Key Takeaways
- A Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) is the most intensive level of outpatient care, providing 20-30 hours of structured treatment per week.
- PHP is designed for individuals who need intensive daily treatment but do not require 24-hour residential supervision.
- A typical PHP day runs from approximately 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday through Friday, and includes group therapy, individual counseling, psychoeducation, and medication management.
- PHP serves as a step-down from residential treatment or detox, or as a primary treatment option for individuals with moderate to severe substance use disorders.
- Most PHP programs last 20-30 days, though the duration is individualized based on clinical progress.
- PHP participants return home each evening, maintaining connections with family, support systems, and recovery-oriented activities.
Understanding PHP
A Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) bridges the gap between inpatient/residential treatment and standard outpatient care. It provides near-hospital-level treatment intensity during the day while allowing participants to sleep at home, in sober living, or in transitional housing at night.
Who Needs PHP?
PHP is typically recommended for individuals who:
- Are transitioning from detox or residential treatment and need continued intensive support
- Have been actively using substances and need high-level structure to establish sobriety
- Have significant co-occurring mental health conditions requiring daily clinical attention
- Need medication stabilization under close medical supervision
- Have had difficulty maintaining sobriety in less intensive settings
- Are medically stable but require more support than IOP can provide
What Does a Typical PHP Day Look Like?
At Trailhead Treatment Center, a typical PHP day includes:
| Time | Activity | |------|----------| | 9:00 AM | Arrival and morning check-in | | 9:15 AM | Morning group therapy (CBT, DBT, or process group) | | 10:30 AM | Break | | 10:45 AM | Psychoeducation session (addiction science, coping skills, life skills) | | 12:00 PM | Lunch (provided) | | 12:45 PM | Afternoon group therapy (skills-based or experiential) | | 2:00 PM | Individual therapy or case management session | | 3:00 PM | Closing group and daily reflection | | 3:30 PM | Dismissal |
Additionally, clients meet with the Nurse Practitioner within 24 hours of admission for medication assessment and management.
Treatment Components
PHP includes a comprehensive array of therapeutic services:
- Evidence-based group therapy: CBT, DBT, ACT, motivational interviewing
- Individual therapy: Weekly one-on-one sessions with a licensed counselor
- Medication management: Psychiatric and MAT medication monitoring by on-site NP
- Psychoeducation: Understanding addiction, mental health, relapse prevention
- Case management: Employment, housing, legal, and resource coordination
- Family therapy: When appropriate, involving family members in the treatment process
- Holistic activities: Meditation, breathwork, yoga, and wellness programming
- Experiential therapy: Art, music, or activity-based therapeutic interventions
PHP vs. Other Levels of Care
| Level | Hours/Week | Overnight | Duration | Intensity | |-------|-----------|-----------|----------|-----------| | Residential/Inpatient | 24/7 | Yes | 28-90 days | Highest | | PHP | 20-30 | No | 20-30 days | High | | IOP | 9-12 | No | 60-90 days | Moderate | | Outpatient | 1-4 | No | Ongoing | Low |
If you or a loved one is facing these challenges, learn more about our partial hospitalization program explained available at Trailhead Treatment Center in Salem, NH.
Advantages of PHP
- Intensive treatment without leaving your community
- Maintain family connections and responsibilities
- Practice recovery skills in real-world settings each evening
- Cost-effective compared to residential treatment
- Covered by most insurance plans
- Smooth transition pathway to IOP and outpatient care
Trailhead Treatment Center provides most insurance plans cover PHP treatment to support lasting recovery and wellness.
Conclusion
PHP provides the highest level of outpatient treatment intensity, making it ideal for individuals who need significant daily support while maintaining their connection to home and community. Trailhead Treatment Center offers PHP in Salem, NH with a 4:1 staff-to-client ratio and flexible programming.