Partial Hospitalization Programs

There are several levels of addiction treatment available for those seeking professional help, including high intensity outpatient programs like partial hospitalization programs (PHPs). While PHPs are considered a form of outpatient treatment, they serve as the most intensive level of outpatient care available.

Keep reading to learn more about PHPs, including the range of therapies potentially offered in this type of program, how much it may cost and whether insurance can provide coverage or not, and how to find a PHP near you.

What is a Partial Hospitalization Program?

A PHP is a highly structured outpatient treatment option for people struggling with substance use disorders (SUDs) or co-occurring disorders.¹ This level of care is a part of a full continuum of addiction treatment options and can act as a step down from residential or inpatient treatment or a step up from intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) or less intensive, traditional outpatient treatment.¹

During PHP treatment, some patients may continue to live at home outside of treatment hours, affording them the ability to uphold their daily responsibilities at work, home, or school. However, they may need to adjust their personal schedules to accommodate for the amount of time they will spend participating in PHP treatment. Most PHPs require patients to attend treatment throughout the week during daytime hours, which is why this type of treatment is sometimes referred to as day treatment.²

While there are several factors that can determine how time intensive a PHP will be, this level of care typically provides daily treatment for several hours per day.² Treatment professionals may suggest that a PHP ideally last for several months, although this, too, will likely vary based on factors specific to both the program and the patient.²

Partial Hospitalization Program Requirements

A partial hospitalization program rehab may be a suitable treatment option for individuals with certain recovery needs, such as those who:³

• Have a stable living environment and a strong support system outside of the facility.
• Have already completed a higher level of care, such as residential or inpatient treatment.
• May be struggling with the motivation to maintain sobriety or have a fluctuating motivation to change, and would therefore benefit from a more structured recovery program.
• Struggle with a co-occurring mental health disorder.
• Need a step-up from less intensive, traditional outpatient or IOP levels of care.

PHPs may not be an appropriate level of care for those at risk for or who are already experiencing potentially severe withdrawal symptoms, as well as those who require around-the-clock medical monitoring.⁴

Therapies Offered at a PHP

Like many inpatient/residential treatment programs, PHPs may incorporate a wide variety of therapeutic offerings for managing substance use disorders and associated mental health conditions. Some of these therapies can include the following:

• Individual counseling: Patients can benefit from regular individual counseling sessions, where they focus in on the personal issues that have contributed to their substance use.³ Therapists can offer support and encourage motivation for change.³
• Behavioral therapy: Different types of behavioral therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, or contingency management can help people modify their behaviors associated with substance use, improve upon helpful life skills, and learn how to manage triggers appropriately.⁵
• Group counseling: This puts people face to face with others who are learning how to cope with the same struggles. Group counseling offers psychoeducation, skills building exercises, and process sessions for all participants to engage in together.³
• Holistic therapies: In addition to evidence based treatments, complementary therapies like yoga, meditation, nutritional counseling, and fitness can be included as therapeutic components during PHP drug rehab to further enhance a person’s well-being during recovery.³

How Effective Are Partial Hospitalization Programs?

Partial hospitalization program treatment and other intensive outpatient programs can be similarly effective as inpatient and residential programs for the majority of those who are deemed to have a lower risk of withdrawal and less symptom severity, as well as people who don’t need to be placed in a 24-hour structured setting.³ PHPs have been shown to increase rates of abstinence, reduce SUD symptom severity, and decrease frequency of substance use, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).³

How Much Does a PHP Program Cost?

The cost of a PHP recovery program may depend on multiple factors, including:

• The location of the facility: Rehab centers in more attractive locations tend to be more expensive.
• The amenities that the center offers: If the rehab facility has luxury amenities, like private rooms and spa treatment, it will probably cost more.
• The length of the program: Longer programs generally have higher costs.
• Your insurance coverage plan: Many insurance plans will cover at least a portion of the cost of your PHP treatment.⁶

SAMHSA indicates that intensive outpatient programs like PHPs have treatment outcomes that are similar to inpatient treatment, but at almost half the cost.³

Does Insurance Cover PHP?

Your health insurance plan may be able to provide at least partial coverage for PHP for drug or alcohol addiction treatment.^6,7 The Affordable Care Act (ACA) states that substance use disorder and mental health treatment are essential benefits, which means that insurance plans are required to provide some level of coverage for treatment.^7,8 As coverage can vary by plan, it’s a good idea to consult your insurance carrier to verify your exact benefits.⁷

Even if you’re uninsured, you can still seek treatment at a facility that offers PHP programs and either cover the cost of your program yourself or find another option for funding addiction treatment, like:⁹

• Borrowing money from friends and family members.
• Loans.
• Sliding scale fees.
• Free-of-charge rehab programs.

PHP Facilities

American Addiction Centers (AAC) is a leading provider of addiction treatment in the U.S. Some of AAC’s facilities offer PHP for addiction as part of our outpatient treatment options. If you’re interested in learning more, please call our free, confidential helpline at to get started or ask any questions you may have about rehab.

AAC facilities that offer PHP include:

• River Oaks Treatment Center.
• Recovery First Treatment Center.
• Oxford Treatment Center.
• Desert Hope Treatment Center.
• Greenhouse Treatment Center.
• AdCare Treatment Centers.

How to Find a Partial Hospitalization Program Near Me

To find a PHP near you, you can research different possibilities for drug and alcohol treatment by using SAMHSA’s treatment locator tool. Next, it’s advisable to reach out to your insurance provider to explore the full extent of your coverage. Another possibility is to call a hotline that’s run by the rehab center that you’re interested in.

We encourage you to contact American Addiction Centers right now by giving us a call at . The AAC team is here to hear you out, offer suitable treatment options, explain the course of detoxification, and address any and all questions and concerns you may have about attending a partial hospitalization program near you.

Do not wait any longer. Start your recovery journey right now by filling out the form below to have your insurance verified.