When you’re seeking addiction or mental health treatment, you may find yourself stuck between two extremes: inpatient rehab that requires a full-time stay or weekly therapy that doesn’t feel like enough. That’s where a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) comes in.
A PHP offers structured, full-day treatment without the need to stay overnight. It provides more clinical support than an outpatient program and more flexibility than residential care. Designed for individuals who need daily help but are stable enough to live at home, PHP bridges the gap between crisis care and long-term recovery.
Whether you’re stepping down from inpatient rehab, looking for a higher level of care than IOP, or exploring treatment options for the first time, this guide from Nirvana Recovery will walk you through:
What PHP is and how it works
Who benefits most from PHP
How it compares to IOP and inpatient treatment
What to expect during a typical day
Whether PHP is covered by insurance
You don’t have to figure this out on your own. Our clinical team from PHP rehab in Arizona created this guide to help you make an informed, confident decision about what’s next.
Where Does PHP Fit in the Addiction Treatment Continuum?
Choosing the right program starts with understanding how levels of care differ and where PHP fits in. Here’s a simplified look at the treatment continuum:
Level of Care
Intensity
Description
Inpatient / Residential Treatment
Highest
24/7 care in a live-in facility; ideal for detox, crisis stabilization, or dual diagnosis
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
High
5–6 hours/day, 5 days/week; structured therapy and medical support through a non-residential model.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
Moderate
3–4 hours/day, 3–5 days/week; therapy with more schedule flexibility
Outpatient Therapy / Aftercare
Low
Weekly or bi-weekly counseling; ideal for long-term maintenance or step-down support
PHP is a bridge, either for stepping down from inpatient care or stepping up from IOP when more support is needed.
What Does a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) Include?
PHP provides a daily treatment schedule that supports your recovery goals while allowing you to return home each evening. It’s non-residential but still clinically intensive.
Here’s what to expect in a PHP at Nirvana Recovery:
Structured, Full-Day Treatment
5 to 6 hours per day
5 days per week
Set a schedule that balances therapy, rest, and skill-building
You’ll attend programming during the day and spend your evenings at home or in sober living.
Evidence-Based Therapy Modalities
CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy): Helps reframe harmful thoughts and behaviors.
DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy): Teaches emotion regulation and interpersonal effectiveness.
Trauma-Informed Counseling:Supports healing from past trauma and grief.
Peer Support Groups: These offer connection and accountability in a safe, non-judgmental space.
Medication Management and Psychiatric Care
Regular check-ins with a psychiatrist or nurse practitioner
MAT (Medication-Assisted Treatment) available for substance use disorders
Medication reviews and symptom monitoring for dual diagnosis cases
Skills Training and Relapse Prevention
Stress management techniques
Emotional regulation tools
Communication and boundary-setting
Life planning and routine development
Nutrition, mindfulness, or movement-based therapies (optional)
Case Management and Support
A dedicated team to guide personalized help, discharge planning, employment, housing, or legal support
Coordination with outside providers (if applicable)
Who Is a PHP Program Designed For?
PHP is ideal for people who need more help than what weekly therapy can offer but don’t need full-time inpatient care. You may benefit from PHP if:
You’ve completed inpatient rehab and are ready to step down in intensity
You’re in early recovery and need a consistent routine that includes therapy, check-ins, and skill-building to stay on track
You’re managing a mental health condition like anxiety, PTSD, or bipolar disorder
You’ve had a recent relapse and need to stabilize in a safe setting
You need support but are medically stable and safe living at home.
Partial Hospitalization Program is especially effective for people with co-occurring disorders, meaning a mental health condition and substance use disorder at the same time.
PHP vs Other Levels of Care: What’s the Difference?
