How Long Is PHP Treatment? (Partial Hospitalization Program)

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PHP (partial hospitalization program) offers the same level of care as inpatient rehab without an overnight stay. Read on to find out how long is PHP and what’s involved with treatment.

How Long Is a PHP Program?

Although it’s natural to wonder how long is PHP treatment, the timeline varies based on factors like:

  • Degree of addiction
  • Level of dependence
  • Physical and mental health
  • Support network
  • Commitment to recovery

Most PHPs last for 4 to 6 weeks. During this time, people attend 6 hours of therapy on most weekdays. This allows them to spend time with their families while getting treatment for drug or alcohol addiction.

All addictions are unique, so setting a fixed timeline for recovery is not recommended. It’s best to focus on the quality and depth of treatment.

Partial Hospitalization Program Timeline

The timeline for a partial hospitalization program can differ based on individual needs and situations. Here’s a general idea of what to expect:

  • Initial assessment (1 to 2 days): The process starts with a detailed evaluation. The medical team will assess your mental and physical health to understand your needs.
  • Treatment planning (1 to 3 days): A personalized treatment plan is created based on the assessment. The plan will be adjusted as needed during the program.
  • Treatment phase (4 to 6 weeks): This is the main phase of the PHP. You’ll attend therapy sessions for several hours a day on several weekdays. The length of this phase can vary from 4 to 6 weeks.
  • Progress review (1 to 2 days): Regular reviews assess progress and adjust the treatment plan if needed.
  • Transition planning (1 to 2 weeks): As the program nears its end, the team will help plan the next steps for ongoing recovery, which might include outpatient therapy or support groups.
counseling session representing ​​how long is a php program

How Long is Intensive PHP?

An intensive PHP usually lasts from 4 to 6 weeks. Intensive PHP is shorter and more structured than IOP (intensive outpatient program) and OP (outpatient program), helping those who need support without full-time residential care. Here’s how these programs differ:

PHP

  • Offers a higher level of care than OP and IOP
  • Sessions held for 6 hours a day on 3 to 5 weekdays
  • Ideal for people who need intensive treatment but still want to live at home
  • The length of stay is usually 4 to 6 weeks

IOP

  • A step down from PHP, providing less intensive care
  • Sessions held for 3 hours a day on 3 to 5 weekdays
  • Suitable for people who need more support than OP
  • Often used to follow up PHP or inpatient treatment

OP

  • The least intensive level of care
  • Sessions held for 1 to 2 hours once or twice each week
  • For those with mild addictions and no mental health issues

What Is PHP Like?

PHP is often misunderstood. Some people think it’s strict, boring, and not personal, but that’s not true. PHP offers a well-structured way to recover, helping people heal, make friends, and find new interests. Let’s look at what PHP is like, and clear up some misconceptions.

PHP gives people intensive treatment during the day and the freedom to go home at night. This lets them keep a sense of normal life and stay connected with loved ones, showing that treatment doesn’t have to take over your whole life.

One of the best parts of PHP is the chance to connect with others going through similar things. Despite what some people think, participants often make strong connections with staff and peers, offering lasting support.

PHPs offer many activities beyond regular therapy to help people get better. This includes art and music therapy, mindfulness, and yoga. These activities not only help with healing but also bring joy and fulfillment. People in PHP attend workshops and sessions to learn how to manage stress, handle challenges, and build useful life skills. These practical and fun sessions can be helpful in daily life.

PHP sees people as more than their addiction and helps with physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Workshops on nutrition, fitness sessions, and holistic therapies help improve overall well-being and make the experience more enjoyable.

Many participants find new hobbies and passions while in PHP, creating a strong base for a happy life in recovery. The program encourages trying new activities that can become a part of life after treatment, making recovery a journey of growth and discovery.

ohio recovery centers facility from curb view, depicting how long is a php

Get Premier PHP at Ohio Recovery Centers

Connect with effective PHP treatment at Ohio Recovery Centers. Get science-based treatment to help you beat drug or alcohol addiction at our Cincinnati rehab. PHP allows you to live at home and meet your daily commitments.

All addictions are different, so expect personal treatment that includes:

Call our friendly team at 877-679-2132 for more information.

Table of Contents

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Joseph Gilmore

Joseph Gilmore has been working in the addiction industry for half a decade and has been writing about addiction and substance abuse treatment during that time. He has experience working for facilities all across the country. Connect with Joe on LinkedIn.
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Christopher Glover CDCA

My name is Christopher Glover, and I am from Cincinnati, Ohio. I am currently in school and working to grow in competence to better support our community. As a recovering individual I know the struggles that you or a loved one can go through and that there is help for anything you may be struggling with.

