Choosing the right level of care for mental health or substance use treatment can be challenging. One option that bridges the gap between inpatient and outpatient care is a partial hospitalization program.

What is a Partial Hospitalization Program?

A partial hospitalization program (PHP) is a structured mental health or substance use treatment program that provides intensive care similar to an inpatient program. This type of treatment allows patients to return home at the end of the day. PHP is often used as a step-down from inpatient care – or as a step-up from traditional outpatient care. There’s a middle ground for those who need more support than an outpatient program can provide.

PHPs may involve a combination of individual therapy, group therapy, medication management and other therapeutic activities. Patients usually attend the program for several hours a day, five days a week.

Partial hospitalization vs intensive outpatient programs

While both partial programs and intensive outpatient programs (IOP) offer structured treatment, there are key differences:

  • Intensity of care. PHPs provide a higher level of care than IOPs. PHPs usually require patients to attend treatment for at least 20 hours per week, while IOPs may only require 9-19 hours per week.
  • Treatment duration. PHPs often have a more intensive and condensed treatment schedule. IOPs offer more flexibility and may extend over a longer period.
  • Medical supervision. PHPs often include more comprehensive medical and psychiatric support, crucial for people with complex or co-occurring conditions.

Who should consider partial hospitalization programs? 

PHP might be a suitable option for people who:

  • Have recently completed inpatient treatment and need continued support 
  • Require more intensive care than what IOPs offer 
  • Have complex medical or psychiatric needs that need closer monitoring 

Benefits of Partial Hospitalization Programs

Intensive, structured support

Patients receive a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to their specific needs, including individual and group therapy, medication management and other therapeutic activities. This structured environment helps patients build coping skills, address underlying issues and work towards recovery.

Continued connections to home 

Unlike inpatient programs, PHPs allow patients to return home at the end of the day. This can be beneficial for those who have supportive home environments and want to maintain connections with family and friends. It also allows patients to practice the skills they learn in treatment in their everyday lives, providing real-world context for recovery.

Cost-effective mental health care

PHPs can be more cost-effective than inpatient programs because they don’t require overnight stays. This can make them a more accessible option for those who need intensive care but are concerned about the cost of treatment.

Transitioning between levels of care

For patients transitioning from inpatient to outpatient care, PHPs provide an emotional  bridge that can make the shift smoother and more manageable. This can reduce the risk of relapse and help patients maintain their progress. Transition programs may last from a few weeks to a few months. 

The goal is to provide intensive support for as long as it is needed, then transition the patient to a lower level of care, such as an IOP or traditional outpatient therapy.

Factors that may influence length of time a person spends in PHP:

  • Severity of symptoms. Patients with more severe symptoms or complex diagnosis may require longer treatment.
  • Progress in treatment. As patients make strides in treatment, they may transition to lower levels of care gradually.
  • Personalized goals. Treatment plans are tailored to each patient’s specific goals and needs, which can also affect the duration of any program.

How to Start a Partial Hospitalization Program

Partial hospitalization offers a comprehensive approach to mental health and substance abuse treatment. By combining individual therapy, group therapy, medication management, and therapeutic activities, PHPs help patients address underlying issues, develop coping skills, and work towards recovery in a supportive setting.

Assessment and referral

The first step in starting a PHP is to undergo a comprehensive assessment by a qualified mental health or substance use professional. This assessment will help to recommend an appropriate level of care and whether a PHP is the right choice. 

Referrals to PHPs can come from a variety of sources, including inpatient facilities, outpatient therapists and your primary care physician.

When choosing a PHP, consider:

  • Licensing. Ensure the program is accredited and licensed by regulatory authorities.
  • Approach. Look for programs that offer evidence-based treatments and a holistic approach to care.
  • Staff qualifications. Check that the program’s staff are qualified and experienced in treating your specific needs.
  • Schedule. Consider the program’s location and schedule to ensure it fits with your daily life and commuting needs.
  • Finances. Contact your insurance provider to find out what is covered under your plan. Many programs also offer sliding scale fees or financial assistance to make treatment more accessible.

If you or a loved one is struggling with mental health or substance use issues, a PHP might be the perfect solution. With the right support and treatment, recovery is within reach.

Contact us 

Located in Clearwater, FL, Windmoor’s team of healthcare professionals offers many behavioral health services including a partial hospitalization program. To learn more, complete the contact us page or call 727-500-1601.