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of PHP with other common options:
Feature
Inpatient Treatment
PHP (Partial Hospitalization)
IOP (Intensive Outpatient)
Living Arrangements
24/7 residential stay
Live at home or sober housing
Live at home
Treatment Hours
24 hours/day
5–6 hours/day, 5 days/week
3–4 hours/day, 3–5 days/week
Medical Supervision
24/7 access to medical team
Regular check-ins and psychiatric care
Periodic support only
Flexibility
Minimal
Moderate, evenings free
High, works with jobs/school
Best For
Crisis stabilization, detox
Step-down care, relapse prevention
Mild-to-moderate symptoms
Next Step
PHP or IOP
IOP or outpatient therapy
Maintenance or support groups
Need help choosing the right level of care? Contact Nirvana Recovery for a personalized consultation.
How Long Does a PHP Program Last?
Most PHP programs last between 2 to 6 weeks, depending on your clinical needs and personal progress.
At Nirvana Recovery:
We reassess your goals weekly
Your care plan may adjust based on how you’re responding to therapy
You can extend or taper your schedule for a smoother transition to IOP or outpatient care.
There’s no fixed timeline. We focus on stability, readiness, and long-term success.
Is a PHP Program Right for You or a Loved One?
You might benefit from PHP if:
You’ve just completed inpatient care but aren’t ready to be fully independent
You’re struggling with daily symptoms, cravings, or emotional overwhelm
You want support but still need to live at home
You’ve tried weekly therapy without enough progress
You’re trying to avoid hospitalization by acting early
If any of these apply, PHP could be a safe, effective next step in your recovery.
What Does a Typical Day in PHP Look Like?
Here’s an example of a typical day in our Partial Hospitalization Program:
Time
Activity
9:00 AM
Group therapy (e.g., managing triggers, trauma, or self-esteem)
10:30 AM
Life skills or emotional regulation sessions
12:00 PM
Lunch break
1:00 PM
Individual therapy or psychiatric consultation
2:30 PM
Recovery check-in and treatment plan review
At Nirvana Recovery, every schedule is tailored to your diagnosis, goals, and energy levels. The goal is to stabilize, grow, and build confidence before moving to the next phase.
Yes, most commercial insurance plans do cover Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP), either fully or partially. Coverage depends on your specific plan, provider network, and medical necessity.
Coverage may include:
Group and individual therapy
Psychiatric care
Medication support
Case management
Before you begin, it’s a good idea to ask for a benefits check. We’re here to help you through that step so you can focus on your recovery.
At Nirvana Recovery, our team will check your insurance and explain what’s included. We’ll also let you know if there are any costs you need to plan for.
Final Thoughts: Understanding PHP Is the First Step Toward Getting Help
A Partial Hospitalization Program gives you the daily structure of inpatient care with the freedom of outpatient living. It’s designed to help you heal deeply while staying connected to your life.
If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure about what’s next, starting with PHP might be your way forward. We’re here to help you decide if PHP, IOP, or inpatient care is the right fit. Our intake team will guide you through every step.
No. PHP is an outpatient program. You attend during the day and return home afterward. It offers more structure than standard outpatient therapy but does not require staying overnight.
How do I know if PHP is right for me?
If you need more help than weekly therapy but can safely manage at home, PHP might be a fit. It’s also a helpful step after inpatient care. The team at Nirvana Recovery can assess your needs and recommend the right level of care.
What’s the difference between PHP and IOP?
PHP includes more hours of treatment per week and is designed for people who need daily care. IOP is a lower level of support, often used when someone is more stable or stepping down from PHP.
Will I see a psychiatrist in PHP?
Yes. Most PHPs include regular visits with a psychiatrist or nurse practitioner. They’ll review your symptoms, manage medications, and support your overall treatment.
Can I work or go to school during PHP?
Possibly, but it depends on your schedule. PHP usually takes up most of the weekdays. If you need more flexibility, IOP may be a better option.
What Is a PHP Program?
Published On April 18, 2025
Table of Contents
When you’re seeking addiction or mental health treatment, you may find yourself stuck between two extremes: inpatient rehab that requires a full-time stay or weekly therapy that doesn’t feel like enough. That’s where a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) comes in.
A PHP offers structured, full-day treatment without the need to stay overnight. It provides more clinical support than an outpatient program and more flexibility than residential care. Designed for individuals who need daily help but are stable enough to live at home, PHP bridges the gap between crisis care and long-term recovery.
