Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) Services for Mental & Behavioral Health

What is a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)?

Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) provide daylong treatment for individuals who do not require round-the-clock supervision, but who can benefit from a highly structured treatment setting. PHPs are designed for individuals whose situations do not warrant the immediacy of inpatient care nor the length of stay that is typical of residential treatment. In the PHP setting, individuals receive medical treatment during the day but can then put their treatment skills to use at home in the evenings and on weekends.

Benefits of Partial Hospitalization Programming

Care at the partial hospitalization level is designed for individuals who meet one of the following two criteria:

• People who have completed inpatient or residential treatment for a mental health, behavioral health, or substance use disorder and can benefit from a structured level of support as they transition to a more independent lifestyle
• People whose mental health, behavioral health, or substance-related needs do not require treatment at the inpatient or residential level

Prior to being admitted into PHP treatment, individuals will undergo a thorough psychosocial assessment where they will answer questions regarding their family history, previous treatment experience, and any preexisting mental health disorder diagnoses. This assessment is facilitated by clinical staff members and provides our staff with the data needed to determine what kind of care is best suited to the patient. Sometimes, individuals may forego our psychosocial assessment if they provide documentation of an assessment that was completed at an inpatient or residential program prior to transitioning to a PHP program. This ensures that the treatment professionals at the partial hospitalization program (PHP) have the necessary information to develop a personalized plan that will guide the individual’s progress throughout their time in PHP treatment.

In order to qualify for a PHP program, individuals must demonstrate a degree of stability that allows them to fully participate in all therapeutic interventions, and they must not have any physical or psychological needs that require round-the-clock care. Upon your completion of an initial assessment, our clinically trained staff will be able to help you determine if a partial hospitalization program care is right for you. For some providers within the Acadia Healthcare network, completion of an inpatient or residential program is a prerequisite for admission into mental health partial hospitalization program treatment. Please consult directly with the PHP rehab that you are considering in order to confirm the type and level of services that you are eligible to receive. Because PHP treatment does not include residential treatment, individuals must be capable of living independently, or must have secured other stable housing arrangements. Please note that transportation to and from the partial hospitalization program (PHP) is not provided.

Types of PHP Therapies Offered Within Our Treatment Network

Our PHPs offer a variety of therapeutic services. Individuals in our PHPs can participate in group therapy or benefit from individual therapy sessions. Treatment modalities offered at the partial hospitalization program level may include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).

PHP treatment is a personalized experience that is designed to meet the specific strengths, needs, and treatment goals of each participant. Depending on the needs of each participant, their time in PHP may include:

Medication management: Many people who struggle with mental health or behavioral health disorders can benefit from the incorporation of certain prescription psychotropic medications into their treatment plans. When a PHP participant has been prescribed medication, they may meet with one of our psychiatrists or nursing staff for medication management services. This enables PHP participants to get the most out of their experience.

Group therapy: Group therapy is one of the foundational elements of PHP treatment. Partial hospitalization programs for mental health typically offer multiple group therapy sessions each day. Led by a counselor, therapist, or other appropriate professional, group therapy facilitates discussion on PHP treatment and gives group members the opportunity to share insights from their own personal journeys and to encourage other members who are facing similar challenges. Group therapy serves as a safe and structured environment for participants to practice productive interpersonal communication and other skills that are essential to recovery.

Individual therapy: One-on-one time with a therapist or counselor is another beneficial aspect of PHP treatment. In individual therapy, individuals can discuss setbacks in their recovery, process victories, share issues that they may be hesitant to bring up in a group setting, and receive focused feedback from an experienced professional. Some PHP centers provide regularly scheduled individual sessions, while others are scheduled on an as-needed basis.

Family sessions: Mental health disorders, behavioral health challenges, and substance use impact more than just the individual – they also impact the individual’s family. Family therapy sessions give family members who are affected by their loved one’s struggles the opportunity to heal from past wounds and learn how to support their loved one going forward. As with individual therapy, the scheduling of family sessions may vary depending on location.

PHP participants will work directly with staff members to develop comprehensive discharge plans. Discharge plans enable those who have completed PHP to be equipped to continue their treatment progress. A discharge plan often includes a list of recommended outpatient resources, such as individual therapists or community-based programs. We are dedicated to helping those who are completing a PHP program to feel ready and able to handle life’s challenges in a healthy way. We will do all we can to support our participants’ continued recovery.

Starting Your Journey with Partial Hospitalization Programming

To learn more about treatment at the partial hospitalization level, or to get answers to any questions you may have about aspects of treatment within the Acadia Healthcare network, please feel free to contact us at your earliest convenience. We look forward to assisting you or a loved one on the journey to a happier, healthier future.