When seeking treatment for substance use disorder or co-occurring mental health conditions, understanding the different levels of care available can feel overwhelming. You may have heard terms like inpatient, outpatient, and partial hospitalization thrown around, but what do they really mean? More importantly, which one is right for you or your loved one? At StarCity Behavioral Health, we believe that addiction is a chronic relapsing disease that requires individually tailored therapeutic treatment, relapse prevention, and recovery strategies. One of the most effective levels of care we offer is our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), which serves as a vital bridge between residential treatment and intensive outpatient treatment.
Let’s explore what PHP is, who it’s designed for, and how it compares to other treatment options.
What is a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)?
A Partial Hospitalization Program is a structured, non-residential treatment program that provides intensive therapeutic support while allowing individuals to live at home or in a recovery residence. It’s called “partial hospitalization” because it offers hospital-level care during the day without requiring an overnight stay.
At StarCity Behavioral Health, our PHP is specifically designed to stabilize dysfunctional addictive behaviors by cultivating self-awareness, resiliency, and impulse control. The program addresses both substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and trauma.
Our Substance Abuse Partial Hospitalization Program provides integrative and holistic clinical treatment through evidence-based practices combined with whole-person healing approaches. This means we don’t just treat the addiction—we address the emotional, mental, physical, social, and spiritual aspects of recovery.
Who Might Benefit from PHP?
PHP is particularly suitable for individuals who need more support than traditional outpatient care can provide, but who don’t require 24-hour medical supervision. According to StarCity’s program guidelines, PHP is ideal for:
- Individuals who need substantial care while remaining sober outside of a residential rehab setting
- Those who have completed a hospital or residential treatment program but are at high risk of relapse
- People who struggle with self-motivation to continue their recovery efforts
- Individuals experiencing co-occurring disorders, such as anxiety or depression alongside substance use issues
- Those living in environments that pose a risk for substance use and lack adequate support
- People who are not achieving optimal progress in an intensive outpatient (IOP) setting
Essentially, if you’ve completed a higher level of care but aren’t quite ready for the independence of traditional outpatient treatment, PHP provides that crucial middle ground.
What Does a Typical PHP Schedule Look Like?
While specific schedules vary by program, PHP typically requires attendance five to seven days per week for several hours each day. This structured routine is essential for maintaining stability during early recovery.
StarCity’s Structured Program of Care includes a comprehensive and planned daily, weekly, and monthly routine with appropriate supervision. Our programming incorporates:
- ASAM Multidimensional Assessment and Diagnostic Evaluation
- Comprehensive Needs Assessment and Individualized Service Planning
- Group Counseling including addiction and mental illness psychoeducation, mindfulness skills training, and relapse prevention therapy
- Integrated psychiatric and medical care via referral
- Medication Assisted Treatment (Vivitrol and Buprenorphine referrals to OTP)
- Urine Drug Screening
- Interdisciplinary Treatment Team Meetings
- Skill Building and Recovery Support Services
- Care Coordination and Client Advocacy
- Holistic Wellness approaches
- Comprehensive Discharge Planning
This intensive structure provides the accountability and support needed during the critical transition from residential care back to daily life, or for those who need more than weekly outpatient sessions can offer.
PHP vs. Inpatient vs. Outpatient: Understanding the Differences
Inpatient/Residential Treatment
Pros: 24-hour medical supervision, safe environment removed from triggers, intensive therapeutic support, ideal for severe addiction or medical complications
Cons: Most expensive option, requires time away from work and family, less autonomy, can be challenging to transition back to “real world”
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
Pros: Hospital-level care without overnight stays, maintains connection to home and support system, more affordable than inpatient, structured routine builds accountability, ideal transition from residential care
Cons: Requires stable living environment, not suitable for those needing medical detox, requires significant time commitment during the day, may face triggers at home
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
Pros: More flexibility to maintain work and family responsibilities, less intensive time commitment (typically 9-12 hours per week), more affordable, allows practice of recovery skills in real-world situations
Cons: Less structure and accountability, may not provide enough support for high-risk individuals, requires strong internal motivation, limited clinical supervision
At StarCity Behavioral Health, we offer both PHP and IOP services, allowing us to meet individuals where they are in their recovery journey and adjust the level of care as needs change.
What to Expect When You Start PHP
Starting a PHP can feel daunting, but knowing what to expect can ease the transition. Here’s what typically happens:
Initial Assessment
Your journey begins with a comprehensive assessment to understand your unique needs, including your substance use history, co-occurring mental health conditions, medical needs, and recovery goals. At StarCity, this includes an ASAM Multidimensional Assessment to determine the appropriate level of care.
Individualized Treatment Planning
Based on your assessment, our interdisciplinary clinical team will develop a personalized treatment plan. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach—your plan is tailored to your specific challenges, strengths, and goals.
Daily Programming
You’ll participate in various therapeutic activities throughout the day, including group counseling sessions, individual therapy, psychoeducation classes, mindfulness training, and skill-building exercises. Our licensed clinicians are experts in treating substance use disorder and leverage their experience in addressing complex co-occurring issues.
Holistic Wellness
At StarCity, we embrace a whole-person approach to healing. This means incorporating holistic wellness practices alongside evidence-based clinical care. We believe that true recovery addresses not just the addiction, but all aspects of your well-being.
Progress Monitoring
Regular urine drug screenings, clinical assessments, and treatment team meetings ensure you’re making progress toward your goals. If adjustments are needed, your treatment plan can be modified accordingly.
Transition Planning
As you progress through PHP, the focus gradually shifts toward preparing for the next phase of your recovery. This might mean stepping down to IOP, connecting with community resources, establishing a support system, or developing a strong relapse prevention plan.
Finding the Right Level of Care
Recovery is not linear, and there’s no shame in needing a higher level of care than you initially anticipated. PHP offers a crucial middle ground for individuals who need intensive support while maintaining connections to their daily lives.
At StarCity Behavioral Health, our team of experienced clinicians is passionate about helping you unlock your full potential and become the best version of yourself. Whether you’re transitioning from residential treatment, struggling in outpatient care, or facing co-occurring disorders that require comprehensive support, our PHP may be the right fit.
The severity of dysfunctional addictive behaviors, if left untreated, often escalates rapidly, creating life-altering consequences. But with the right support system and level of care, long-term recovery is absolutely possible.
If you or a loved one is struggling with substance use disorder and co-occurring mental health conditions, we’re here to help. Contact StarCity Behavioral Health at 804-773-4411 or visit starcitybh.com to learn more about our PHP and IOP programs. Our clinical team will review your needs and follow up within 24-48 hours.
Remember: seeking help is not a sign of weakness—it’s a courageous step toward resilience, wellness, and recovery.