Whether you’re stepping down from inpatient rehab, looking for a higher level of care than IOP, or exploring treatment options for the first time, this guide from Nirvana Recovery will walk you through:
You don’t have to figure this out on your own. Our clinical team from PHP rehab in Arizona created this guide to help you make an informed, confident decision about what’s next.
Where Does PHP Fit in the Addiction Treatment Continuum?
Choosing the right program starts with understanding how levels of care differ and where PHP fits in. Here’s a simplified look at the treatment continuum:
PHP is a bridge, either for stepping down from inpatient care or stepping up from IOP when more support is needed.
What Does a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) Include?
PHP provides a daily treatment schedule that supports your recovery goals while allowing you to return home each evening. It’s non-residential but still clinically intensive.
Here’s what to expect in a PHP at Nirvana Recovery:
Structured, Full-Day Treatment
You’ll attend programming during the day and spend your evenings at home or in sober living.
Evidence-Based Therapy Modalities
Medication Management and Psychiatric Care
Skills Training and Relapse Prevention
Case Management and Support
Who Is a PHP Program Designed For?
PHP is ideal for people who need more help than what weekly therapy can offer but don’t need full-time inpatient care. You may benefit from PHP if:
Partial Hospitalization Program is especially effective for people with co-occurring disorders, meaning a mental health condition and substance use disorder at the same time.
PHP vs Other Levels of Care: What’s the Difference?
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of PHP with other common options:
Need help choosing the right level of care? Contact Nirvana Recovery for a personalized consultation.
How Long Does a PHP Program Last?
Most PHP programs last between 2 to 6 weeks, depending on your clinical needs and personal progress.
At Nirvana Recovery:
There’s no fixed timeline. We focus on stability, readiness, and long-term success.
Is a PHP Program Right for You or a Loved One?
You might benefit from PHP if:
If any of these apply, PHP could be a safe, effective next step in your recovery.
What Does a Typical Day in PHP Look Like?
Here’s an example of a typical day in our Partial Hospitalization Program:
At Nirvana Recovery, every schedule is tailored to your diagnosis, goals, and energy levels. The goal is to stabilize, grow, and build confidence before moving to the next phase.
Read here for more details about the PHP Partial Hospitalization Program for Substance Abuse at Nirvana Recovery!
Does Insurance Cover a PHP Program?
Yes, most commercial insurance plans do cover Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP), either fully or partially. Coverage depends on your specific plan, provider network, and medical necessity.
Coverage may include:
Before you begin, it’s a good idea to ask for a benefits check. We’re here to help you through that step so you can focus on your recovery.
At Nirvana Recovery, our team will check your insurance and explain what’s included. We’ll also let you know if there are any costs you need to plan for.
Verify your Insurance coverage here.
Final Thoughts: Understanding PHP Is the First Step Toward Getting Help
A Partial Hospitalization Program gives you the daily structure of inpatient care with the freedom of outpatient living. It’s designed to help you heal deeply while staying connected to your life.
If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure about what’s next, starting with PHP might be your way forward. We’re here to help you decide if PHP, IOP, or inpatient care is the right fit. Our intake team will guide you through every step.
Schedule a consultation with Nirvana Recovery Today
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
No. PHP is an outpatient program. You attend during the day and return home afterward. It offers more structure than standard outpatient therapy but does not require staying overnight.
If you need more help than weekly therapy but can safely manage at home, PHP might be a fit. It’s also a helpful step after inpatient care. The team at Nirvana Recovery can assess your needs and recommend the right level of care.
PHP includes more hours of treatment per week and is designed for people who need daily care. IOP is a lower level of support, often used when someone is more stable or stepping down from PHP.
Yes. Most PHPs include regular visits with a psychiatrist or nurse practitioner. They’ll review your symptoms, manage medications, and support your overall treatment.
Possibly, but it depends on your schedule. PHP usually takes up most of the weekdays. If you need more flexibility, IOP may be a better option.