A partial hospitalization program involves attending group and individual therapy sessions for several hours a day, typically five days a week, to address substance abuse and mental health issues. The program is typically recommended for individuals who need structured care but do not require 24/7 oversight. Find out more about how it works.

Key Takeaways

Partial hospitalization programs involve attending therapy sessions for several hours a day, 5-6 days a week, to address mental health disorders and substance abuse.
The program is suited to individuals who need a more structured approach but don’t require 24/7 care.
The care can be a step-down approach from inpatient care or a form of primary care. It is typically followed by other outpatient services.

What is a Partial Hospitalization Program?
Where Does PHP Fit on the Continuum of Care?
What Is a Typical Day in PHP Like?
Who Is PHP Designed For?
What Can I Expect When Starting a PHP?
Start PHP With Capital Recovery in Boscawen, New Hampshire
FAQs

Introduction

There are various factors to consider when seeking mental health and substance abuse treatment. The level of care is integral. Individuals must work with clinics to ensure the care they receive is intensive and structured to their needs.

Partial hospitalization programs (also known as partial care) are suited to individuals who benefit from structured care, but don’t need 24/7 supervision. PHPs include core components such as group therapy, individual counseling, medication management, and family therapy. It involves attending these sessions for several hours a day and returning home at night.

Capital Recovery offers fully integrated outpatient services, including PHP, at our Boscawen, New Hampshire facility. Contact us to learn more about our programs.

What is a Partial Hospitalization Program?

Clinically defined, PHP is a structured, intensive level of care that provides several hours of daily clinical programming without requiring an overnight stay. Patients attend treatment during the day and return home each evening. It is included in the ASAM (American Society of Addiction Medicine) 2.5, the clinical standard for defining the level of care a patient requires.

Clients attend PHP for several hours a day, receiving mental health treatment. However, they may also participate in workshops and activities, learn practical and social skills, and benefit from the group environment. Care can be delivered in a standalone facility or a hospital setting.

Where Does PHP Fit on the Continuum of Care?

PHP can be a primary form of care or a step down from residential care. After partial care is completed, clients typically move on to:

Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP): Clients attend shorter sessions 3-5 days a week.
Traditional Outpatient: Sessions occur 1-2 times a week or as needed.

What Is a Typical Day in PHP Like?

A typical day in PHP consists of a morning check-in, therapy sessions, and group activities. Here’s a breakdown of what the schedule might look like:

Morning Check In

The day starts with a check-in. Clients talk to clinicians to discuss how they are feeling and any relevant events that may have occurred since the last session. If the client is taking medication, they may review side effects, and adjustments may be recommended.

Therapy Sessions Throughout the Day

During the day, clients will attend various types of therapy, including:

Group Therapy: The most common type of therapy in PHP, group sessions help clients learn from others and understand they are not alone.
Individual Therapy: These more specialized therapies occur 2-3 days a week. Clients sit down with their primary therapist to explore their unique symptoms and underlying causes.
Family Therapy: Families are occasionally brought into therapy sessions to learn more about their loved one’s condition and to ensure they can provide the support their loved one requires.

Therapies typically take an evidence-based approach, integrating dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and motivational interviewing (MI).

Other Activities

Clients may also engage in the following activities, as a complement to evidence-based care.

Psychoeduction: These sessions help clients understand the neuroscience behind mental health disorders and addiction, so they can fully comprehend their symptoms.
Holistic Activities: Yoga, meditation, nature walks, and other mindfulness activities may be integrated into care.
Skills Training: Clients learn practical and social skills to help them achieve optimal daily functioning and better relationships.

Lunch Break

A lunch break occurs mid-day. It’s an opportunity for group members to bond. They may also be involved in preparation and clean up, helping them learn responsibility and accountability.

End of Day Wrap Up

At the end of the day, clients may discuss key takeaways, how they plan to integrate what they’ve learned that day in daily life, and prepare to transition back to their home environment.

Who Is PHP Designed For?

PHP is suitable for individuals with co-occurring disorders, a stable home life, and those who need a structured environment in recovery care. Here are some situations that may apply:

Stepping Down From Residential Care: Partial care is often a step down from residential care, helping individuals gradually adjust to everyday life.
Needing More Than Traditional Outpatient: PHP is suited to individuals who need more structure than traditional outpatient can provide, but don’t require 24/7 supervision.
Dealing with Co-Occurring Disorders: Many individuals use substances to self-medicate mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression, and require a dual diagnosis approach when an addiction forms. PHP can address dependency issues and their underlying causes to promote healing.
Having a Supportive Home Environment: Clients will achieve better outcomes when their friends, community, and family support their recovery and assist with transportation to and from the treatment center.
Minimal Relapse Risk: While relapse can always occur, PHP is typically for individuals not in an acute crisis.

What Can I Expect When Starting a PHP?

PHP typically starts with intake, a thorough assessment, and orientation before therapy begins. Most clinics will also offer aftercare planning, as follows:

Intake: During the initial intake, the clinic will verify your insurance and collect personal information and mental and physical health details, beginning the admissions process.
Assessment: Doctors and other medical and mental health professionals will assess your condition, make a diagnosis, and determine the best course of action, ensuring optimal safety.
Orientation: The first days of care will involve getting to know your therapist, the other participants, and learning about your treatment plan.
Aftercare: After the program is completed, the clinic will recommend an aftercare plan, which may include a referral to outpatient services and healthy lifestyle recommendations.

Start PHP With Capital Recovery in Boscawen, New Hampshire

Capital Recovery offers comprehensive outpatient care, including PHP services. We provide a team of expert treatment professionals and a personalized recovery approach grounded in evidence-based, holistic care, all delivered in a comforting farmhouse setting. Our comprehensive care extends from detox to rehab and beyond.

FAQs

What does PHP treat?

PHP treats anxiety disorders, mood instability, and substance abuse issues, including stimulant, alcohol, and opioid use disorders, using evidence-based and holistic approaches.

Is PHP covered by insurance?

PHP should be covered by insurance, in line with the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act. However, coverage for PHP varies by provider and policy, and individuals are encouraged to verify their benefits before admission to avoid unexpected costs. Prior authorization may be required for PHP coverage depending on the diagnosis and recommended level of care.

How long do PHPs last?

PHPs are generally short-term, lasting from a few weeks to several months, and are voluntary. The duration varies depending on the severity of the individual’s mental health and substance abuse issues.

Sources

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What is a partial hospitalization program? How PHP works and who it’s right for