When someone needs intensive mental health support but can’t take time off from work or school, a partial hospitalization program (PHP) offers structured therapy and group support without full-time hospitalization. It’s an intensive outpatient treatment option for mental health, eating disorders, or substance use to help you manage your symptoms, build coping skills, and maintain your daily routine.
Would You Like to Try Therapy?
Find a supportive and compassionate therapist! BetterHelp has over 30,000 licensed therapists who provide convenient and affordable online therapy. BetterHelp starts at $65 per week. Take a free online assessment and get matched with the right therapist for you.
What Is a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)?
A PHP is a form of mental health treatment that offers a higher level of care than what is usually provided in psychotherapy. PHP can be in-person or virtual or a combination, depending on the person’s needs and the program availability.
PHP is often considered as an intensive outpatient treatment approach to avoid hospitalization, as it provides increased support for mental health needs. PHP can also be recommended as a next level treatment option for those who are being discharged from the hospital, as a form of step-down support.1
How Long Is PHP Treatment?
The typical length of a PHP depends on the individual’s symptoms and treatment needs, as well as insurance payments- if the person is using insurance. Like any therapeutic treatment, treatment is voluntary and consent is required.
If an individual wants to leave treatment early, this can often be done, although it might not be recommended. It is always best to consult with your therapist and treatment team. It is also possible to complete treatment early, or to be discharged for noncompliance, insurance denial, or relapse.1, 2
What to Expect in a Partial Hospitalization Program
The typical structure of a PHP consists of about four or five days a week, scheduled to include about 3 or 4 groups a day. Groups usually include psychoeducation, group therapy, skill building, as well as individual sessions. Clients also are scheduled to see the medical providers or psychiatrists regularly throughout the program.2
If someone is admitted into a PHP, they do not need to fear full hospitalization as the next step, as PHP is often done as a way to avoid hospitalization if the person’s mental health or substance use symptoms are appropriate for this level of care. It is important to note that for those clients who are experiencing suicidal or homicidal thoughts, PHP is not a replacement for hospitalization.3
Types of Therapies Offered in PHP
PHP usually involves several types of professionals as part of the treatment team, including therapists, counselors, psychologists, nurses, psychiatrists, case managers, among others. These professionals offer various support to participants, including medical support and treatment, as well as mental health therapies.
Common therapies offered in PHP include:
- Individual therapy: individual therapy is basically the same as the type of counseling or therapy that you would get outside of the PHP, but it is offered inside the PHP in order to supplement the full therapeutic program.
- Group therapy: group therapy is when a small group of people with a shared experience participate in a therapy setting together. This is an essential component of PHP due to the many group therapy sessions usually offered in the program.
- Family counseling: If the participant has a supportive family or support system, family therapy can be a great tool for helping the family learn how to best support their loved one. Furthermore, improving communication can help change any unhealthy family dynamics that could hinder the individual’s progress and recovery.
- Skill building: For some, PHP can provide an essential toolkit of skill building for skills such as calling for medication refills, advocating for oneself with providers, and improving communication with peers.
- Distress tolerance: Coping skills for learning distress tolerance is often an essential part of most PHP. Participants can learn how to cope with mental health symptoms, cravings for use, and triggers.
- Medication management: Medication management is usually provided by a licensed provider such as a psychiatrist or nurse practitioner.
- Social support: PHP programs have a social support element to them, due to the fact that many clients are often coming together at the same time. This provides an added benefit to those who may feel isolated or who lack social support.
Medical & Psychiatric Support
There is medical and psychiatric support provided in PHPs, including medication management and regular psychiatric evaluations provided by licensed prescribers such as a psychiatrist or nurse practitioner.
As with any medical treatment, participants get a say in their medication options. This means that they can decline certain medications, or even all medications, while in a PHP. While you always have the right to refuse medications or medical interventions, it is advised that you have a discussion with your providers to discuss available options.
How Do PHP Providers Work With Existing Healthcare Providers?
PHP fits into a comprehensive care plan for someone with mental health issues or psychiatric concerns. In some cases, you can still see your current therapist or psychiatrist while in PHP treatment, and all of the staff will communicate and work together for your treatment plan.
However, be advised that insurance companies may have regulations for what they will cover while you are in the program. For example, they may not pay for you to see the PHP therapist for individual therapy, or the PHP psychiatrist for medication management, if you are receiving these services elsewhere. It is always best to discuss expectations of coverage with your insurance company as well as the PHP staff.
Who Can Benefit From a PHP?
There are many different mental health conditions and situations where a PHP might be the most beneficial, including anxiety and depression, substance use disorder, or eating disorder support.
PHP is often recommended for individuals transitioning down from inpatient care or those needing more support than traditional outpatient therapy, but who do not meet criteria for inpatient hospitalization.
Some mental health conditions treated in partial hospitalization programs include:
- Anxiety disorders
- Bipolar disorder
- Depression
- Substance use disorder
- Eating disorders
- OCD
- Trauma
- Suicidal thoughts or self-harming behaviors
Top Rated Online Therapy Services
BetterHelp – Best Overall
“BetterHelp is an online therapy platform that quickly connects you with a licensed counselor or therapist and earned 4 out of 5 stars.” Take a free assessment
Talkspace - Best For Insurance
Talkspace accepts many insurance plans including Optum, Cigna, and Aetna. Talkspace also accepts Medicare in some states. The average copay is $15, but many people pay $0. Visit Talkspace
Goals & Outcomes of PHP Treatment
The typical goals of PHPs revolve around the treatment needs of the individual participants. Most goals will include things such as stabilizing mental health conditions or symptoms, developing coping strategies, and integrating patients back into their daily lives.3
Comparing PHP to Other Treatment Options
Although PHP has many of the same elements of psychotherapy and medication management that you would find in other forms of mental health treatment, PHP is more intensive. Instead of having weekly or bi-monthly therapy and monthly medication management, for example, PHPs provide a higher level of care and support where patients are more closely monitored.
