A Beginner’s Guide to Partial Hospitalization for Substance Use Disorders

If you're new to addiction treatment, all the terms and program types can feel overwhelming. One that comes up a lot — and for good reason — is the Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP).

Despite the name, PHPs don’t require you to stay overnight at a hospital. Instead, they strike a balance between intensive care and the flexibility of outpatient life. If you're curious whether a PHP might be right for you or a loved one, let’s break it down — in plain, real-world language.

 What Exactly Is a PHP?

A Partial Hospitalization Program is a structured, short-term treatment program for people who need more support than traditional outpatient care provides — but don’t require 24/7 supervision.

You typically attend:

• 5–6 days a week
• 6–8 hours per day

Then go home to sleep in your own bed

It’s often used as a step-down from inpatient treatment or as a step-up for someone not progressing in outpatient therapy alone.

Who Is It For?

PHPs are a great fit for:

• People struggling with moderate to severe substance use disorders
• Those with co-occurring mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, or PTSD
• Individuals who are medically stable but need intensive therapeutic support
• People who want structure and support but also need to maintain family or work responsibilities

What Happens During a Typical Day?

A typical day in a PHP might include:

• Individual therapy sessions (CBT, EMDR, etc.)
• Group therapy focused on triggers, relapse prevention, and emotional processing
• Family counseling
• Medication management, if needed
• Holistic therapies like yoga, music, or mindfulness

It’s not just about sobriety — it’s about building the skills and support system to stay sober in the real world.

Why Choose a PHP?

Here’s what makes Partial Hospitalization so effective:

• Intensive support without full hospitalization
• Daily therapeutic contact to reinforce progress
• Peer connection with others on similar journeys
• Access to clinicians without disrupting your entire life

For many, it’s the perfect middle ground — structured, serious help that doesn’t feel like you’re locked away.

PHP at White Oak Recovery: A Model of Care

If you're searching for a program that understands both addiction and the person behind it, White Oak Recovery’s Partial Hospitalization Program is worth exploring.

Their approach includes:

• Dual-diagnosis care
• A trauma-informed lens
• Continued care planning so the journey doesn’t end after PHP

Real Talk: What You Should Know

PHPs aren’t “lesser” versions of rehab. They’re powerful, focused, and sometimes even more practical for long-term success. And if you’re unsure whether you need inpatient or outpatient care, a PHP is a solid place to begin the journey.

So if you’re standing at the edge of change and don’t know where to start — consider a PHP. You don’t have to leap all at once. A steady, guided path can lead you where you want to go