A Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) blends intensive clinical support with increasing independence. It helps individuals transition from inpatient care or begin structured treatment without needing full hospitalization. But what does that look like?
Individuals who enroll in a Partial Hospitalization Program fall into one of two categories:
- They recently completed an inpatient program, such as medical detox or residential rehab.
- They were evaluated by a medical professional and determined to be stable enough to begin treatment at the PHP level without prior inpatient care
Regardless of where they were before, individuals in Partial Hospitalization Programs at Archangel Centers in New Jersey experience the same type of support, treatment, and levels of success once enrolled.
What is a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)?
A Partial Hospitalization program is a type of addiction treatment that involves full-day clinical programming and does not require overnight stay in a clinical or medical setting. Many participants in PHP programs stay in affiliate, but independent, housing and receive shuttle transportation to the recovery clinic at the start and end of each day.
Does a PHP involve medical care?
PHP is not a medical program in the way detox is. By this stage, physical withdrawal is complete. However, medication management remains an essential part of care for those who need it—especially individuals with dual diagnoses or lingering withdrawal symptoms. Regular psychiatric check-ins ensure medications are adjusted as the body and mind stabilize. Individuals who have a dual diagnosis or perhaps are still dealing with the anxiety and depressive side-effects of withdrawal continue to meet with a psychiatrist on a regular basis. This gives the patient and medical team the ability to find the right medication as the body and mind stabilizes throughout recovery.
What type of programming is involved in a PHP?
Partial Hospitalization Programs provide 25 to 30 hours of weekly programming, including:
- One-on-one therapy (biweekly for most participants)
- Group therapy (large and small group formats)
- Wellness activities such as yoga, meditation, exercise, and nutrition education
What does a typical day look like in a PHP Program?
A typical day in a Partial Hospitalization Program might begin with a daily reflection. Participants read from an AA, NA, or Hazelden book, then share their thoughts aloud before taking time for quiet meditation. Next is Large Group, where participants are divided based on their recovery stage. In this guided session, they explore topics relevant to their current phase of treatment
- Morning:
- Check-in: Arriving at the facility and checking in with staff.
- Group therapy session: Discussing current challenges, coping mechanisms, and sharing experiences with peers.
- Individual therapy: One-on-one session with a therapist to focus on personal goals and specific issues.
- Psychoeducational class: Learning about mental health conditions, treatment strategies, and relapse prevention.
- Midday:
- Lunch break: Meal provided at the facility.
- Medication management: Reviewing medication needs with a healthcare professional.
- Lunch break: Meal provided at the facility.
After lunch, participants join Small Group, also known as Caseload. In this session, 6 to 8 individuals meet with a dedicated clinician. Since these individuals are at the same stage of recovery, they progress together throughout their time in PHP. Caseload discussions focus
-
- Afternoon:
- Group therapy sessions: Further exploration of specific topics like anger management, communication skills, or stress reduction.
- Specialized therapy: Depending on the program, activities like art therapy, mindfulness exercises, or physical activity may be incorporated.
- Family therapy (optional): Involving family members to support the patient’s recovery process.
- Later in the afternoon, participants reconvene for Large Group Activities, which offer two options—such as a trip to the beach or a gym session. Meanwhile, those scheduled for one-on-one clinical sessions stay back to meet privately with their clinician. These individual sessions typically occur biweekly and rotate throughout the week.
- Afternoon:
- End of Day:
- Wrap-up group: Reflecting on the day’s sessions and setting goals for the next day.
- Discharge planning: Discussing strategies for managing symptoms and transitioning back to daily life.
What is the goal of a PHP program?
The ultimate goal of PHP is long-term recovery. This program helps individuals strengthen their coping skills, gain self-awareness, and heal—before fully stepping back into the responsibilities of daily life. By prioritizing recovery first, individuals build a solid foundation for the next stage, whether that’s work, family relationships, or independent living. Partial Hospitalization Programs give addicts in recovery the space to be “selfishly” focussed on their own recovery. After they have a solid base, they can grow onto the next phase of healing, which might involve family relationships, maintaining a home, work, and more.
Are you or a loved one ready to find out if a PHP is right for you? Reach out to the compassionate team at Archangel Centers for a free, no-commitment assessment. We’ll give you the guidance you need to make the right choice for a happier future, free from drugs, alcohol and the suffering they entail.