Partial Hospitalization Program Vs Inpatient Care
Unlike inpatient hospitalization, where you are in a hospital setting for 24 hour care and support, PHP allows the person to go home at night and on their days off. This allows them to keep some semblance of normal life. Also, most inpatient stays are usually only about 5-6 days, whereas PHP programs can be a couple months long or longer if needed.4
Partial Hospitalization Program Vs Outpatient Programs
Most outpatient programs provide individual or group therapy, or medication support, on a regular basis such as weekly or bi-monthly. However, in some instances, patients may require a higher level of care if they are not succeeding or making progress in individual therapy. In these cases, PHP is often the next “step up” as it provides a higher level of support than regular outpatient treatment.
How to Access a PHP: Referrals & Admissions
If you are in individual therapy or receiving med management from a psychiatrist, have a discussion with them about the referral process. If you are not in individual therapy, some insurance companies may suggest you try that first before going to PHP, as PHP is a higher level of care.
However, as every case is different, having a discussion with your insurance company and treatment providers is the best way to go about determining if PHP is a good option for you.
Requirements & Criteria for Patients
There are some requirements that patients need to meet to be eligible for PHP. Ability to consent for treatment, denial of suicidal thoughts, and requirement of a more structured environment are some of the criteria.
Other factors that may determine eligibility include:
- Having time and commitment to attend the program
- Living in a stable home
- Not having active suicidal thoughts3
- Require a more structured environment for support and safety
- Agree to participate in the program
- Transportation
- Financial support
- History of treatment compliance
- Recommendation by treatment providers
Are PHPs Covered by Insurance?
In many cases, PHP is covered by insurance, both private (such as insurance through your job or school) or state sponsored, (such as Medicaid or Medicare). However, there are often requirements that have to be met in order to get insurance companies to pay, which can get confusing, leading to many people not knowing they have the option of PHP available to them.5, 7
School & Work Accommodations for PHP
Legally, most schools and employers need to accommodate people who are admitted into partial hospitalization programs under FMLA. This means that for some, they may be eligible for paid work leave if this is available to them. However, it is best to discuss with your employer or school to see what options you have and what is available for you, as this option is sometimes difficult for people to use.7
The good news is that virtual PHP programs have been shown to be effective in those who feel that this method would best meet their needs who are unable to take time off from work or school.6
PHP Success Stories
Jillian attended a PHP last year when her depression symptoms were increasing to the point where she was worried that she may harm herself. She spoke with her therapist, and the two of them decided that PHP would be a great option for her. After about 2 months, she found that she had learned a great deal of distress tolerance coping skills, and had benefited from the increased level of support.
Matthew attends a virtual PHP program in the afternoons, and is still able to keep his schedule of being a full time student. He credits this PHP to giving him the support and tools he needs to manage his substance misuse and succeed in school.
Where to Find Partial Hospitalization Programs
If you feel you or a loved one could benefit from a PHP, it is best to discuss with an admissions coordinator at a local PHP. Many people choose to start with individual therapy and see if this helps. If not, or if their provider recommends it, they can talk about a higher level of care.
Look online or call your insurance carrier to find a therapist or psychiatrist who can refer someone to a PHP if needed. An online therapist directory can be a helpful resource for looking for therapists.
In My Experience
Additional Resources
To help our readers take the next step in their mental health journey, Choosing Therapy has partnered with leaders in mental health and wellness. Choosing Therapy is compensated for marketing by the companies included below.
Online Therapy
BetterHelp – Get support and guidance from a licensed therapist. BetterHelp has over 30,000 therapists who provide convenient and affordable online therapy. Take a free online assessment and get matched with the right therapist for you. Free Assessment
Online Psychiatry
Hims / Hers If you’re living with anxiety or depression, finding the right medication match may make all the difference. Connect with a licensed healthcare provider in just 12 – 48 hours. Explore FDA-approved treatment options and get free shipping, if prescribed. No insurance required. Get Started
Medication + Therapy
Brightside Health – Together, medication and therapy can help you feel like yourself, faster. Brightside Health treatment plans start at $95 per month. United Healthcare, Anthem, Cigna, and Aetna accepted. Following a free online evaluation and receiving a prescription, you can get FDA approved medications delivered to your door. Free Assessment
Starting Therapy Newsletter
A free newsletter for those interested in learning about therapy and how to get the most benefits out of therapy. Get helpful tips and the latest information. Sign Up
Choosing Therapy Directory
You can search for therapists by specialty, experience, insurance, or price, and location. Find a therapist today.
Best Online Therapy Services
There are a number of factors to consider when trying to determine which online therapy platform is going to be the best fit for you. It’s important to be mindful of what each platform costs, the services they provide you with, their providers’ training and level of expertise, and several other important criteria.
Best Online Psychiatry Services
Online psychiatry, sometimes called telepsychiatry, platforms offer medication management by phone, video, or secure messaging for a variety of mental health conditions. In some cases, online psychiatry may be more affordable than seeing an in-person provider. Mental health treatment has expanded to include many online psychiatry and therapy services. With so many choices, it can feel overwhelming to find the one that is right for you.