Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

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Olivia Pennelle

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Medical Reviewer

Sendra Yang

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What is Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) Rehab?

Partial hospitalization programs – or PHPs – are a form of outpatient addiction treatment for people with substance use disorder. Unlike inpatient treatment, patients enrolled in a PHP can return home each day making this option ideal for people with at-home commitments. This resource guide provides a comprehensive overview of PHP to inform you whether it’s the right treatment option for you, or your loved one, who is struggling with addiction.

What to Expect in a Partial Hospitalization Program

The PHP facility may be a hospital or residential rehab facility that runs day treatment programs. PHP settings involve attending a treatment facility for a large portion of the day, several days a week, during which you engage in a recovery program, but return home at the end of the day. The main difference between a partial hospitalization program and a residential inpatient treatment program is just that you can sleep in your own bed at night. Partial hospitalization programs are often as intensive as residential programs in terms of the treatment components (see section below for more information) and require a similar time commitment.

It can be challenging to determine whether PHP is the right program for you, or your loved one, and this is where addiction professionals are best placed to advise you. That said, the American Society of Addiction Medicine suggests considering the following factors before making a decision:¹

The severity of substance use disorder
Risk of relapse
If there is a supportive family and home environment
Good physical health
Readiness to change
Emotional or behavioral issues and would benefit from psychological therapy

The main goals of PHP treatment are to support individuals with substance use disorder to achieve and sustain recovery, develop a relapse prevention plan, enhance coping strategies, and develop a recovery support community.

What Are the Components of a Partial Hospitalization Program?

While some programs differ slightly, PHPs are most like residential treatment in that you attend therapeutic programming for several hours a day, a few days a week. Compared to intensive outpatient programs which require treatment almost every day of the week.

A partial hospitalization program is highly structured and contain several core components, including:

Time commitment: While PHP programs may vary slightly, typically you can expect to attend a program for at least 20 hours a week²
Medical care: Often PHP programs have the medical care to treat both substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions, like depression.In fact, studies show that treating two medical conditions that impact one another may improve overall recovery outcomes.^2,3,⁴
Therapeutic care: PHPs offer several types of counseling including individual therapy, family counseling, couples therapy, group therapy, and mutual-aid recovery groups (like Alcoholics Anonymous or SMART Recovery).⁴The goal of therapy is to uncover unhelpful coping strategies, enhance new skills for healthier coping, developing relapse prevention strategies, and building recovery supports.

What Are the Core Benefits of a Partial Hospitalization Program?

There are several benefits to attending a partial hospitalization rehab program, including:

Cost effective: PHPs are often most cost-effective and affordable compared to residential addiction treatment because you are not paying for overnight stays, or 24/7 medical care.
Flexibility: A day treatment program offers structured addiction treatment with the flexibility and freedom to live at home and fulfill work, school, or family obligations. Many PHPs offer programs in the evenings, weekends, or during the day to fit around your schedule.
Good transitional option: PHPs can ease the transition from inpatient rehab to outpatient rehab while reducing the risk of relapse.
Recovery and therapeutic supports: Day treatment provides consistent access to peer support, individual, and family counseling to help sustain your recovery. It also helps to avoid isolation if you were to just return home after treatment. Therapies might include cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, contingency management, or dialectical behavioral therapy.
Autonomy and accountability: Attending a PHP but returning home at night promotes a sense of independence in recovery and accountability to yourself, which is ultimately a skill necessary to sustain long-term recovery.
Builds recovery community: An essential part of long-term recovery and sustained positive behavioral change is a recovery community.⁵ PHPs help you to develop those relationships, which could be in a mutual-aid meeting, like AA, or developing friendships with others in recovery.

How Much Does PHP Rehab Cost?

