What is a Partial Hospitalization Program?

Updated on January 3, 2023

If you or someone you care about is struggling with self-harm, a partial hospitalization program (PHP) may be an option to consider. A partial hospitalization program (PHP) is a form of intensive outpatient treatment for people who require more structure and therapeutic support than traditional outpatient therapy.

It provides an alternative to inpatient care for individuals with mental health struggles or who are not in need of 24-hour supervision, yet still require more than weekly outpatient therapy appointments. This type of program provides comprehensive mental health treatment while allowing the patient to live at home. Let’s take a closer look at the PHP model so you can understand how this type of treatment works. 

What Does PHP Involve? 

Partial hospitalization programs typically involve group therapy sessions, individual counseling sessions, medication management, and other activities designed to help individuals understand and manage their mental health issues.

Depending on the type of disorder being treated, these activities may include: psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), art therapy, music therapy, recreational activities, such as walking in the park or nature, training, family counseling sessions, and more.

Additionally, some PHPs can provide nutrition counseling and education about healthier lifestyle choices, including self-care, healthier eating, hydration, recreation, and physical and mental activity.

Who Can Benefit from PHP? 

Partial hospitalization programs are suitable for those who require more intensive services than outpatient treatment offers but do not need full-time residential treatment or 24/7 supervision. They are ideal for those who have made enough progress in their recovery that they no longer need round-the-clock care but still require consistent support throughout the day to maintain stability and prevent relapse.

PHPs can also be used as an effective transition between inpatient/residential care and lower levels of outpatient care such as intensive outpatient programs (IOPs). 

Benefits of PHP 

The primary benefit of partial hospitalization programs is that they provide individuals with intense support while allowing them the freedom to stay in their own homes at night. This makes them ideal for those who want or need to remain close to home during treatment—such as parents raising young children or those with challenging home situations—or simply prefer being able to sleep in their own beds each night rather than living away from home for weeks or months at a time.

Additionally, thanks to its structure that combines both group and individual therapies, PHPs offer comprehensive care that addresses all aspects of mental health issues such as managing symptoms, learning new coping skills, exploring underlying causes of illnesses/addictions, addressing family dynamics if necessary, etc., which helps increase the chances of success long term. 

Partial hospitalization programs provide an important bridge between residential care and traditional outpatient services. PHP provides an invaluable service to those struggling with mental health issues who do not need 24-hour supervision still allows patients to maintain some aspects of their everyday life such as going home at night and engaging in their usual routines with friends and family members.

If you or someone you love is seeking treatment but cannot commit to an inpatient program due to work or family obligations, then partial hospitalization may be right for you. For those seeking a middle ground between residential/inpatient services and lower levels of outpatient support such as IOPs or regular therapy sessions alone – partial hospitalization can be an invaluable part of the recovery journey.

With its flexible structure and focus on building healthy relationships outside of treatment, PHP may be just what you need to start your journey towards recovery today.

The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.