Partial Hospitalization (PHP): What to Expect, Who It's For & How It Works
PHP is like residential treatment in terms of intensity, but you go home at night. You'll spend most of the day at the facility—typically 5-6 hours, 5 days a week—in therapy sessions, groups, and skill-building activities. It's a good option if you've completed detox or residential and need to step down, or if you need intensive support but have stable housing and can maintain sobriety outside of treatment hours. This page provides comprehensive information about partial hospitalization program, including who this level of care is appropriate for, what to expect during treatment, typical duration, and how insurance typically covers this type of program.
Understanding Partial Hospitalization Program in the United States
Understanding your treatment options
Partial Hospitalization Program(PHP)
Outpatient ProgramPHP is like residential treatment in terms of intensity, but you go home at night. You'll spend most of the day at the facility—typically 5-6 hours, 5 days a week—in therapy sessions, groups, and skill-building activities. It's a good option if you've completed detox or residential and need to step down, or if you need intensive support but have stable housing and can maintain sobriety outside of treatment hours.
2-4 weeks
20-30 hours
- People transitioning from residential treatment who aren't ready for less support
- Those who need intensive help but have a stable, safe home
- Individuals who can stay sober overnight without 24/7 supervision
- People with family responsibilities who need to be home in the evenings
Who decides what level of care is right?
When you call a treatment facility, they'll do an assessment to understand your situation— things like what substances you're using, how long, medical history, mental health, and your support system. Based on that, they'll recommend a level of care. Your insurance company also has a say—they use clinical criteria (like ASAM for substance use) to decide what they'll cover. Sometimes there's back-and-forth between the facility and insurance to find the right fit.
What to Expect from PHP Treatment
Program Structure
- •Duration: 2-4 weeks
- •Intensity: 20-30 hours
- •Setting: Return home between sessions
What Treatment Usually Includes
- •Individual therapy (often 2-3 times per week)
- •Group therapy and peer support sessions
- •Psychiatric evaluation and medication management if needed
- •Aftercare planning before you leave
Does Insurance Cover PHP?
Most insurance plans cover partial hospitalization program when it's deemed medically necessary—but what "medically necessary" means varies by insurer. Your coverage depends on your specific plan: your deductible, copays, and whether the facility is in-network. The facility's admissions team can usually help you verify benefits before you commit.
Find PHP Programs by Insurance
Find PHP Programs by State
What to Ask When Contacting a Program
Be prepared with the right questions
That first phone call to a treatment facility can feel intimidating. Here's the thing: the people answering are usually experienced at helping nervous callers navigate this process. You don't need to have all the answers—just your insurance card and a basic idea of what's going on. But it helps to know what questions to ask them:
- 1Are you currently in-network with my specific insurance plan? (Give them your insurance ID and group number)
- 2Can you verify my benefits and tell me roughly what my out-of-pocket costs would be?
- 3Do you handle the prior authorization process, or do I need to call my insurance first?
- 4Do you have availability right now? How long is the wait for admission?
- 5What does a typical day look like in your program?
- 6What credentials do your therapists and counselors have?
- 7Do you offer medication-assisted treatment (like Suboxone or Vivitrol) if that's appropriate for me?
- 8What happens after I complete your program? Do you help with aftercare planning?
- 9Can my family be involved in my treatment?
- 10What happens if my insurance stops approving coverage before I'm clinically ready to leave?
- 11Do you treat people with both addiction and mental health issues at the same time?
- 12How do you customize treatment plans for each person?
Before You Call
- Have your insurance card ready
- Know your policy number and group number
- Be ready to briefly describe the situation
- Have pen and paper for notes
What Intake May Ask You
- What substances or symptoms are involved
- History of prior treatment attempts
- Current medications
- Timeline for when help is needed
Here's something important to remember: calling a facility doesn't commit you to anything. You can (and should) call multiple places to compare options. The intake team is there to help you figure out if their program is right for your situation. If it's not the right fit, a good facility will tell you honestly and may even suggest alternatives.
"The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be."