What is a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)?
A partial hospitalization program (PHP) is a mid-level option in the continuum of care for mental health and addiction treatment. Designed to provide a high level of support without requiring overnight stays, PHP programs are ideal for individuals who need structured care for substance use, mental health concerns, or co-occurring conditions.
The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) outlines treatment levels from 0.5 to 4. Level 0.5 addresses early intervention for problematic substance use before a full substance use disorder is diagnosed. At the other end of the spectrum, Level 3 and Level 4 involve residential or inpatient treatment. PHP programs fall under Level 2 care, alongside intensive outpatient programs, offering a balance of structure and flexibility for those continuing their recovery journey.
At Wavecrest’s partial hospitalization program, clients engage in a range of evidence-based services including individual and group counseling, trauma-informed therapies, and wellness-focused activities like yoga, art therapy, and meditation. Our PHP provides a supportive environment for healing while allowing clients to return home in the evenings.
While PHP offers a high level of structure, it’s not the only outpatient option available. To understand how PHP compares to other forms of care, it helps to look at how it differs from an intensive outpatient program (IOP).
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) vs. Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
Both an IOP and a partial hospitalization program offer structured support for individuals in recovery, but they differ in intensity and time commitment. A PHP provides full-day care, five days a week, allowing individuals to receive robust clinical support without enrolling in a residential treatment program. This model offers many of the same benefits as inpatient care, such as management of mental health conditions, a comprehensive treatment plan, and access to a full schedule of therapy sessions, while still allowing clients to return home at the end of the day.
An intensive outpatient program (IOP) also delivers effective, intensive treatment, but with fewer hours of care. Most IOPs involve attending the treatment facility three days a week for approximately three hours per day. Patients participate in group therapy, family therapy sessions, and other proven therapeutic modalities, making it a strong option for those who need more support but also want to maintain their work, school, or family commitments.
Each treatment program plays a vital role in helping individuals move forward in recovery. Whether someone needs the structure of a PHP or the flexibility of an IOP, Wavecrest offers tailored guidance to help each person find the right level of care for their needs.
Get confidential help for yourself or a loved one.
- Fully licensed & accredited
- Most insurance accepted
- Addiction & mental health care
- Personalized treatment plans
Who Should Consider a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)?
A partial hospitalization program is a structured option for those facing mental health conditions or substance abuse who don’t need 24/7 supervision. Positioned between inpatient treatment and standard outpatient care, it offers intensive daytime support without an overnight stay. Individuals in recovery from addiction, struggling with eating disorders, or dealing with self-harm may benefit from this higher level of care.
Choosing the right level of care depends on where you are in your recovery and what kind of support you need. A partial hospitalization program (PHP) can be a strong option for people who are ready for structure but don’t need 24-hour supervision.
Some start PHP after inpatient treatment or detox, while others use it as their first step if they’re stable enough to live at home. Since PHP clients go home at the end of the day, it’s important to have the right setup in place.
PHP might be a good fit if:
- You’ve already completed detox or don’t need it
- You’re safe without round-the-clock monitoring
- Your home environment supports your recovery
- You have reliable transportation to and from the program
If home isn’t the best place to focus on recovery, sober living might be a better option during treatment.
Other Signs You May Need Intensive Treatment Without 24/7 Care
If symptoms are disrupting your daily life but don’t require an inpatient program, PHP treatment may be the right fit. It provides multiple full treatment days of therapy and support. Wavecrest’s partial hospitalization treatment program in Orange County includes personalized treatment plans, individual therapy, and group sessions, helping you take the next step toward lasting recovery.
Conditions Treated in PHP Programs
At Wavecrest, the partial hospitalization program is designed to treat a wide range of mental health disorders and substance use challenges through a flexible yet intensive level of care. This treatment model is ideal for individuals struggling with emotional regulation, daily functioning, or early recovery who still need more support than traditional outpatient treatment offers. PHP care offers several hours of focused services per day, allowing clients to build a foundation for the healing process while maintaining a connection to everyday life.
Common Mental Health Disorders Addressed in a PHP Setting
A partial hospitalization treatment program can help individuals stabilize and recover from a variety of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and postpartum depression. Researchers estimate that one in five U.S. adults lives with a mental health disorder.
A partial hospitalization program also supports individuals working through the effects of trauma, with care delivered by experienced trauma therapists. Unlike standard weekly counseling, PHP treatment offers a consistent therapeutic environment with a structured daily schedule, helping clients build coping strategies, emotional resilience, and move toward recovery over time.
By providing personalized care and access to a full clinical team, Wavecrest bridges the gap between inpatient care and lower levels of outpatient treatment. This approach ensures each client receives the appropriate level of care based on their individual needs and stage in the recovery process.
Substance Use and Addiction Treatment in a PHP
Wavecrest’s PHP in Orange County also supports clients navigating addiction treatment and substance abuse recovery. The comprehensive care offered in this setting allows clients to receive focused services for both addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders. Through evidence-based therapies, structured programming, and consistent support, the rehab center helps individuals move toward long-term sobriety and stability.
Whether someone is just beginning the treatment program or transitioning from a higher level of care, Wavecrest’s comprehensive approach ensures they receive the tools and guidance needed to move forward in life and recovery.
