What is PHP? Why a Partial Hospitalization Program Might Be Right for You

A course of action taken for one individual doesn’t mean it’s the only course of action for sobriety. Some people may choose a 12-Step approach and only use a sponsor and the program for help. Others may take the treatment route and check in to a facility with around-the-clock care and support staff.

Sometimes, all a person needs is a little guidance and a structured program to carry them through the beginning of their sobriety. All different avenues for different needs, every one of which has the goal of recovery in mind.

What Is Partial Hospitalization?

Partial hospitalization programs (PHP) are addiction recovery programs that balance higher levels of care, such as residential treatment, outpatient therapy, or intensive outpatient treatment (IOP). PHP provides a high level of structured care during the day.

One of the main differences between PHP and residential treatment is that PHP patients live at home and commute to treatment daily versus living in the treatment facility. Typically, PHP programs have around 4-6 hours of treatment per day, five days per week; however, this may vary by program. Patients in PHP may have stepped down from more intensive care or directly admitted themselves. Most patients will spend 2-3 weeks in the PHP program.

Is PHP a Good Fit for Me?

PHP can be a great fit for a variety of situations. Individuals who may benefit from the higher level of care, structure, support, and accountability while remaining clean outside of the treatment center may be a good fit for PHP. Individuals who are not benefiting from outpatient treatment may benefit from PHP’s higher level of care.

What Are the Benefits of PHP?

PHP can provide individuals the care they need while learning to develop a new daily routine, completing relapse prevention plans, and navigating early recovery in the “real world.” The structure of PHP programs provides flexibility to participate in activities, jobs, or classes outside of treatment, while still receiving medical care, support, and therapeutic services.

What Happens While I’m in PHP?

PHP may consist of many different services. Some of these may include:

• Group and individual therapy
• Family sessions
• Medical services
• Medication management
• Treating co-occurring mental health disorders

In many PHPs, there will be drug screening throughout the program.

Starts With Assessment

Typically, the program starts with an assessment performed by a licensed clinician. Additional providers may complete assessments with you, including medical providers, other therapists, social workers, and other clinicians. It may feel overwhelming at first, but their goal is to get to know you well so they can provide the best care.

Mental Health Screening

Upon arrival, a drug and alcohol screening is likely, along with a mental health screen. The providers all work together on a treatment team to create an individualized treatment plan. This plan is formulated by their professional evaluations, information from your support system, and anything you share with the team.

Therapy Sessions

You will likely spend much time in group therapy and support group sessions. The group sessions may be open discussion, topic-based, or activity-based.

• Topic-based groups tend to come with education on different areas such as distress tolerance, relapse prevention, or other psychosocial topics.
• Activity-based groups may have goals around learning new skills or processing emotions through experiences. It may include art, mindful movement, games, and recreation.

What Type of Therapists Will I Meet?

Partial programs may have a variety of clinicians on the treatment team. It may include:

• Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Licensed Professional Counselor (LCMHC, LPC): When most people think of a therapist, they think of a master’s level clinician licensed to provide counseling services to individuals. They will often lead group sessions and individual sessions with each patient.
• Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist (LCAS): LCAS or similarly credentialed master’s level professionals specialize in addiction recovery. They may work in individual or group settings providing psychosocial education, processing space, and support to clients.
• Social Worker: Social workers may assist with discharge planning, job preparation, leading group sessions, and meeting individually with patients to ensure proper support upon discharge.
• Art Therapists: Utilize creative expression modalities in their treatment. Their sessions may include the exploration of challenging emotions through the use of therapeutic art or music.
• Recreation Therapists (LRT, CTRS, CTRS/L): Clinicians certified or licensed in recreation therapy may work in PHP Programs to provide experiential or topic-based groups centered around a recreational activity. For example, your RT may have your group play a game or complete a challenge to practice skills about topics including boundary setting, effective communication, and teamwork.