Partial Hospitalization Programs

Updated Jul 16, 2023

Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs), sometimes referred to as day treatment, are addiction recovery programs that deliver a high level of care but allow patients to return home each night after treatment.¹ PHPs offer a similar treatment intensity and structure to that of inpatient/residential programs and typically meet between 4-6 hours a day, at least 5 days a week.^{1, 2}

People may either transfer or “step down” to a PHP program from an inpatient program or “step up” from a relatively less intensive, standard outpatient program. In other cases, people may enroll in a PHP as their initial entry into treatment.

If you are struggling with substance misuse or addiction, learning more about treatment can help you make an informed decision about your health. This page will help you learn more about PHPs, including:

What partial hospitalization programs are.
Partial hospitalization programs treatment components.
Who can benefit from partial hospitalization programs.
What to expect from partial hospitalization programs.
How to find a partial hospitalization program near you.

What Are Partial Hospitalization Programs?

A partial hospitalization program (PHP) is a hospital-based form of outpatient drug rehabilitation.¹ These programs offer services comparable to a residential inpatient program, including access to mental health care services, if needed. PHPs, however, do not require patients to live at the treatment facility.¹

The key difference between a PHP and an intensive outpatient program (IOP) is the amount of time the person spends in the program. The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) recommends that PHPs provide 20 hours of programming per week, while IOPs provide 9 hours per week.² PHPs also offer medical and psychiatric services, while IOPs may be less likely to offer these services.³

PHPs tend to offer at least 5 days of treatment each week but may go up to 7 days per week. The length of a program varies based on individual needs, but the typical amount of time patients will spend in a program is 14 to 21 days.¹

Partial Hospitalization Program Treatment Components

Some of the services that a partial hospitalization program (PHP) may include are:^{2, 4}

One-on-one therapy.
Group therapy.
Family meetings.
Medical services.
Evaluation and treatment for co-occurring disorders (e.g., anxiety, depression).
Medication management.
Drug screening.
Employment and educational assistance.

Who Can Benefit from a Partial Hospitalization Program?

Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) may be a good fit for patients who:⁴

Need a high level of care but have a stable living situation to return home while in treatment.
Have already completed a hospital or residential treatment program but are at risk of relapse.
Have a hard time motivating themselves to continue treatment.
Have a co-occurring disorder (e.g., anxiety, depression).
Are not making optimal recovery progress in an intensive outpatient program (IOP).

Patients may enter PHPs in a variety of ways. Some patients enroll directly into a program while others are admitted after they complete an inpatient/residential program, which is known as “step down.” Others may seek a PHP as a “step up” form of treatment. This is common when someone experiences a relapse while enrolled in a less intensive form of an outpatient program or is at risk of relapse because of a major life change or mental health symptoms.²

What Should I Expect From a Partial Hospitalization Program?

A partial hospitalization program (PHP) typically begins with a diagnostic interview performed by one of the licensed clinicians.⁵ Another member of the treatment team will take a medical history and perform a physical. As part of this intake examination period, the patient will also be evaluated for any significant mental health issues that might need additional treatment attention as well as undergo alcohol and drug screening.⁵

A multidisciplinary team of mental and medical health providers will use the information from these assessments to develop an individualized treatment plan, with input from the patient and their families. The plan outlines goals for the person to meet while in treatment as well as a discharge and relapse prevention plan.⁵

Most programs meet Monday through Friday, from anywhere between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Most days are structured around several group meetings, with occasional 1-1 sessions with a therapist or physician.⁵ Many programs will drug test at the outset of the program, then conduct random drug testing during the program.^{2, 4} Medication management is also a core part of most PHPs. A nurse or other medical professional will supervise a patient’s use of treatment medications, such as methadone or buprenorphine.⁴

Therapies

Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) employ several types of therapies on an individual and group level. Therapy is designed to help patients commit to their treatment plans, modify maladaptive behavior and thoughts, build relapse prevention and recovery skills, and improve important areas of their lives at home, school, or work.⁴

Common therapies used include:^{6, 7}

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This type of therapy helps people identify self-destructive thinking patterns that can negatively influence their behavior.
Contingency management. Programs that use contingency management give rewards to patients when they complete certain goals, such as submitting a negative drug test. The rewards help reinforce recovery-oriented behaviors.
Motivational interviewing. Mostly used in individual counseling early on, this therapy helps patients overcome their resistance to change and engage in treatment.
12-step facilitation therapy. PHPs that use this form of therapy introduce patients to 12-step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous and encourage them to regularly attend meetings as part of their long-term recovery efforts.

What to Look For In a Partial Hospitalization Program

Things to look for in a partial hospitalization program (PHP) include:

Positive online reviews. Read about other people’s experiences with the program and see what they had to say about it.
Quality staff. Find out as much as you can about the background of the staff: their training, experience, and treatment approaches.
Programs close by will be easier to get to, increasing your chances of attending each day.
High staff-to-patient ratio. A higher ratio means more staff will be available to give you more personalized attention.

If the program is accredited, it is expected to meet and adhere to certain standards and maintain a certain level of quality. Accreditations to look for include certifications from a state substance abuse agency, The Joint Commission, the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), and the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA).

Different programs use different approaches to treatment. Some are heavily based on the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, while others are more secular and focused on evidence-based therapeutic interventions. Many incorporate both into their treatment programming.

How Much Does a Partial Hospitalization Program Cost?

The cost of a partial hospitalization program (PHP) is determined by:

Programs set in desirable areas, such as near the beach, will usually cost more than programs in other areas.
Programs that feature more amenities, such as private rooms, spa services, and chef-prepared meals, will also likely cost more than programs with fewer amenities.
Length of stay. The cost will go up along with your duration of stay.
Insurance coverage. The amount your insurance will cover will affect how much you pay.

On average, partial hospitalization tends to be cheaper than inpatient because you don’t live at the program and don’t have to bear the cost of room and board. However, PHPs are often more expensive than standard outpatient programs because you spend several hours in therapy each day, and many programs serve lunch.

Paying for a Partial Hospitalization Program

Paying for treatment can feel daunting, but there are several payment options for partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) including:

If you have insurance, you can contact your provider by calling the number on the back of your insurance card to learn what is and isn’t covered.
Payment plan or sliding scale, in which the rehab facility adjusts the cost based on your ability to pay. Ask any programs you’re considering if they offer these options.
Loans.
Health care credit cards.
Crowdfunding sites, such as GoFundMe.
Borrowing from friends and family.

Medicare does cover partial hospitalization. However, not all programs accept payment from Medicare, and those that do must first meet certain requirements. The program must be offered through a hospital outpatient department or community mental health center.⁸

Medicare does not cover everything related to treatment. For example, Medicare will not cover meals and transportation. Medicaid coverage for substance misuse and addiction rehab varies by state. Visit your state’s Medicaid website for more information.⁸

American Addiction Centers (AAC) is a leading provider of evidence-based addiction treatment with AAC addiction treatment centers throughout the U.S. To learn more about PHPs and other forms of addiction treatment, you can contact one of our caring admissions navigators at . Our team is available 24 hours per day. Calling is confidential and free, and there is zero obligation to enter treatment.