Reach out for help
We are here to help. We understand how scary it can feel to take that first step, but you don’t have to go through it alone.
What Services Are Offered in a PHP?
At Wavecrest, the partial hospitalization program is built around services that promote stability, self-awareness, and growth. Clients engage in a wide range of therapy sessions tailored to their individual needs, with a focus on lasting change and overall well-being. The structure is similar to a residential treatment setting, but because it’s an outpatient treatment model, clients return home or to sober living each evening.
Each treatment program includes a combination of individual therapy, group therapy, and family involvement to help clients address the root causes of addiction, manage symptoms of mental health conditions, and strengthen their personal support systems. Services such as medication management, cognitive behavioral therapy, and educational workshops are woven into the day-to-day structure to support both mental and emotional recovery. Through regular connection with peers and clinicians, clients benefit from mutual support while also developing tools to navigate everyday life.
Group, Family, and Individual Therapy in Structured Outpatient Treatment
In a partial hospitalization treatment program, group therapy forms the core of daily care. These sessions provide space to explore shared experiences, practice communication, and build accountability in a supportive setting. Led by skilled clinicians, groups focus on addictive behaviors, emotional regulation, relapse prevention, and other key elements of the recovery journey. This peer-driven approach fosters mutual support and reminds clients they’re not alone.
Alongside group work, clients participate in individual counseling to work through personal challenges and set meaningful goals. These one-on-one therapy sessions, along with family therapy, offer opportunities to address deeper emotional issues, rebuild relationships, and promote healing. Whether through cognitive behavioral therapy, another form of behavioral therapy, or medication management, each person receives support tailored to their individual needs.
This balance of individual, group, and family therapy creates a comprehensive care model that supports long-term recovery, improved mental health, and a stronger foundation for life beyond addiction.
Aftercare Planning for Long-Term Recovery
As clients near the end of their partial hospitalization program, the care team begins focused aftercare planning to ensure a smooth and successful transition. Recovery is a long-term process, and having the right structure in place after PHP is essential for maintaining progress. Aftercare plans are tailored to each person’s needs and may include stepping down into an intensive outpatient program, joining local support groups, or moving into sober living for additional accountability.
Ongoing outpatient treatment allows clients to continue with medication management, therapy, and regular check-ins with providers to support lasting change. For many, reconnecting with family members is a key part of the process. Wavecrest offers guidance to help clients and families communicate effectively, rebuild trust, and maintain supportive relationships outside of treatment.
Whether someone is continuing to address mental health challenges, healing from trauma, or staying focused on addiction recovery, Wavecrest’s aftercare approach helps clients carry their progress into everyday life. With strong clinical care and community resources across Orange County, clients leave with the tools and connections they need to thrive.
What is a Typical Day Like in a PHP Treatment Program?
A day in a partial hospitalization program (PHP) is structured and purposeful, offering a full schedule of clinical support while allowing clients to return home at night. This balance gives people the chance to build stability and routine during treatment, without stepping away from everyday life entirely.
Most clients attend PHP five days a week for several hours each day, often following a weekday schedule similar to a work or school day. The day usually begins with a morning check-in and goal setting, giving clients the chance to ground themselves and focus on what they want to work through. From there, the day includes a mix of individual therapy, group sessions, and workshops focused on practical skill-building.
Therapeutic sessions may include evidence-based approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, or relapse prevention planning. Clients also participate in psychoeducation groups that offer helpful tools for managing stress, understanding triggers, and rebuilding healthy coping strategies. Medication management and psychiatric support are available when needed, along with regular check-ins to adjust treatment plans as clients grow and change.
Throughout the day, clients also have time for rest and reflection, including scheduled breaks and meals. Many programs integrate activities like mindfulness, yoga, or expressive arts to support emotional regulation and personal growth in different ways. Family therapy and case management are often part of the process, helping to rebuild support systems and plan for life outside of treatment.
By the end of the day, clients leave with new insights, a clearer sense of direction, and real-life tools they can start applying right away. The consistency and structure of PHP help build momentum, offering steady progress in both addiction recovery and mental health healing.
How Much Does a PHP for Drug or Alcohol Addiction Cost?
Partial hospitalization programs are often more affordable than inpatient or residential treatment, but the exact cost depends on a few different factors. These might include the length of your stay, the location of the facility, the services provided, and how you’re paying for treatment.
Some of the main things that can impact cost:
- Your insurance coverage and benefits
- How long you’ll be in the program
- Whether the facility is private or publicly funded
- The specific services and level of support you need
- Whether you’re paying out of pocket or using a payment plan
If you have insurance, the best way to understand your coverage is to speak directly with your provider or let our team verify your benefits for you. We’ll explain what’s covered, what’s not, and what your out-of-pocket costs might look like.
For those without insurance, there are still options. Many programs accept private pay and offer sliding scale fees or flexible payment plans. Some people also use personal loans, credit, or assistance from family to help cover the cost. Depending on your situation, there may also be state or local funding resources available. At Wavecrest, we’ll walk you through the financial side of treatment so cost doesn’t stand in the way of getting help.
