Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
A Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) offers structured, day-to-day treatment for people in recovery who need more support than standard outpatient care, but don’t need 24-hour residential treatment.
At Ohio Community Health Recovery Centers, the PHP offers intensive daily care while allowing clients to return home at the end of each day. This level of care is often used as a step-down from inpatient treatment. Many clients start PHP after detox, residential treatment, hospitalization, or other higher levels of care.
What is a Partial Hospitalization Program?
A partial hospitalization program is a structured treatment program involving several hours of care per day on a weekday schedule. Treatment focuses on clinical oversight, active therapy, and accountability, while helping individuals build stability early in recovery.
At Ohio Community Health, placement into PHP is determined clinically — not by a preset number of days. Before admission, our team completes a pre-assessment and uses ASAM criteria to determine the most appropriate level of care. Additional nursing assessment may be requested to confirm whether PHP is safe to begin, or whether a higher level of care — like detox — is needed first.
PHP includes both individual and group therapy, recovery educational sessions, and when mental health concerns are present, dual diagnosis treatment.
This level of care introduces a structure that many individuals in early recovery have not had for some time. Adjusting to that structure can be challenging at first, but it’s also where many clients start to stabilize and make meaningful progress.
What to Expect in a Partial Hospitalization Program
Clients in partial hospitalization programs participate in a comprehensive treatment schedule that addresses substance use, but also the challenges that can accompany early recovery.
A typical day in PHP at Ohio Community Health follows a consistent structure. We begin in the morning and run through the afternoon. Programming includes group-based treatment, clinical support, and regular interaction with the care team to support accountability and engagement.
Treatment options may include:
Psychotherapy
Individual and group counseling focused on coping skills, emotional regulation, relapse prevention, and applying recovery skills to real-life situations.
Dual Diagnosis Support
Integrated treatment for co-occurring mental health conditions when appropriate.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
When clinically indicated, MAT may be incorporated as part of a supervised treatment plan.
In addition to therapy, PHP often includes coordinated support services designed to help clients succeed after treatment — not just during treatment. We've expanded our services at Ohio Community Health over time, in response to client needs,. This includes medical case management to help individuals establish basic healthcare routines and discharge planning support to prepare for continued stability after treatment.
Let's talk about whether a partial hospitalization program is right for you.
The Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) is best for individuals who:
Are recovering from moderate to severe substance use disorder
Need more structure than outpatient therapy provides
Do not require 24-hour residential care
Require dual diagnosis support
Are transitioning from detox, inpatient treatment, or other higher levels of care
Benefit from daily structure, accountability, and consistent clinical oversight
Placement into PHP is determined through a clinical assessment to ensure the level of care matches each individual’s needs. If detox or another level of care is needed first, our admissions team can help guide next steps and referrals.
You're not facing this alone.
With many of us in recovery ourselves here at Ohio Community Health, we understand the challenges you’re facing, and we’re here to support you.
How Long Does a Partial Hospitalization Program Last?
The length of a PHP varies based on individual needs, progress, and clinical recommendations. Factors that influence duration include:
Severity of substance abuse
Mental health needs
Progress toward treatment goals
Ongoing clinical assessment
Many PHP programs last approximately three to four weeks. At Ohio Community Health, some clients complete PHP within that timeframe, while others remain longer, depending on what the treatment plan indicates is clinically appropriate. The goal is to ensure sufficient stability and follow-through before stepping down in care. Read more about how the length of PHP is determined here.
A popular question that is asked is whether you can work during PHP. We have an guide about that here.
What Happens After the Partial Hospitalization Program is Complete?
After completing the Partial Hospitalization Program, many clients transition to an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). IOP provides continued structure with fewer hours per week, helping clients begin to balance treatment with work, school, or family responsibilities.
At Ohio Community Health Recovery Centers, step-down decisions are guided by the treatment plan and clinical progress — not by a fixed timeline. Each client completes an initial treatment plan during intake, followed by a more comprehensive master plan shortly after admission. Progress on that plan helps determine readiness to transition from PHP to IOP.
Some individuals may instead step down to weekly outpatient therapy and/or periodic clinical check-ins. Continued care is an important part of recovery planning, as ongoing support can reduce relapse risk and help individuals maintain stability while building routines and accountability outside of treatment.
Get Started with Our Partial Hospitalization Program
If you or a loved one may benefit from our Partial Hospitalization Program, our team can help assess your needs and discuss next steps.
Contact us at Ohio Community Health to learn more about our PHP and available treatment options.
Other Treatments We Offer
Read more about other recovery services we offer at Ohio Community Health Recovery Centers.
