Making the decision to get help for your struggles with substance use disorder or mental health issues takes a lot of courage. It might not be easy, but the results are worth your efforts. Partial hospitalization programs give patients the freedom to go home every evening after receiving treatment during the day. It helps to keep up with your daily responsibilities. PHP is a great option for professionals, parents or students with drug abuse problems.
In this blog, we will answer 25 questions you should ask before choosing a PHP program. This reduces uncertainties around PHP and prepares you for what’s to come your way.
1. What is a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)?
A Partial Hospitalization Program is a short-term but intensive form of treatment used for substance use disorder or mental health disorders. It provides everything from support to therapeutic services without you having to stay at the rehab center overnight.
It doesn’t need hospitalization, nor is it just once-a-week therapy. PHP is designed for people who need more support than traditional outpatient care but not the 24/7 medical supervision.
2. Who is a suitable candidate for PHP?
You are the right candidate for PHP if you are
- Struggling with anxiety/depression
- Involved with substance use
- Stepping down from inpatient care
- On the verge of a potential relapse
- Diagnosed with co-occurring disorders
3. What’s the difference between PHP and other treatment programs?
PHP offers structured care but with the freedom of choice to go home every day after your daily therapeutic sessions. Here’s a quick comparison between inpatient/residential, partial hospitalization program (PHP), and intensive outpatient program (IOP).
| Factor | Inpatient/Resident | Partial Hospitalization (PHP) | Intensive Outpatient (IOP) |
| Supervision | 24/7 | Daytime | Evening or part-day |
| Overnight Stay | Yes | No | No |
| Commitment | Full-time | 5–6 hours/day | 3–4 hours/day |
| Suitable For | Detox, Intense Care | Stabilizing without full admission | Ongoing support, life balance |
4. What does a typical day in PHP look like?
Every rehab offers PHP with a slightly different structure, but the general outline remains the same. Your typical day in PHP might look like this:
- 9:00 AM – Check-in / mindfulness exercise
- 9:30 AM – Group therapy (e.g., CBT, DBT, relapse prevention)
- 11:00 AM – Skills training or psychoeducation
- 12:00 PM – Lunch break
- 12:30 PM – Individual therapy or continued group work
- 2:00 PM – Wrap-up
Besides these, some programs offer weekly check-ins, medication management and family therapy. Be sure to discuss your needs and therapy goals with your consultant before choosing a PHP program.
5. Will I get individual therapy or group therapy sessions?
Most rehab centers offer a combination of both therapies. Both of these fulfill different sets of goals. Individual therapy sessions with a licensed therapist allow you to work through your personal challenges. Group therapy sessions allow you to learn from the experiences of people who are going through the same thing.
6. Do I have access to a personal psychiatrist or medication management in PHP?
Most PHP programs typically include access to a psychiatrist and medication management. This is one of the major differences between PHP and outpatient therapy, where you have to find a psychiatrist yourself. With a psychiatrist, you also receive:
- Initial psychiatrist evaluations
- Medication management
- Continuous supervision for your symptoms
7. Am I allowed to see my current therapist or doctor during PHP?
It depends on the rehab center you choose. Some rehab centers provide ‘in-house’ care during your treatment program. While others allow you to keep your existing therapist or doctor during the course of your treatment.
8. What type of therapies are offered in PHP?
PHP usually has evidence-based therapies with tailored programs to fulfill your recovery goals. Some of these therapies include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Trauma-informed care
- Motivational Interviewing
- Mindfulness and grounding practices
- Relapse prevention planning
- Family or couples therapy
9. Does PHP work equally well with co-occurring disorders like anxiety and trauma?
Yes, PHP is great for treating co-occurring disorders. Most PHP offer dual diagnosis as a part of their regular treatment. It helps you to cover both the physical and mental aspects of your addiction at the same time, leading to better treatment outcomes.
10. Is PHP covered by insurance?
Most medical insurances cover PHP under mental health or behavioral health benefits. Ask the admission team to verify your insurance coverage and benefits to give you an estimated cost of your treatment. In case you don’t have any insurance, you can choose
- Sliding scale fees
- Payment plans
- State-funded programs
11. What happens after I complete PHP?
A good PHP program dictates your future plan after your discharge from PHP. A dedicated team will develop a step-down plan for you with your consultation. This plan might include
- Transitioning to an Intensive Outpatient Program
- Continued individual therapy
- Peer support groups
- Medication management
These plans allow you to settle down and adjust to your new life, bridging your gap to what’s next in your recovery journey.
