Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) in Pennsylvania

Once you have made the decision to pursue treatment for substance abuse or mental health challenges, it can be difficult to know what kind of program is best for you. One option many people are not aware of is a Partial Hospitalization Program or PHP. During a PHP, clients receive daily support that is similar to inpatient treatment, but they return home to a supportive environment each night.

A Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) is a type of care that falls between inpatient and outpatient services. In a standard inpatient program, a person checks into a hospital or clinic for round-the-clock care, which is necessary for certain conditions or at certain times during a person’s recovery journey. In outpatient care, a person continues with their normal daily routine but attends one-on-one or group meetings with therapists, counselors, or doctors.

A PHP provides an intermediate option for those who require more care than an outpatient program provides but who do not need or want to stay overnight in a hospital or clinic. Generally, a person participating in a PHP receives care in a hospital or clinic during the day for several hours but returns home to sleep each night and spends weekends at home.

During their time at the hospital or clinic, a person in a PHP might work with a therapist, psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, and/or case manager to set goals, learn and practice new coping skills, and manage any co-occurring disorders.