Partial hospitalization programs were originally designed in the 1960s, but they did not offer services to people in need of addiction treatment. Changes in Medicaid laws and the acceptance of addiction as a mental disorder allowed PHPs to also offer treatment to those with alcohol or substance use disorders (SUD).

At Supreme Wellness Recovery, PHP patients spend several hours a day, several days a week in a hospital setting while they undergo a variety of therapies. Participants are medically monitored and must attend treatment, but they retain the freedom to return home at the end of the day.

PHPs make treatment more accessible to people with work or family obligations that might otherwise make it impossible to enter residential treatment. For example, parents without childcare options may benefit from PHP.

Who Are Partial Hospitalization Programs For?

It is common for PHP to be recommended for recovery clients that have a co-occurring disorder—a substance use disorder and an additional mental health disorder.

If a person has been hospitalized due to their mental health condition and is released but still needs medical attention, they may be discharged to a PHP.

Partial hospitalization programs are often considered to be a step-down level of care between full-time hospitalization and outpatient care.

Individuals may qualify for PHP if they meet at least some of the following criteria:

• Stable enough to live at home but in need of consistent medical monitoring
• Not at risk for doing self-harm or harming others
• A documented diagnosis of SUD that is current
• Not able to function independently, but has strong family or community support in place to help prevent relapse
• Can tolerate several hours of therapy, several days a week, including group and individual sessions

To participate in a PHP, a client’s detox symptoms must be mild enough to safely manage at home for a portion of the day.

In a PHP setting, medical oversight may be available during the predetermined program hours, but in some cases, fully supervised medical detox is necessary for the client’s mental and physical safety. People who need medical detox do not qualify for PHP.

Partial hospitalization programs at Supreme Wellness Recovery are also appropriate for people who are on a tapering regimen.

What to Expect During a Partial Hospitalization Program

It’s natural to have questions, such as, “How long do partial hospitalization programs last? Where do people live during partial hospitalization programs?” Each program has its own schedule and many of the details depend on the client’s needs. However, there are some basic features you can expect.

Patients receive evidence-based therapies and the support of experienced care providers when they enter a PHP. There are several basic services overseen by a professional staff of doctors, nurses, psychiatrists, peer support workers, pharmacists, and more.

A medical and psychiatric evaluation is typically completed on new patients within the first 48 hours after admittance. The required number of therapy hours is typically two to eight per day, three to five days a week. Requirements may change as the patient’s needs change. When treatment is over for the day, participants return home.

Treatments may include a combination of:

• Behavioral therapy, like cognitive-behavioral therapy or dialectical behavior therapy
• Individual counseling or “talk therapy”
• Group therapy
• Support groups
• Holistic therapies, such as art therapy or music therapy
• Fitness and nutrition
• Stress management
• Mindfulness technique training
• Aftercare support
• Family therapy

During a partial hospitalization program at Supreme Wellness Recovery, you can expect to receive a balance of high-quality care and personal freedom.

The Benefits of Partial Hospitalization Programs

Not everyone is an ideal candidate for PHP, but for those who are a good fit, there are several advantages to choosing a PHP.

Some of the benefits include:

• Family counseling to help repair relationships
• Freedom to maintain work, home, or school responsibilities in the evening and on weekends
• Access to medical care
• Practice living in the “real world” without 24-hour supervision
• Flexibility in scheduling
• A variety of professional health services

People who have experienced one or more relapses, those who are at risk for severe withdrawal symptoms, and those without a stable, supporting home environment may not be a good fit for a PHP.

Learn More About the PHP Program at Supreme Wellness Recovery

In an effort to make treatment more widely available, we are an in-network provider for more major insurance providers.

Ready to learn more? Reach out to our skilled, compassionate treatment team today.