12. What if I join PHP and find out I need more or less medical support?
Treatment isn’t one size fits all. The good thing about PHP is that it’s adjustable to your needs and goals. If you join PHP and find out that it’s less or more intense than what you require, your plan can be adjusted. You can easily step up to inpatient care or step down to an intensive outpatient program.
13. What if I am feeling nervous or unsure about starting PHP?
This is completely different. Everyone goes through this because you are starting a new phase of your recovery journey. So it’s normal to be unsure and nervous. You can always ask more questions of the admission team. You are taking a courageous step, and it would help you reclaim your life and lead a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
14. How long is the PHP treatment program?
PHP usually lasts for about 4-6 weeks, but this length varies from person to person. It depends on the severity of your addiction, how long you have been addicted, and if you have any co-occurring disorders like anxiety, depression or PTSD.
15. How many hours per day do I need to dedicate to PHP?
The number of hours per treatment and how many days per week are specific for every PHP treatment program. The difference in time commitment for every person depends on clinical need based on their severity of symptoms and recovery goals.
16. What conditions can be treated with PHP?
PHP is highly adjustable, which means it can be used to treat any sort of mental health condition or substance addiction. Some rehab offers PHP for only mental health conditions like depression or anxiety, while some use it for addiction only. But it can be used to treat both simultaneously with a dual diagnosis treatment program.
17. What experience and credentials does the staff have?
Always ask for the credentials and experience of your treating staff. The people supporting you can make all the difference in your recovery. When choosing a PHP, you should ask for the staff’s experience and credentials, like
- Are they licensed professionals?
- How long have they been working in the field?
- Have they worked on similar cases like yours before?
18. What does the aftercare plan and support look like?
Your recovery journey doesn’t end with PHP. There’s still a long way to go after PHP completion, and having support throughout is important. You should ask about aftercare, support groups and alumni support. Good rehab centers will always have your back and support you through your difficult times.
19. Can I work my job while in PHP?
Maintaining a job while in a PHP can be a bit challenging due to the nature of the program. You need a significant time commitment due to the daily treatment sessions. But some individuals can work part-time or remotely during PHP. This depends on their specific needs and the flexibility of their job. Discuss your job situation with your admission team and employers to find the possibility of work during the treatment program. Your primary concern should be recovery and getting better.
20. What is the cost of PHP?
The cost of PHP depends on several factors, such as your location, the program you choose, and the services included. Here’s a quick breakdown of PHP costs and factors that contribute to the overall cost of any partial hospitalization program:
- Base Program Fee
- Medication management
- Additional therapies like yoga or art therapy
- Location
- Program duration
- Insurance coverage
- Financial assistance
- Transportation
21. Can my family participate in treatment?
Family involvement can improve the effectiveness and success of a treatment program. During the assessment and admission, input from family members can give the clinical team a lot of help. They can have a good look at the client’s medical history, symptoms, past treatments, challenges and strengths. They can take part in the family therapy to resolve underlying issues.
22. Can you tour the facilities?
Always ask for the facility tour. Do not rely on web images as your starting point. Ask about the facilities and check the available amenities.
23. Can you talk to alumni families?
Many programs offer opportunities to talk to former clients and their families about their experience. This builds trust and allows you to take a deeper look into their treatment program and its outcomes.
24. What type of accreditation or licensing does the program have?
Ask your rehab center for accreditations such as the Joint Commission or CARF accreditation. These indicate the highest levels of safety and quality care.
25. Do they offer holistic therapies?
Holistic therapies such as yoga, art therapy, equine therapy, and acupuncture improve the effectiveness of any treatment program and promote long-term recovery.
Freedom Recovery Center provides PHP for substance use disorder and co-occurring mental health conditions. We offer evidence-based therapies in our accredited rehab center with licensed professionals. Contact us now or fill out our online form to start your journey to recovery.
