What is a Partial Hospitalization Program?
A partial hospitalization program is an intensive, structured form of behavioral health treatment that delivers full-day clinical services for mental health and substance use disorders. Patients do not stay overnight at this level of care.
In most programs, patients attend Monday through Friday, receiving therapy, psychiatric care and a coordinated plan and go home each evening.
Who Is a Partial Hospitalization Program For?
A partial hospitalization program suits people who need more help than a once-a-week therapy hour but who do not need to stay in the hospital around the clock.
PHP is often advised for people who:
- Notice that symptoms of depression, anxiety, mood disorders or substance use are getting worse
- Require a daily routine and steady clinical contact
- Have not improved enough with weekly outpatient therapy alone
- Need psychiatric plus therapy appointments and medication checks on the same day
- Return home safely each evening
A partial hospitalization program is not advised when
- A person needs round-the-clock medical or psychiatric monitoring
- There is an immediate risk of harm to self or others
- The person requires inpatient stabilization or medical detox
A clinical assessment measures whether PHP matches the person’s safety, symptom severity and treatment needs.
What Happens in a Partial Hospitalization Program?
A partial hospitalization program gives structured, full day treatment that combines therapy and psychiatric services provided by a team drawn from multiple disciplines.
While services differ by program, most PHPs offer
– One-to-one as well as group therapy sessions
– Psychiatric evaluation and daily medication checks
– Treatments backed by research
– A treatment plan, with progress reviews
– Coordination with other levels of care when indicated
Treatment follows a fixed daily schedule that builds skills, lessens symptoms or helps the person stay stable, while still allowing return home for personal responsibilities.
PHP often serves as a step up from outpatient care or as a step down after inpatient hospitalization.
How Long Does a Partial Hospitalization Program Last?
The length of stay depends on the person’s needs, goals and progress.
Some people remain in PHP for multiple weeks – others stay longer as part of an extended plan. Staff review length of stay – looking at symptom stability, safety, functional improvement, and readiness to move to a lower level of care.
Treatment teams review the plan frequently to ensure that care still matches gains made.
PHP vs. IOP: Comparing Levels of Care
Which program is right for you? Here’s how PHP and IOP compare side-by-side.
| Feature | PHP (Partial Hospitalization Program) | IOP (Intensive Outpatient Program) |
|---|---|---|
| Level of Support | High (5–6 days/week, ~6 hours/day) | Moderate (3–5 days/week, ~3 hours/day) |
| Medical Oversight | Daily clinical access, medication management | As needed, less frequent |
| Ideal For | Those needing daily structure without inpatient care | Step-down clients or those needing part-time help |
Integrated Behavioral Health Care That Supports the Whole You
At Prosperous Health, our partial hospitalization services go beyond traditional therapy models. We use a collaborative treatment team—including psychiatrists, therapists, and medical professionals—to support a wide range of mental health conditions and substance use disorders. Whether you’re navigating mood disorders like anxiety or bipolar disorder, or seeking continuity of care after inpatient hospitalization, our program is structured to meet your needs holistically.
We incorporate:
- Individual therapy and group therapy sessions to deepen insight and build connection
- Evidence-based treatments like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Optional add-ons like occupational therapy and experiential therapy
- Seamless coordination with outpatient services or referrals from inpatient units
This multidisciplinary approach helps clients stabilize, heal, and reclaim autonomy—without needing to step away from life entirely.
What to Expect Day to Day
PHP at Prosperous Health is full-time support without full-time lockdown. Most clients attend five to six days a week for about six hours a day.
Each day is structured but personalized. You’ll participate in:
- Individual and group therapy
- Evidence-based modalities like CBT, DBT, EMDR, and trauma-informed care
- Medication management, if appropriate
- Psychiatric support and holistic add-ons like neurofeedback or TMS
You return home at night—with structure during the day, and autonomy in the evening.
What Makes Our Partial Hospitalization Program Different
A lot of programs say they “meet you where you are.” At Prosperous Health, we actually do.
When you need more than weekly therapy but aren’t ready for inpatient care, there’s a space in between.
Our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) in California is designed for that in-between space—structured, high-touch care that adapts to your life, not the other way around.
Led by board-certified addiction medicine physicians and supported by peers who’ve lived it, Prosperous Health’s PHP combines medical oversight, deep therapeutic work, and a community of people who actually get it.
You don’t lose control by asking for help. In this program, you start getting it back.
We don’t force you into boxes. We collaborate—with you. That means:
- You help shape your plan. No one-size-fits-all protocols. Your input matters from day one.
- You stay where it makes sense. If you don’t need inpatient, we won’t push it. If long-term medication helps, we support it.
- You’re seen as a whole person. Not a diagnosis. Not a “case.” A human with context, history, and agency.
And we do it all with real clinical integrity: Prosperous Health is one of fewer than 20 treatment centers nationwide led by board-certified addiction physicians.
What conditions can be treated in PHP?
Everyone’s path is different. But PHP can be a powerful option if you’re facing:
Alcohol Addiction
You want to stop, but life keeps pulling you back. PHP gives you daily structure and medical support—without requiring an overnight stay.
Depression
When the lows feel too deep for once-a-week therapy, PHP offers consistent care, mood-focused therapies, and real human connection.
Anxiety or Panic
You’re holding it together, but barely. PHP helps regulate your nervous system with evidence-based tools and peer support.
Dual Diagnosis
If you’re managing both mental health and substance use, PHP keeps everything integrated—because you’re not just one thing.
Insurance & Cost Support
We accept many major insurance plans and offer transparent support to help you understand what’s covered. If insurance doesn’t cover it all, we’ll walk you through payment plans or financial aid options—without pressure.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
At Prosperous Health, we don’t just offer treatment. We offer collaboration, respect, and care that doesn’t erase your autonomy. Whether you’re managing depression, substance use, or both, PHP can be a strong and stabilizing next step. Our compassionate admissions counselors are standing by for your call (888)308-4057.
Start Your Journey with Prosperous Health
Your future isn’t defined by addiction, trauma, or mental illness. Achieve lasting recovery with expert clinicians, advanced technology, and a personalized blend of evidence-based and holistic therapies. Proudly accredited with The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval.