What Is a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)?

Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs), also known as day programs, can provide intensive treatment for people with behavioral health issues without requiring an overnight stay.  PHP drug rehab offers more time in treatment than a normal outpatient program.  PHP drug rehab has been found to be very effective in treating substance use disorders, amongst many other mental health issues.

Some inpatient drug and alcohol rehab centers offer PHPs as part of a spectrum of other treatment types.  Other PHP drug rehab programs can be provided through hospitals that have inpatient or outpatient programs for addiction treatment.

A person in a partial hospitalization program will be medically monitored throughout their time in treatment and will participate in a number of different evidence-based therapies.  PHPs provide comprehensive care for mental disorders such as addiction, while still enabling the person the freedom to live their life outside of the treatment facility.

Addiction treatment in PHP

Some partial hospitalization programs are overseen by medical staff or addiction counselors.  These PHPs use a variety of different therapies for addiction treatment.  Addiction is a mental disorder that is multifaceted and is not able to be healed by one method alone.

Some treatments commonly used in PHP programs are:

• Behavioral therapy. This is one of the core treatment methods for addiction.  Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) works with patients to identify negative thought patterns which lead to unhealthy behavior such as abusing drugs or alcohol.  Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), which is a form of CBT, helps people to regulate their emotions and additionally learn positive coping skills.
• Individual counseling. This involves the patient working closely with a therapist, which gives the patient the chance to delve into issues surrounding their substance use.  It also allows the patient to set goals and discuss their progress with a mental health professional who knows them personally.
• Group therapy. Gives the patient the opportunity to relate with others who have similar issues.  These groups are run by one or more therapists and offer patients the chance to gain insights from other patients while developing positive relationships and working towards shared therapeutic goals.
• Support groups. These are less formal than group therapy.  They provide a safe environment for the discussion of issues related to substance abuse.  Such groups can continue after treatment has ended and can support an individual’s recovery as long as is needed.
• Art therapy. Art therapy is used as a means to encourage patients to express their emotions in different ways.  Some patients do not feel comfortable talking about their feelings or have a hard time expressing themselves.  Art can be used a therapeutic method for them to release emotions while providing insight into their primary therapist.
• Fitness and nutrition. Some PHPS offer physical activities and education in nutrition.  Feeling in good shape boosts someone’s mental health and can increase their desire to live a life without substance or alcohol use.

Differences between Inpatient Partial Hospitalization, and Intensive Outpatient Programs?

Inpatient treatment for substance abuse issues requires that a patient lives in a residential facility while they are getting treatment.  Patients are given 24 hours care and support.  Most of the patient’s day is spent in sessions.

Partial hospitalization programs and intensive outpatient programs both offer treatment for substance abuse issues and allow patients to live at home during their treatment.  These two primarily differ in the amount of time that the patient spends in treatment.

Intensive outpatient programs do not involve as much time as partial hospitalization programs and involve fewer hours per week of treatment.  As a result of this, the patient is able to schedule treatment around work and obligations.

A patient may spend two to four hours per day at an intensive outpatient program, three to four days a week.  A partial hospitalization program, on the other hand, might require four to six hours per day, three to five days per week.

A medical professional often assesses the length of time someone is in treatment based on several factors, including the severity of addiction and other mental health issues.

Who might benefit from a partial hospitalization program?

Some may enter a PHP so that they can avoid hospitalization if their addiction is too severe for treatment with IOP.  As partial hospitalization allows people to continue to live in their homes, it is considered more flexible than inpatient treatments. 

Some patients do not want to attend an inpatient program because of increased time commitments and the higher costs which are involved.