A PHP, or partial hospitalization program, is a structured type of intensive outpatient mental health treatment program. It is a day treatment level of outpatient care that typically takes place five days a week for four hours a day. PHPs are designed for individuals who need a higher level of care than weekly outpatient therapy sessions or meetings with a psychiatrist. They are considered an intensive level of treatment due to the requirement of 20 hours per week of therapy along with medication management. While a PHP is a form of intensive outpatient therapy, it is not actually a hospital stay.
PHPs are tailored to meet the needs of the individual and are often condition-specific. They typically include group therapy, medication management, and some level of family work. A typical day in a PHP consists of individual and group therapy, psychoeducation, skill-building practice, and periodic evaluations. If medication is needed, the patient will meet with a staff psychiatrist for medication management. PHPs are designed so that patients can access therapy, medication management, and other health services all in one place. They are more flexible than inpatient programs, as patients are not required to stay overnight and can return home each day to spend the evening with their families.
PHPs are most often used to treat serious mental health conditions, such as trauma disorders, eating disorders, or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). They are recommended for individuals who are experiencing co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, have difficulty functioning at work, school, or other occupations, are not at risk of harming themselves or others, are medically stable, have adequate support at home, and are motivated to participate in treatment. PHPs are voluntary treatment, but patients are usually asked to commit to certain requirements for admittance, such as attending every daily session on time for at least a certain number of weeks.
In summary, a PHP is a structured type of intensive outpatient mental health treatment program that is designed for individuals who need a higher level of care than weekly outpatient therapy sessions or meetings with a psychiatrist. It typically takes place five days a week for four hours a day and includes group therapy, medication management, and some level of family work. PHPs are most often used to treat serious mental health conditions and are tailored to meet the needs of the individual.
