Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) are a very effective level of care for addictions and mental health treatment, and less expensive than residential treatment. Read on to learn more about what they are, typical schedules, and their benefits.
What Is a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)?
As an intermediate step in care between residential (inpatient or rehab) and Intensive Outpatient (IOP) care, PHP offers an intensive, structured form of outpatient treatment. Unlike residential treatment, PHP allows you to live at home.
Key Features of a PHP
- Intensive Treatment Without Overnight Stay
- Patients attend treatment for several hours a day (typically 5-6 hours), 5-7 days a week, but return home or to a sober living facility at night.
- Therapy
- Individual, Group, and Family therapy
- Psychiatric care with medication management
- Psychotherapy (e.g. EMDR, CBT, DBT, trauma therapy)
- Relapse prevention and coping skills training
- Structured Support
- Transition from higher levels of care
- Oversight from medical professionals
- More independence than residential
- For Moderate to Severe Cases
- Those requiring more support than outpatient or IOP but not needing 24/7 care.
- Stepping down from inpatient treatment.
- At risk of relapse or crisis but are medically stable.
PHP vs. Other Treatment Levels
This table summarizes the differences.
| Program Type | Intensity | Living Arrangement | Best For |
| Inpatient/Residential | 24/7 | Live at facility | Severe addiction/mental health crisis |
| Partial Hospitalization (PHP) | 5-7 days/week5-6 hours/day | Return home/sober living facility | Moderate to severe Needs daily structure |
| Intensive Outpatient (IOP) | 3-5 days/week3 hours/day | Live at home | Mild to moderate, Stable but needs support |
| Standard Outpatient | 1-2 sessions/week | Fully independent | Maintenance and Relapse prevention |
How Long Does PHP Last?
In general, PHPs operate 5 to 6 hours per day, 5 days per week. Some provide half-day or weekend sessions.
PHPs are somewhat flexible. Depending on progress and individual needs, a PHP typically runs for 2 to 6 weeks.
Sample Schedule for PHP in Orange County
Typically PHP programs run from Monday to Friday. Some offer evenings and weekend options.
Morning Session
8:30 am – 9:00 am: Check-in Group
- Walkthrough daily goals, review challenges, and state intentions.
9:00 am – 10:30 am: Group Therapy
- Sample Topics: relapse prevention, coping skills, or trauma processing.
10:30 am – 10:45 am: Morning Break
- Brief socializing.
Midday Session
10:45 am – 12:15 pm: Group Therapy Special Topics
Examples:
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for addiction/mental health
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for emotional regulation
- Family Dynamics and Relationships
12:15 pm – 1:00 pm: Lunch Break
- Some programs include a mindful eating or peer support discussion.
Afternoon Session
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm: Experiential or Psychoeducational Group
- Art or music therapy, anger management, or life skills training.
2:30 pm – 3:30 pm: Individual Therapy or Psychiatry (Rotating Basis)
- Sessions with a therapist or psychiatrist (medication management if needed).
3:30 pm – 4:00 pm: Reflection Group
- Assess progress, review challenges, and evening plans.
Additional PHP Components (Varies by Program)
- Random Drug Testing (for addiction treatment)
- Family Therapy Sessions (weekly or biweekly)
- 12-Step or Alternative Peer Support Meetings (e.g., AA, NA, SMART Recovery)
- Mindfulness/Meditation Practices
Benefits of PHP for Mental Health and Substance Use Recovery
A wide variety of conditions can be addressed, including:
- Recovering from alcohol/drug addiction needing structured support after detox or inpatient rehab
- Experiencing depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, or other mental health conditions
- Experiencing severe depression or anxiety without being suicidal but needs daily support
- At risk of hospitalization but stable enough for outpatient care
- Transitioning from inpatient rehab needing continued structure
- Early addiction recovery to prevent relapse
Advantages of PHP: Intensive Support with More Freedom than Inpatient Care
- Less costly than inpatient treatment
- Routine and accountability
- Patients practice skills at home, balancing therapy and real-world application
- Hospitalization not required but medical and psychological support provided
- Intensive therapy reduces risk of relapse
- Enables gradual reintegration into daily life
Choosing the Right PHP in Orange County
Consider these factors when deciding which PHP to attend:
- Specific focus (mental health, addiction, or both)
- Range of therapies and services offered
- Insurance coverage and payment options
- Program flexibility and scheduling
- Location is convenient for commuting
PHPs in Irvine and San Clemente provide a robust, flexible treatment option for those seeking intensive care without full hospitalization, supporting recovery while maintaining daily life responsibilities.
Compassionate Residential Care at Northbound
For more than 30 years, Northbound Treatment Services in California has been at the forefront of providing lifesaving, compassionate residential care, and specialized services to help people from all walks of life feel better, discover themselves, and live free from addiction. We have facilities throughout California. Reach out to our admissions team now.
Author
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Alexa Pelech is the Chief Marketing Officer at Northbound Treatment Services, where she combines her passion for helping others with a strong track record in addiction treatment marketing and outreach. Since joining Northbound in 2019, Alexa has held several key roles—including Referral Relations Manager and Director of Business Development—before stepping into her current leadership position in March 2023.
Alexa began her career in behavioral healthcare as an Outreach Coordinator with American Addiction Centers, where she quickly developed a reputation for her compassionate approach and results-driven mindset. Today, she leads Northbound’s marketing strategy with the same energy and heart, driving growth while staying true to the mission of recovery. Alexa holds a Bachelor of Arts in Fine and Studio Arts from San Francisco State University and later studied Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling at Los Angeles Pierce College. Her creative background and commitment to service continue to shape her authentic, human-centered leadership style.