There are several variables when it comes to estimating the cost of partial hospitalization programs, such as:

Insurance coverage: Depending on your plan, a PHP might be considered in-network which is cheaper than out-of-network programs. Deductibles may also factor into the cost. If you do not have addiction treatment coverage as part of your plan, you may have to pay out of pocket. However, many treatment centers offer payment plans, financing, and even scholarships.
Length of treatment: Some programs are 30 days, whereas others may be up to 90 days. It really depends on the type of program you choose, as well as the other factors listed here.
Services offered: Luxury rehabs with spas, acupuncture, massage, and gourmet meals are going to be more expensive than a medical office PHP. But it’s also worth exploring the benefit of these additional services in making your rehab experience more enjoyable.
Location: As with most goods and services, the location impacts the price paid. Luxury programs in California are more expensive than a program in Minnesota, for example.

Is a PHP Addiction Treatment Program Right for You?

PHPs are beneficial for many people, even those with co-occurring disorders. Broadly speaking, the most suitable candidates for a PHP include those who:⁵

Use drugs or alcohol on a daily basis but do not have a physical dependence (i.e., do not need detox)
Have been diagnosed with co-occurring disorders
Currently live in a stable, safe, supportive living environment
Can’t commit to inpatient rehab due to work, school, or child care obligations
Need an affordable treatment alternative for inpatient rehab programs
Are in reasonable physical health
Don’t need 24-hour medical care
Have transportation or access to public transportation to travel to and from the PHP
Can practice the skills they learn in the PHP at home with relative ease
Usually attend follow up appointments when required
Are willing to engage in a program of recovery and motivated to change

How to Choose the Right Partial Hospitalization Program

There are several factors to consider when choosing a partial hospitalization program. Not all programs are created equal and everyone has different support and needs. Some important factors to consider are:

Do they accept your insurance? And is your plan in-network or out-of-network?
What amenities does the facility have? (Would you be more comfortable in a luxury facility with upscale accommodations, or is a medical office okay?)
Is there a waiting list for the program? If so, how long are you prepared to wait? If you do wait, will your addiction worsen – will you need to go to residential treatment?
Do you need a specialized program for co-occurring disorders?
Does the facility have medical staff and training in supporting medical needs if necessary?
What are the credentials of the therapists? Are they masters-level clinicians?
What kind of reviews has the facility and program gained online?
Will the program fit into your lifestyle, and are there programs with times that work around your commitments?
How far is the program from your home, and do you have time to commute and make your other commitments?
How does this program differ from other programs? Do they have any special features or additions to the program that might make you favor them over other programs?
Is the program 12-step based or evidence-based? Does that matter to you and how you may sustain your recovery?
What are the other requirements of the program? Are you expected to attend sessions on completion of the program, or visit your PCP regularly?
Is the facility disability friendly and can it accommodate your needs?
Do you want a facility that is affirming for your gender, sexual orientation, or religion?
What kind of aftercare is available when you complete the program? Does the PHP include a comprehensive relapse prevention plan?

Are PHPs Suitable For Everyone?

Unfortunately, PHPs may not suitable for individuals with:

Acute substance use disorder
A dependence on a substance and may experience withdrawal symptoms when stopping
Physical conditions that may need 24/7 medical care during addiction treatment
Who have no at-home support and may live in a triggering environment

Resources

About the ASAM Criteria. (n.d.). American Society of Addiction Medicine. Retrieved May 23, 2023, from https://www.asam.org/asam-criteria/about-the-asam-criteria
ASAM level of care certification. (n.d.). Default. Retrieved May 26, 2023, from https://www.asam.org/asam-criteria/level-of-care-certification
American Psychiatric Association. (2010). Practice guidelines for the treatment of patients with substance use disorders.
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (2021). Treatment for Alcohol Problems: Finding and Getting Help. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
Jason, L. A., Salomon-Amend, M., Guerrero, M., Bobak, T., O’Brien, J., & Soto-Nevarez, A. (2021). The Emergence, Role, and Impact of Recovery Support Services. Alcohol research : current reviews, 41(1), 04. https://doi.org/10.35946/arcr.v41.1.04