The hardest part is asking for help and we are here as a team to best support you and your decision to start your journey towards a better future. Connect with Chris on LinkedIn

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Amanda Kuchenberg PRS CDCA

I recently joined Ohio Community Health Recovery Centers as a Clinical Case Manager. I am originally from Wisconsin but settled in the Cincinnati area in my early 20s.  My career started in the fashion industry but quickly changed as I searched to find my drive and passion through helping others who struggle with addiction. 

As someone who is also in recovery, I wanted to provide hope, share lived experience, and support others on their journey.  I currently have my Peer Recovery Support Supervision Certification along with my CDCA and plan to continue my education with University of Cincinnati so I can continue to aid in the battle against substance addiction. Connect with Amanda on LinkedIn.

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Patrick McCamley LCDC III

 Patrick McCamley (Clinical Therapist) is a Cincinnati native who has worked in substance use disorder/co-occurring mental health disorder treatment since 2019. Patrick received his bachelors degree in psychology from University of Cincinnati in 2021 and received his LCDC III (Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor) license from the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board in 2022. Patrick has worked in Clinical Operations, Clinical Case Management, and Clinical Therapy throughout his career.

Patrick has tremendous empathy and compassion for the recovery community, being in recovery himself since 2018. Patrick is uniquely qualified to be helpful because of the specific combination of his academic background and his own experience in recovery.

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Bill Zimmerman CDCA

Bill Zimmerman is a Greater Cincinnati Area native who has worked in substance use disorder/co-occurring mental health disorder treatment since 2018. Bill received his (Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant) license from the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board in 2020.

Bill has worked in Clinical Operations in both support and supervision, and Program facilitating and 12 step recovery support during his career. Bill has a passion for the recovery community, having been in recovery himself since 1982. Connect with Bill on LinkedIn

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Taylor Lilley CDCA, PRS

Growing up in Louisiana with addiction running rampant on both sides of my family. A life away from drugs and alcohol seemed impossible for someone like me. I remember what it was like sitting across from someone thinking there is no way they could ever understand what I was going through.

Sharing my experience offers a credibility and a certain type of trust with clients that only someone who has walked down this road can illustrate. To immerse myself further into the field of addiction, I am currently studying at Cincinnati State for Human and Social Services.  I hope I never forget where I came from, if I can do it, so can you!

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Thomas Hunter LSW

Hello my name is Thomas Hunter. I was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. I am a licensed social worker.In my scope of practice I have worked in the areas of mental health and recovery for thirty years. The clients I have worked with in my career have ranged in age from seven to seventy.

I strive each day to serve my purpose of helping those in need and I believe I do so by utilizing all of my experiences to accomplish my goal of supporting those who desire to establish their sobriety and maintain it in their recovery. Connect with Thomas on LinkedIn.

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Mary D.Porter,LICDC

 My name is Mary D. Porter. I received my Masters of Social Work in 2008 from The University of Cincinnati. I received My Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor Licensure in 2001. I retired from The Department of Veteran Affairs Medical Center on April 14, 2014. Currently, I am the Associate Clinical Director for The Ohio Community Health Recovery Centers in Cincinnati.. Due to the fourth wave of the Opioid Epidemic in 2019,  I decided to enter back into the workforce to assist the addicted population.

The overdoses were astounding and I wanted to help.  I consider myself  to be an advocate for the addicted population. My compassion, resilience, empathy, wisdom, knowledge, experience and  love I have for this forgotten population goes beyond words. I consider what I do for the addicted population as a calling versus a “career,” because I too was once an “addict and alcoholic.” Today I am 45.5 years alcohol and substance free.

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Ben Lemmon LCDC III

Hello, my name is Ben Lemmon, and I’m the Vice President and Clinical Director at Ohio Community Health Recovery Centers. I’ve been working in the addiction and mental health field since 2013 and decided to enter the field after overcoming my own challenges with addiction.

When I first meet a client, I always explain to them that the reason we are meeting is because they are not capable of obtaining or maintaining sobriety, and my goal is to create a person that can maintain sobriety. I believe a person’s personality is made up of their thoughts, feelings and actions and my job is to help clients identify the thoughts, feelings and actions that have them disconnected from recovery and provide them with the tools to live a healthy and happy life. Connect with Ben on LinkedIn