful behaviors, and improve long-term recovery outcomes.
All these models help you develop tools for managing stress, crisis, and loss. They also help you enhance your coping skills to deal with anxiety, depression, and daily functioning.
Partial Hospitalization Program Guidelines
PHP therapy is one rung on the ladder of addiction treatment, and it’s useful to assess whether it is the right level of care for you before you join. Here are some guidelines:
- PHP is designed for patients who are ready to step down from full-time inpatient care, or who are looking for a step back up from outpatient rehab. If you’re struggling with withdrawal or severe dependency, consider inpatient treatment. 24/7 care is often more appropriate at that stage of the recovery process.
- An addiction professional can help you determine an effective care level for your condition. They will conduct mental and physical tests and guide you in choosing the right addiction treatment program.
- PHP is more expensive than outpatient rehab, but not as costly as inpatient treatment plans. Check your coverage with your insurance company.
- Partial hospitalization programs follow structured daily schedules that often occupy most of the day, and you may be required to commit to attending for several weeks, so you should review the schedule before confirming.
PHP Treatment at Avenues Recovery
At Avenues Recovery, our PHP program is an integral part of our continuum of care, helping clients find their footing after emerging from residential treatment. And we’ve seen the results; Avenues alumni have unusually low relapse rates, as they face life with the skills, strength, and support system they gain here.
If you or a loved one could benefit from this level of care, contact us today so we can support you on your next step forward.
FAQs About PHP Treatment
What is the difference between IOP and PHP?
PHP (Partial Hospitalization Program) and IOP (Intensive Outpatient Program) differ mainly in their time commitment and level of support. An IOP requires fewer hours — often a few hours per day, three to five days a week — making it a better fit for those who need ongoing care but have greater stability in their recovery. In general, PHP offers a higher level of clinical support, whereas IOP provides more flexibility as clients transition back into daily life, and can allow you to work or attend school while you keep up with treatment.
What are some alternatives to a partial hospitalization program?
Alternatives to a partial hospitalization program (PHP) for substance abuse include inpatient residential treatment, intensive outpatient programs (IOP), standard outpatient therapy, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and sober living homes. Each of these levels of care is appropriate for a different stage of recovery, and consulting with an addiction specialist can help you decide which is right for you.
Can I check into PHP rehab after relapse?
Yes, you can check into a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) after a relapse, and this is often an appropriate adjustment that PHPs are built for, as relapse can show that your current needs exceed the support you’ve been getting. Many treatment centers reassess your condition within 24–72 hours before admission.
Are partial hospitalization programs effective?
Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) are effective for treating substance use and mental health disorders when patients require structured daily care without 24-hour supervision. PHPs reduce relapse rates. Outcomes improve when patients complete the full 4–8 week program.