Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
Day-treatment intensity with the freedom to live at home or in sober living.
Overview
What it is.
Medically reviewed by Peter Scheid, MD
Medical Director, SILC Health
Clinically reviewed by Alexandra Truman, LMFT
Clinical Director, Substance Use Services — SILC Health
Last reviewed: June 16, 2026
Partial hospitalization (PHP) is daytime intensive treatment — typically 5–6 hours per day, 5 days per week — with clients returning home or to sober living at night. It delivers nearly the same clinical intensity as residential care without the 24/7 supervision. For many clients, PHP is the step down from residential; for others with strong home support, it's an effective starting level of care.
PHP balances the structure and community of residential treatment with the real-world practice of going home each evening. That practice matters — the skills built during the day get tested and reinforced overnight.
Inside the Program
What happens.
- 5–6 hours of structured clinical programming, 5 days per week
- Individual therapy sessions (typically 2–3 per week)
- Group therapy across multiple modalities — process, psychoeducation, skills, recovery
- Psychiatric care and medication management
- Family therapy and family communication work
- Sober living coordination when applicable
- Evenings and nights at home or in a structured sober living environment
- Continuing care planning toward IOP and outpatient
Who It's For
Is this the right level?
- Clients stepping down from residential treatment
- People stable enough to live at home but needing intensive daily structure
- Co-occurring substance use + mental health conditions
- Anyone whose work or family situation requires returning home in the evenings
- People whose previous outpatient treatment didn't hold
Services & Modalities
What comes after
IOP or traditional outpatient — usually staged based on stability
FAQ
Common questions.
What does "partial hospitalization" mean?
It's a clinical category — the same insurance level-of-care designation used across the industry. "Hospitalization" is a historical term; in practice, PHP is an outpatient program with hospital-level clinical intensity during the day.
How is PHP different from IOP?
PHP runs longer hours (5–6 hours/day, 5 days/week) and is more intensive clinically. IOP is typically 9–15 hours per week (3 days x 3 hours). PHP is the step between residential and IOP for many clients.
Can I work while in PHP?
Most clients don't — PHP is a full-time clinical commitment during the day. Some find part-time evening work compatible. Our team helps with FMLA and employer communication when needed.
Where do I sleep during PHP?
At home, with family, or in sober living. Sober living is often recommended when home isn't supportive of recovery, and our team coordinates referrals to vetted sober living homes.
Does insurance cover PHP?
Most major insurance plans cover medically necessary PHP under federal parity laws. Our admissions team verifies benefits before you commit to anything.
Commonly Treated at This Level
Conditions this level often addresses
Alcohol Use Disorder
Medically supervised detox and structured treatment for alcohol dependence.
Opioid Use Disorder
Medically supervised detox and long-term treatment for opioid dependence — prescription painkillers, heroin, and fentanyl.
Anxiety Disorders
Structured, evidence-based treatment for generalized anxiety, panic, social anxiety, and related conditions.
Major Depressive Disorder
Compassionate, evidence-based treatment for depression — including treatment-resistant cases.
Co-Occurring Disorders (Dual Diagnosis)
Integrated treatment for substance use and mental health conditions — treated together, not one at a time.
Talk to admissions
The right level of care, the first time.
Our admissions team helps determine whether PHP is the right starting point for you — at SILC or a trusted partner.